Oh my, it has been a busy couple of days. We were able to hang out with some of the older girls from the orphanage a couple of nights ago. We spent hours trying to learn more words in Sinhala. We drew pictures with them and then they asked us if we knew how to dance! The only dance we knew was the electric slide so that’s what we did and they even joined in eventually. They also tried to teach us their national anthem which is much longer than ours so we aren’t quite there yet. They have a term of endearment for older girls which is “Aunty” So everywhere we go in the orphanage we hear “Hello Aunty!” It is precious. I am still getting used to being stared at EVERYWHERE we go. It is kind of a game for us now. If someone stares we smile and wave. It has been hilarious to see the reactions. Even the big guys in the army with guns can’t help but smile and wave to the weird foreigners.
We had our first days at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital this week. It has been so interesting getting to see how different medical care is here. We have seen everything from rice cooker burns to gun shot victims from the war. Nursing is very different here. They don’t do as much as nurses in America, so we get some funny looks when we pull out our stethoscopes or ask to see an X-Ray. We’ll be there until Thursday of next week
Every morning before we go to the hospital we have to stop at a nursing school in Colombo and check in with the ministry of health. The minister is this women who everyone calls “The Madame” She is so respected that everyone stands when she walks into a room and even bows to her. What she says, goes. Of course we informal Americans usually call her “Miss Gertie” Anyway…Miss Gertie insisted that we look at one of the new nursing schools in Sri Lanka so the day before yesterday we all had to get up at 3 am, drive 7 hours, and tour a nursing school and a hospital in Hambantota. Most of the nursing students had never even seen white people so they were beyond honored that we had come. They had this huge tea reception for us and even put on a show with dancing, skits, and singing. I felt like a queen! It was quite a long day however as we didn’t get home until after midnight. I think we’ll all be glad when we don’t have to listen to Miss Gerie anymore. (4 days!)
All in all this has been an amazing trip so far. I have had a few minor health issues, but nothing major and it isn’t hindering my spirit. I miss home, but I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to come here
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