That is a Wrap

We have wrapped up our first 4 days of building connections, listening and learning, growing friendships and remaining curious, our week work has come to a close.  We came to Tanzania not knowing what to expect only to discover that the days shared with Selian Hospice have exceeded any expectations and dreams we might have had.

Dr. Adda, a new physician to palliative care and hospice, soaked up the knowledge of Dr Jack Swanson, retired oncologist and palliative care physician.  He shared tried and true practical tips that Dr Adda added to her tool box.

Nurses engaged in creative problem solving regarding wound care and the use of medications for pain and symptom management.

Computers are set up and ready for the staff is excited about utilizing new technologies to enhance effienceis.

Friday we were amazed by the expansiveness of the Selian team’s work.  They not only do home visits but they also conduct out reach clinics and provide day camp for the children who are on their case load and the children whose parents are palliative care and hospice patients.  It was a time of fun, encouragement, nourishment and support.  The depth of trust the children had with the Selian team could be seen in the smiles with every team encounter and it was moving.

Rachel, the social worker on our team brought soccer balls which added to the fun. Meshack, the social worker per on the Selian team improvised the construction of  goal posts.  The first to use the soccer balls were three brothers, ages 8-13, whom half of our team met on a hospice visit the day before to their mother  who has end stage breast cancer.  Our team was impressed by the oldest son who was not only caring for his mother which even included doing her wound care, but he also took responsibility for his brothers, cooking their meals, when they had food to eat, doing the laundry and other household tasks on top of going to school.  He was small of stature but had the strength and fortitude of David, the shepherd  boy, who fought Goliath.  He is fighting a Goliath like battle.  What a delight it was to see him being a kid as he kicked the soccer ball around with his brother and some of our team.

Our team left Selian for a weekend of processing and regrouping at the Elephant Rock Safari camp-named appropriately as there was an elephant that work us up at 3:30 this morning.