Finally it's our first day in Tanzania!! Everyone woke up to the sounds of a rooster and were greeted by monkeys at breakfast. We are a little tired but excited to do medical care today. We hopped on the land rovers and went up the side of a mountain-which had steep drop offs...yikes! On the way up we saw Mt Kilimanjaro. It was so beautiful and so is the rest of the landscape. It's got a tropical feeling here.
When we got there, there were people waiting for us. They found out we were coming from the local church and started walking from many miles away. We set up camp with a triage center, ENT area, medical assessment area, supply area and pharmacy. I think everyone was nervous and didn't know what to expect, especially with the language barrier but we got to meet some amazing people. The people came in with all different kinds of illnesses, some more serious than others. Though this was a rewarding experience, It was hard for many of us because we couldn't refer them to specialist or get X-rays and labs like we are used to. Though we did a few procedures as well. We rotated areas so we can experience everything. We treated over 220 people today, mainly giving out ibuprofen and Tylenol. Everyone was so very thankful (asanti san) and kept letting us know. We had a great time learning some of the local language and meeting the people. The kids were so beautiful and well behaved too. They really liked the candy we gave out too :)
I think I speak for everyone when I say this was a very memorable and life changing experience and no matter how tired we were, we had a great time, learned a lot and helped a lot of people.
Tomorrow we are off to the Orphanage to do a little medical care but mainly spend time with the kids so Until then, most of us are going to sit down, enjoy a local beer and relax!
Girls rule! :)
Tracie Timm
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