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Hello……..
Probably about time I checked in hey! Sorry it's been so long!
So my news….. Well I can say it's not quite as exciting as before, but none the less I have been having more valuable and wonderful experiences. I can't really remember when I last wrote so I apologize if I repeat anything…… I ran a brilliant course down in the combo (coastal area) which was very well received, health care workers from all over the district ended up coming and gave me some excellent feedback. It took loads of preparation and guts to talk in front of so many people, but it was all worth it! I think everyone benefited from it.
Along side that, I have also been writing midwifery guidelines for Health centres and my hospital in Bansang. It was something I identified as a need early on as there are no protocols for people to follow which inevitably leads to poor practice. So I have produced a fairly weighty document, as well as individual posters which were approved and have now been distributed to these centres. I have to say there were times when I wished I hadn't committed to such a mission as I feel I have been tied to a computer in a sweaty booth for what seemed like a life time. However now I'm finished, I am so pleased I did, I really feel like this is a sustainable way of making a positive difference, and a way to thank the Gambia for all it has taught me. People here are so unexpecting, and seeing how just this document has triggered so many smiles has made it for me. I can see it's not just the document that people are so grateful for, but the hope that it symbolises.
Last week I also attended a course, I was invited by the Medical Research Council (MRC)to participate, as a thank you for my work in the Gambia. It was on Tropical Medicine Haematology, it was fantastic, so brilliant. It included both theory and practical work. Including, learning how to test for and diagnose malaria parasite.I feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful opportunity, and so I'm definitely right up there with the smiling Gambians!
So now I'm back up river for my last week before I fly home! I'm not sure if I just acclimatised back to the cooler weather by the coast or if someone just cranked up the temperature, but it's definitely a lot hotter! Which is crazy as I really thought is was as hot as it could be… but no its definitely hotter..... It reached over 45 degrees today! And there is not even a breeze! Last night I was feeling pretty desperate so had a revolutionary idea of lying under my sarong which I soaked with water! Not only did it make me more of a respectable temperature for a human but it also seemed to keep the mozzies away… so a double wammy, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who finds them self in an experiment to figure out the boiling point of human blood!
Oooooo almost forgot, I also went to a festival in the south, it was incredible, artist's from all over West Africa came to perform, there was very tribal dancing and singing to West African pop idles! Tons of people came and it was heaps of fun!
I have to say I'm feeling pretty apprehensive about coming home, I am totally excited to see everyone, but I think it may take a little time to adapt back! Thankfully, I hear the weather is warmer so I reckon that will help considerably! I think just sleeping inside surrounded by concrete walls and a roof may also send me a little loopy! For the past few months I have taken to sleeping outside, its so magical, i see the sun go down, the moon rise up, and shooting stars dance!
I guess this will be my last entry, so I want to thank everyone, for all your wonderful support and guidance, without which I am sure I would have struggled. My time here in The Gambia has been invaluable, not only have I expanded my professional knowledge and skills but also my personal development. I'm not sure I was totally prepared for the questioning of some of the morals and dilemmas that were thrown at me, but I can definitely say I wouldn't change a single experience. I feel stronger and even more motivated to work towards a better future for all!
Thank You all!!
I am forever indebted to you all for the love and kindness that you have shown me over the last few months.
See you on the flip side ……………..
Kate xxxxxxxx
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