Being Fruitful

Edna picking tangerines.

Sweet sop.........

......papaya.......

.....and cantaloupes at Edna's farm.

With Sohur and Dr.Mohamed.

Providing breastfeeding support.

Today I received the most beautiful e-card from Mother Constance. I thank God for her continued prayers, love, and support. The card was a gentle reminder that God has ordered my steps, and I am right where I should be.........bearing fruit in Somaliland.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to manage an eclamptic patient. This 23 year old mom at 8 months gestation arrived at the hospital with convulsions and BP of 180/120. We quickly started an IV and I administered anticonvulsant medications. Antihypertensive meds were also given per protocol. Mom was semi-conscious and at other times very combative. Three hours after arrival to the hospital she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. This was the most challenging delivery I've had to date, as mom had to be physically restrained by 2 family members and 4 staff while I delivered the baby. One midwife was even bit in the process. Thankfully both mom and baby are fine and stable today. Of course, she has no recollection of what transpired. Interesting note: baby was born with an extra set of nipples.

Today I went to DHL to mail out my absentee ballot request. There is no regular mail service in Somaliland, thus I have to use an international carrier. There is no way I'm going to miss my opportunity to cast my vote for Obama. Here in Africa they absolutely love Barack.

So yesterday I provided labor support for a woman who was having her 13th child. Yes...13th! She asked me where I was originally from. I told her from Jamaica. The next thing she said was Bob Marley. Gotta love it.

Downtown there is a store called Dollar Store. No, there are no dollar items there, as $1 US is equivalent to $6500 Somali shillings. Anyway, Usher's photo is on the sign. I found this hilarious. There is also a store that has a large drawing of Jackie Chan and David Beckham. These Western images seem so out of place to me juxstaposed to the Koran readings blaring from mosques throughout the day, poverty stricken faces of refugees crowding the streets, and conservative Muslim traditions and culture.

So I've had quite a few new experiences here in Somaliland, and the learning is not limited to midwifery care. I've picked tangerines for the first time while at Edna's farm. Ismail also recently taught me to play table tennis, as there is a table on the 3rd floor of the hospital. Tonight I actually won a game against Dr.Mohamed.