Integration in Somaliland

It gives me great pleasure to announce that friends and family helped me to raise $1175 for the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital due to their generous contributions!!

I arrived in Hargeisa, Somaliland 3 days after departing from NY. My first flight was from NY to Dubai via Emirates, 12 hours non-stop. The service was excellent, and one of the many flight attendants representing a dozen different nationalities (availability of 10 different langauages on board) suggested I stretch out and sleep in a whole row of 4 seats in the middle isle as there were an abundance of empty seats. Watched a few movies I hadn't seen, including I Am Legend and The Bucket List. This made time pass quickly. Called Zion from the flight for a whopping $5/min, but all well worth it.

Spent a few hours sleeping at Dubai International Aiport, prior to boarding Ethiopian Airlines flight that was delayed due to mechanical difficulty. Arrived safely in Addis Ababa just before midnight on 9/16. Another layover (14 hrs), before boarding yet another flight headed for Hargeisa!!!

The night of my arrival I took a tour of the hospital, which is well put together. Everyone here has been quite hospitable. I've even learned a few Somali words, since my goal is 2 words/day. My favorite are mahedseni (thank you), and iskawara (how are you?), since I use them often.

I've attended 4 deliveries so far, and done 2 newborn resuscitations. I've also gone on rounds of the medical ward. Last night a man was admitted who had been shot multiple times in the back and is now paralyzed. He is from Puntland, Somalia.

Tonight I will see clients at the antenatal clinic for the first time. This will be from 7:00pm-9:30pm, as it is Ramadan and they break fast at 6pm. Usual clinic hours are 5:30-7:30pm.

Will keep you all posted. Hope to take and post some photos soon.

Somaliland Send Off

Zion and Stacey.

Althea and Keon.

The Crew.

How I just love Mom C!

Soulpretty and Mini-me, how beautiful.

Sister-friend Lynette braved the storm to spend some time with me.

Friends and family braved the torrential rains and storm on Saturday, September 6th, to spend some time with me before my departure to Somaliland. We had delicious food, good laughs, and were blessed by Constance's prayer.