6/23/11

Definitely a better day.  I have regrouped, had a nice break, but still been productive, and feel better.  I am amazed and never thought it would happen, but not only did we get water back, but we have hot water in the shower!  And the toilet is flushing!  And I can really wash my hands and not just use hand sanitizer!  The workers did walk in while I was bathing with a bucket and a cup (the caretaker has a key, they didn't just walk in), but other than that, I was very pleased.  I hope I never again take for granted the luxuries I have here and at home.  I leave again tomorrow to go to Bushara Island with Dani and Verity.  It's supposed to be a nice place to go for a weekend, and I'm looking forward to a tan in my new bathing suit bought in Mbarara since I didn't bring mine from home.  I know, it's a rough life. 

Here's my list.  I'm thankful...
1. for research days.  I actually got a lot done, and I hope some new programs can be started here to teach the kids more about sexual health and oral hygiene, since those seem to be the biggest problems the clinic sees (other than malaria), and they're preventable. 
2.  for random bathing suits.  I'm pretty sure it was a kids' clothing store, but they had one cheap that fit, and I didn't see another one in town. 
3.  for walks in the rain.  Granted, the Mbarara dirt roads aren't quite as nice to play on as the paved ones at home, but rain still feels good on your face, if not your feet, every now and then. 
4.  for hot showers.
5.  to be able to wash my hands.  Nursing has changed my life in that I desperately need to clean my hands regularly.  That's another thing we're all lucky to have in the U.S.  We have the ability to clean our hands and prevent diseases just based on where we were born.  I can't tell you how many lives would be saved here if there was running water and soap everywhere. 
6.  for washing dishes.  It's strange, but I love to do it.  There's something very therapeutic about the sound of water, and scrubbing things clean. 

Apparently, I'm all about being clean.  Hope it's been a good one for you as well!  Much love!