Work is going pretty well, I think. No major screwups so far, at least. It's challenging and I'm looking forward to being able to sort of conquer it. I've worked in the urology ward twice, the transplants ward once, the "coughing" ward once (lots of TB), and the oncology ward twice. Urology is where I'm most successful, since kids are able to get up and move around a bit more (despite not being allowed to; thus getting me in trouble). Oncology is the most technologically advanced by FAR, but also the most... disheartening. I was on the ward Wednesday when a patient died.
However, I might be switching assignments soon anyway. We're playing it by ear at the moment, but I might end up finishing a burn database (the burn ward is always extremely busy during the winter) or working on materials for illiterate parents. Who knows? Time will tell. But I was told to think outside the box during my time at the Red Cross as a volunteer. For instance, instead of just arriving everyday and entertaining the kids -- having an International Day, or maybe performing music or something. Any ideas? I have very few talents, so think hard.
This week was pretty busy outside of work as well.
I went to Canal Walk with Katherine, a girl from Grand Rapids who happens to be staying very close to me, her friend Katie, and their friends Michael & Tim. Canal Walk is this HUGE shopping mall that reminded me a bit of Disneyworld if you ask me. We drove in under this HUGE bridge that was ornamental and very decorative. The whole place was like that -- huge stores, huge palm trees lining the inside, huge bridges. Huge huge huge. We saw a movie & I bought scarves to keep me warm in this wintery state we're in. Got very lost on the way there, which was more fun than not.
Went to work early on Wednesday to listen to a lecture by University of Cape Town students & professor. There were three minor presentations on iron deficiency, genealogical depression, and communication. Interesting considering it was 8am.
Other experiences include:
- an introduction to Mr. Price (cheap winter clothing)
- sleeping for 14 hours straight (take that, jet lag)
- taking a minibus home (it was like inhaling gasoline)
- babysitting & watching Pixar movies (the major debate of our time: The Incredibles or Monsters, Inc.?)
- moving apartments (just as nice, no problem there)
- finding out that patients go home on Fridays (surprise!!)
- discovering this sweet little bookshop down the corner (two words: Member Discount)
And, today was amazing. We (me & the Bray clan) went on a scenic drive. I'll never forget it, for the rest of my life -- it was so incredible. We basically drove in the circle around the mountain that sits in the middle of the city. Then we did as much of Chapman's Drive as we could (it's always closed after rain due to mudslides) and saw Hout Bay from up above. THAT was possibly the most intense portrayl of nirvana I've ever seen.
Okay, listen, I've done three photos and it's very difficult to do.
It's also late. And by late, I mean 9:30. But I happen to have the sleeping schedule of an 80-year-old man. Do not judge me.
So, g'nite! Much love. I keep having dreams about people from home, if that assures you I miss you!
Sweet dreams,
Erin
.JPG){kind=small}
2 comments:
Hi Erin,
I am not rally anonymous -- just hit the wrong button.
Great Pics.
An idea for your hospital visit is to dress up as a clown. I know that you have limited supplies there but, a new string mop would give you hair or a scarf tied to look like a cap would work. sew patches on a shirt and jeans. a little extra make up in all the wrong places and you would be a clown.
Have fun with your adventure.
this is a very quick comment to say that my idea for how to entertain the kids is to read twilight to them... i mean you can't get more entertaining then that :D
oh! and then you could have them put on a play of it. I bet that would go over REALLY well
Post a Comment