When we got to the cancer clinic, we were able to present the staff with the gifts that we brought over. With so many generous donations we were able to buy the clinic an oxygen head for their oxygen tanks, 4 pulse oximeters, numerous books, and a year's worth of bone marrow biopsy needles. Needless to say, they were beyond excited and appreciative. Seeing the smiles on their faces made the entire trip worth it already. Here is a picture of the nurses and doctors trying out the new oximeters.
We then had the opportunity to meet Dr. Sarah, who is the executive director of hospital services, and Dr. Masenga, who is the executive director of the entire KCMC campus. When we told him where we are from, Dr. Masenga said "Ahhh MN, the magic city for the cancer center". We love that so many of them know about the great work that the Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania is doing from so far away. After meeting the directors and getting their "blessing" for our stay, we were able to tour the entire KCMC campus, and it is HUGE! The campus is made up of both inpatient wards and outpatient clinics. Below is a picture of what a typical ward looks like, as well as beds in the emergency room. Even though the hospital is large and accommodates 600+ patients, they do not have enough beds for everyone, and we saw many patients laying in the hallway on the med/surg ward. It makes us truly appreciate what we have back home.
Before finishing our "work day", we observed some kiddos getting chemotherapy in the clinic which was difficult to watch (one of the many reasons that none of us are pediatric nurses). One of the kids was crying because they were unable to get an IV in, so we grabbed a few of the toys (thanks Liz Danik!!), and they were a great distraction. Not sure that the other patients loved the banging on the toy piano, but it was a big hit with the kids!
So now onto the afternoon and evening where we learned A LOT of lessons as we ventured into downtown Moshi with Jane, one of the clinic nurses.
1) The daladala is a CHEAP and interesting mode of public transportation. It costs roughly 18 cents (US dollar) to ride, but if you are claustrophobic or get car sick, I would strongly advise against this! Yes, it is possible to fit 20 adults, 1 baby, and a chicken into a 12 person van (just kidding...this one didn't have chickens in it, but they are allowed to ride too)
2) If you are a mzungu (a westerner/white person) showing interest in buying anything, you will be swarmed by numerous, relentless merchants who do not take no for an answer. You will also be stared at and touched often as we were the only 4 wazungu in downtown Moshi.
3) When going into a supermarket, you have to give your bags to security at the front of the store.
4) Bartering is a must in the open market.
5) Buying fruit and vegetables in the open market is exponentially cheaper than the supermarket. In the supermarket we bought 3 lemons for 7,000 shillings (approximately $3), however in the open market we bought 3 mangoes, 6 oranges, and 2 avocados for 4,500 shillings (roughly $2).
6) Everywhere you turn, there is a car, motorcycle, or daladala that is about to hit you.
7) Donald Trump being president has already been the topic of a conversation, and not in a positive light. One patient today told us that he should give up his Twitter account...yes sir, we completely agree!
8) Oranges here actually have green peels, but are still delicious.
9) It is extremely hot here. If the locals are saying it is hot, you know we have been roasting.
10) Bring good walking shoes. We walked just under 8 miles today.
More to come soon!
- Cari
How I wish I could be there and help. I guess I'll just have to live vicariously through your blog. Have fun and be careful, my prayers are with you guys��
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