Darnley Days

The last three days have been full on. I have been orientated to Darnley Health Clinic. Its been a great 3 days, a mixture of fear of the unknown and doing things I know and love. So far this week I have learnt, Venepuncture ( taking blood ), Medication management ( which can be quite complex out here!) STD testing and management ( sexually transmitted diseases), discussing a new diagnosis of pregnancy and the options available, including termination, how to order medication, how to test bits of equipment I have never heard of, all the emergency equipment including the emergency delivery bundle ( which I vote we NOT use in the next 4 months, Cardiac management, woundcare ( hey! I love this stuff), cultural stuff, and how to stitch up wounds! Big few days. I feel well supported by a great team of health workers. They must be sick of my questions but hopefully those questions will get less and less as I know the place better. In the true education philosophy of watch one, do one, teach one, I did a bit of a work shop with some of the health workers yesterday on suturing. It was good to rethink what I had learnt and know what a capable group of people I am working with too! My brain feels full but I also feel optomistic about the days ahead and look forward to rekindling all that stuff I havent used for a while.

Last night we went down to one of the beaches or a while. The water was not too clear but the sun was setting and it was lovey to watch it all unfold in front of us. I had a bit of a walk along the rocks with Ben and then sat with Rob as the sun headed down towards the water. Everyone seems friendly here, a few of the kids Amy had not met, called out to her to play on a swing they had made so she headed off to join them. It was great to just be.....after a big day of learning.

The kids are doing really well this week, considering they are on school holidays, new to the island, and we are at work from 8 - 5 ( although we are just down stairs). They have had to work out  themselves how best to look after each other ( not easy for any one who knows them...) We have also divided up some jobs for them both at home to ensure we dont come home to a brothel. Today I introduced Ben to the washing machine. This will be one of his daily chores. He was very reluctant, but suitable financial reward has convinced them both of the benefits of being part of a family team, and helping Mum and Dad out while we are at work. So fingers crossed it will all come together. For all the changes we have had in the last 4 1/2 weeks, they have been awesome and we are both very proud. So, life on Darnley continues. My training is now complete and tomorrow I hit the floor running. .........Yawo Darnley, good luck!!!