There is something I think you should know. In the Philippines, white rice is served with every meal and as a snack. So 3-4 times a day, I was eating white rice. The reason for that is because some of the other choices, like dried fish with heads and tails on them, were not an option for me. Call me picky, but I prefer food without bones you have to eat. Luckily, I don't salt my food much, because I don't recall seeing a salt or pepper shaker anywhere. But I do kind of enjoy spices and some sauces -- just a little flavor. There was no soy sauce, nada. I managed fine, but I am happy to say I haven't had white rice in about 8 days now.
Every morning our first adventure was making the drive to the hospital. Check out these "jeepneys" -- I didn't make that up, that's what they are really called. Most people don't drive. If you drive, you are driving a motorcycle. The people in these vehicles would jump in and out the side and back of the truck as they wished. Same with boarding -- just jump on or in, and you are welcome to hang on the side!
Here is our transportation to the hospital. It is along the lines of a limo,
having air conditioning, and all. And please meet my bud, Samantha. She is a recent VMI graduate, and she came on this mission trip with her super-young mom, Luz.
In fact, most days, we took a picture of Samantha and Luz, just because they are so darn cute. At home, Luz is a nurse in Kansas City.
Later in the trip, I was lucky enough to get to room with these two. New friends for life!
We look pretty fresh early in the morning. Always ready to go!
I shot this picture of Dr. Gamy without his knowledge. He usually avoided the pictures. He wanted to get to work. I considered him a, "c'mon, let's get started," kind of guy. Usually working somewhat independently, he was the plastic surgery doctor who did all of the cleft palate surgeries. I have a lot more to say about that later. Pictures included. He is definitely a superstar.
Here's Tess in the green. She is performing the first step for the patients who had waited in line for hours. We took their histories, asked about allergies, took temperature and blood pressure -- we just started the paperwork for them to take inside the hospital to give their doctor a head start on getting them diagnosed.
I'm telling you, I played every role. Except I didn't operate on anyone. But one particular morning, Dr. Christine wasn't feeling her best. Without much of an exam, I was able to determine her problem, and even prescribe exactly what she needed. She was doing better in no time at all. Lucky I was there. Enough said.
I missed seeing this C-section, but the baby was doing perfectly fine, and it was a remarkable reminder of the miracle of life to see such a tiny perfect baby.
ALERT
A surgery picture is upcoming. I don't consider myself to have an iron stomach, but if you don't like to see the inside of the human body, look away. It's not awful, but I am just putting out the warning.
This was a cyst removal from an ovary. They knew the size was large, and thought the ovary would also become a casualty of this cyst, but it was saved and was able to stay. There were four OB-GYN residents in the hospital on this day, so that's why there are so many people in the picture. The large round object with four hands on it is the cyst. I was really surprised that there wasn't more blood.
This hernia surgery was going on in the second operating room. There wasn't quite enough light, so note the headlamp that Dr. Fred is wearing to give him a bit more of a light advantage. There was another surgery going on in this room at the same time, and our awesome anesthesiologist was able to maintain both simultaneously. The patient was about 7, I think. Poor little guy. Glad they were able to help him.
This board on the wall was very interesting to me. It lists all the tools used and the quantity, so I assume they count at the end to be sure nothing is left behind, like inside the patient. It kind of makes me cringe to say that, but part of me is reassured that they count. I heard them count out loud and repeat after each other several times. I also learned the difference between an Ochsner and a Heany. Gosh, it was fun. I loved it! The surgeries were probably my favorite part. I've got more surgery photos coming!
