I became just the best of friends with a deaf man today. We knew he was coming and was pretty anxious, so I went with Toni to the ward to start an IV and introduce myself. We got the IV started and he was great about it. He got comfortable with me being around so he let me be the one to take him back to the OR and I explained in my own version of sign language what was going to happen. He trusted me, so that helped, and I stayed with him throughout the procedure. We had a nice little "thumbs up" system so he could tell me that everything was going well.
I also was in on an emergency c-section. Unfortunately, the baby didn't make it to term and stopped moving yesterday. It was really sad to hear her afterward. She was so sad and discouraged and thought she had done something wrong. I tried to explain that sometimes these things just happen and we don't know why.
These are just two of the many stories we have on a daily basis. These people are just like us in America... And yet so different. They have the same sadnesses and struggles we do, but it seems like they are inflicted with even more... And yet, seem happier most of the time. I'm humbled by the great people I am surrounded by and meet every day. Those that work at the hospital and with Caris in Kenya are some of the hardest working people I have ever met and have the most beautiful hearts. I wish everyone could meet them and be blessed by their friendships/acquaintances.
I put some pictures of the hospital (sorry, no OR pics yet... I forgot to get some on my phone). I have the ward, preop, postop, me with my deaf friend, and me with my favorite Saida (a nurse who came up to the ward on her day off. Who does that?! Kenyan nurses.)
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