The 3 month old baby died last night, along with 2 other adult patients with AIDS. We average a death a day, though it seems they come in spurts. I spent the morning on the labor ward. The maternity nurses kept telling me the woman in labor was not ready. Then, finally, they sent for me and said, "Okay, the patient is ready to deliver." They were not kidding. Before I could get an apron on, the babies head was out and before I could put on a pair of gloves the baby was on the table.
This afternoon I had 7 students in class, and another new student. I have to say I was a little annoyed that I keep getting new students and have to catch them up, but I am also pleased at everyone's interest. So I started the lesson and told the new student we would have to do some work after class to catch him up. Then, in the middle of class, another new face came in and sat down. An old ambuya. I thought to myself, there is no way I am going to catch her up. All the students started whispering and then the woman cried out, "Ah!" and threw up her hands, got up from the chair and ran out. The students started howling. She had come to the wrong place for her meeting. Around 6 pm, I was finished teaching. Walking home there was an amazing sunset. The neighborhood children were playing kickball in the last few minutes of daylight, silhouettes of skinny black arms and legs dashing around the dirt yard. I am getting accustomed to their voices and endless chatter outside my window.
Comments