We hit a major obstacle with our internet at home. As you know, we had spurratic connection most of the time. Then for four days, we had awsome internet use. There must have been a stalled satellite overhead! Then, as if someone pulled the plug (and we believe someone did), NOTHING! Dina called our local mafia and they reported that THEY had a problem. They came out a few days later and told us we couldn't use our router. Appearently, we were sucking up all the available broad band so they cut us off. We have a different router which the guy has spent several days (2 hours at a time when he came) trying to set it up. Bottom line; we're looking for another service provider.
While we were out, work has been busier than a bee hive. I think the flu season is upon us. I keep forgetting that it's winter here at the 13th parallel where it's 87 degrees out.
Just as the Veteran's Day long weekend was about to start, I got called in regarding a bus accident about 5 hours out of Niamey. It was an archeological expedition with Americans and Italians on board. I was able to make phone contact at the crash site and help a paramedic with the tour triag patients. Only two were more seriously injured and I was able to locate a good hospital run by Missionaries in Galmi about 100 kilometers back from where they came. The following day, I made radio contact and spoke with the attending physician. Both patients were stable and very lucky. I researched air transport for them but they declined and made their own arrangements to come by ground transportation. I wiped my hands clean at that point.
Last Tuesday, I was invited by the Ambassador to travel with her to Dosso (about 1 1/2 hours from Niamey) to assess the healthcare of the natives. The military is setting up some training there and they already had their medical unit set up. They had 3 doctors, several medics, and 2 nurses. They offered to see the local Africans there and I was invited to help. Over 1000 people showed up. I saw a lot of malaria, infections, and malnutrition. One woman came in with her 8 children. Those beautiful little mushroom kids were all sick with Malaria and mom is expecting twins. I also saw a woman with HIV. The team saw over 400 patients that first day.
Camille is loving her horseback riding lessons. She just glows when she's out at the stables. Stefan plays in a sandbox there under the bird nest tree and runs around more than most of the horses there. It's a healthy playground for the kids and we are lucky to be able to belong to the Equestrian center. Anywhere else, I'm sure we could not afford it.
Our weekend is about to start. No doubt there will be more to report on Monday.