We have been through a lot in the past week and a half. We have meet many more people and finally made it to Rundu. Last week we went to Otjiwarongo for a language learning course. We went to this area of town called “the location” every day to practice our newly learned phases. We would walk the streets and greet people. They were very welcoming. Most would let us practice and laugh at us but it didn’t matter because we laughed at ourselves. We learned that language learning is ministry. We can build a relationship with language learner as we attempt to learn their language and that is what it is all about, building relationships.
We got to Rundu on Thursday afternoon after driving for about four hours with 4 of us crammed tightly in the backseat of the “bakkie” or pickup truck. We traveled true african style! :) My first impressions of Rundu were that is was a lot more rural than Windhoek. We crossed the divide and suddenly there were people living in mud huts and in mini villages. We were told most of the villages are divided by family and usually surround a water hole. Thus the reason there can be miles we go without seeing any huts. This felt like Africa or at least my perception of it. As we got up to Rundu we saw a “city” surrounded by mud huts. There was such a contrast. You can walk just outside the city and walk into a village of mud huts. It seemed so bizarre going from one way of life to the other within steps. I was not sure how to handle it. But the people in the village we went to see were very friendly and welcoming. It felt safe. The people are genuine in their interest in you and your life.
The hospital is very different than in the states. They are lucky to have a good number of doctors who care about the patients and want to help them. They also have a good supply of medications which helps give good nursing care. Although, there is going to be a large learning curve with trying to do paper charting. I have never done it. It is going to take some time to learn but I am sure I can figure it out with the other nurses help. :) They do not have IV pumps so I am going have to go back to math and learning to count the drops. It is going to take some getting to used to. I will be working in High Care which is their version of ICU. I am going to have to do some studying up on pediatrics and neonatal because we take care of those patients as well as adults. I think it will be a good experience overall.
On Saturday night we went to choir practice. There are three choirs: the sunday school, youth and women's choir. We were a part of the youth choir. It is both men and women split up into sections. They are taught by first listening, then repeating and then adding the other sections. After, they add the dance moves. This was one of my favorite parts. I love to watch them move. It is so fluid and natural. It appears to take no effort on their part. All of the woman were very welcoming and kind as well to us. They opened up their arms to us without any hesitation. If only we were as kind and open to everyone we met back at home. It is a good lesson and something I want to take home with me. I want to be more trusting of people.
Prayer Requests: I would like guidance on where to serve and how to get involved outside the hospital. I also would like to lift up all the people we have meet in the past 2 weeks and their families. Lastly, I need prayer for peace while working at the hospital and finding my place there.
Sunset from Kavango Lodge in Rundu
