Sunday, January 2, 2011

Just an FYI if you're reading this blog and wondering why no pix:
Last time I was here, AT&T was providing relief workers free minutes/data; now it's $20/MB, so when I get a wifi signal, I'll shoot out some photos.
 
Still not doing anything.  Yesterday a boy named Michael took me for a walk--- probably about 5 miles.  He doesn't live in camp, but he sort of works here doing odds and ends, Im not really clear on his relationshp w camp.  I understand his dad has died, and I believe he lives w his mom still.  I taught him the game Mancala (numbers game w stones in an egg crate) and he beat me more often than I beat him.  He also did a lot of age appropriate showing off on his dirt bike and juggling stones which was pretty cute, with his frequent glances to confirm I'd caught his moves.  He's a smart and likeable kid.  so the next mornig he was pretty excited to take a walk. As we walked He kept holding my hand which I guess is probably a normal local custom and I thought it was cute, but I also felt a little awkward about it.  I guess in my own culture that would be reserved for a father-son type situation and knowning his father had died, I couldn't help feeling sort of sad for him and imaging he was sort of longing for a father figure. I was simultaneously aware that it probably wasn't the case and may just be local custom.  I  also felt every bit the part of the wide eyed greenhorn in a new country.  Well we walked for about 3 hours, he kept taking seemingly purposeful turns but we went absolutely nowhere.  
 
clearly I don't have much to report.
 
Starting tomorrow National holiday is over and I will go checking out the Clinics with Charles King.  I am hoping to contribute something in the audit of the clinics by having the clinical perspctive.  In reality I think it will be more akin to take your kid to work day, and I'll watch and learn as King does his thing..(btw I mean that as a positive thing).
 
 

1 comment:

  1. I guess in my own culture that would be reserved for a father-son type situation and knowning his father had died, I couldn't help feeling sort of sad for him and imaging he was sort of longing for a father figure.

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