Thursdays journal.....

Blackouts here are common. The power companies run a line to a suburb – delivery a certain voltage accordingly. Fortunately, for some and unfortunately for others the lines happen to run right past thousands of tin homes with dirt floors. For some reason at this point the power drops considerably and the huts become remarkably lighter. I guess I can be happy that we have blackouts so others can have some light in their lives.
It is with this in mind that I apologise for a lack of reply yesterday.
If I had had the opportunity to write I would have told you about the 26 year old deserter from the Congonese army with absolutely no money and suffering from Diabetes. Unable to work because he is an illegal, he is unable to return home as this will endanger him and his family (that knows nothing of his where-abouts). Unfortunately no money means no insulin and certain impending death when his pancreas completely burns out. I felt helpless.
Also another story for those buddy health professionals –
A 4year old girl presents with fever to the council health clinic (for those with no money). She leaves 3 minutes later with the following
Ampicillin – IM
Artemethasan – (too high a dose and used here as last line for malaria)
Antihistamine
Septrin (again too high a dose)
Paraceutamol
Amoxicllin
In Australia this doctor would be struck of the list, here there is no way of knowing who it was – no proper prescription format, no signatures – the doctor will remain nameless forever.
But enough of the depressing stuff for now. Here are some pictures from my walk to work today……

Godbless, dacktori (doctor) Ian
The mornings I feel short of love I am loaded up on the path before I get to the clinic - You are made to feel special. People stop to shake my hand and most stop to look up. The kids are just wonderful with their Mazugoos.