Message from Charmaine White 25 September 2008
Hi all,
It does not get any easier. The poverty is unbelievable.
I saw 26 patients to-day, day three and did 13 extractions. My first permanent today as well. Getting good with the elevator as well.
The kids are so lovely but undernourished. It is great to see how much their parents care for them.
My most extractions in one sitting so far is 3. The interpreters are really good UNI students who have volunteered their time for days. The two dentists that I work with are good, a Japanese man 70 years old Koji and Wayne a Canadian He is very calm and a great mentor.
I was very tired and overwhelmed tonight, so having an early night . We have to be up at 6.00am on bus at 7.00 and 8.00 arrival at Makuru where 800,000 people live in squalid conditions. My power point was everything and more..I will have lots to tell when I get home .
No illness for me, I am being very good with my drugs. And water. The sewerage smell when it heats up at the end of the day, stays with you until a shower at the end of the day.It is hard but all the Rotarians are lovely and I am so glad I came. My highlight today was a little boy I treated with an extract yesterday He walked to see me especially to say thank you, I feel so much better, and shook my hand. I was so tired all I could do was smile. He spoke in swahili and the interpreter had to explain.