Wednesday 6 March 2013

The first working day.

Seriously! What can you do with a mop like that? But yes my mum was right, it didn't bother me at all (just when I got home and caught myself in the mirror)

I sweated beyond what I thought was humanly possible today. The power was off in the hostel all afternoon which meant no fans. Then the rains came which I stood in!

I wish I could post pictures, but I'm still working on getting permission. This morning we were with the children in the hospital. I had an incredibly beautiful little girl called Zuwena on my hip for most of the morning. What an utter angel. She is about 2 and has a large drip coming from her head. I don't know what her cancer is and after 2 minutes with her and all the others I didn't care.

I was observing Leone today with her wonderful play therapy. Today they made puppets and she tried to get them to use the puppets to explain how they felt about hospital-blood tests, the various treatments they're always being called for and also the possibility of surgery. Which is something they are all terrified of as there are no paediatric cancer surgeons in the whole of Tanzania, so they know that many of them don't make it through what would be in England the most basic of ops.
It's my turn tomorrow to entertain the children and get some music going. I feel another sleepless night ahead as I worry if this is all going to work!

Wish me luck and if all else fails I'll pop on some Michael Jackson off the wall!


3 comments:

Gerry xx said...

You will be fine. They will enjoy their time with you because you will make it lots of fun which will take their minds off how they are feeling. Have lots of fun. Email me if I can help in any way. Gerryfm@yahoo.co.uk. Big hugs xx

Anonymous said...

Jo, feel I there with you, great postings. They will be bowled over for the next three weeks. Whats the hospital like? Hair looks very you. Well done honey and enjoy yourself too x

Unknown said...

Blimey, is that Jo, circa 1987!