Sunday, May 24, 2009

Isn't It!

This expression is in English. They say "Is it" or "Isn't it" constantly, the way we might say "right?" or "Eh?" or more precisely, "do you agree/understand". It is clearly a literal translation from some Setswana word or phrase that they say almost as a filler, but I'm not sure what that word is yet, unfortunately. My friend suspects it is something that sounds like "A-ka-ray", because we hear it so often.

This has been a week full of conversations.

We sat at the hospice one day with nothing to do, and the director came and sat with us. We spoke for a long time about the hospice, what it does and does not accomplish, and the limited resources. She is a real business woman and very interesting to talk to. We went out Wednesday night and at the bar I spoke to a friend of a friend for a very long time about every social and political issue in Botswana. They were things that my group had often discussed, but this was the first time I heard an actual Motswana's perspective, and he had many interesting things to say. Similarly last night we spoke to someone about the problem of funding AIDS support services in the city when there are as many, or more, problems in the rural areas.

This week at our placement we spent a few days putting together case studies for the hospice to present to an American financial partner in July. It was a good contribution for us, as we are much faster and more efficient with Powerpoint, but it was also a great opportunity because we got to study some case files. It was really interesting to be able to see their full stories. Also, when we needed to write "Followups", and couldn't find the information in the chart, the nurse came in and was able to tell us, from memory, all about each patient. That was impressive and important, for us to see just how meaningful their connections with the patients are.

There was another event going on at the hospice this week. They told us a pastor was coming to speak to the patients. Religion has a much bigger and more obvious role here, so we weren't surprised, and we certainly were not disapproving. Spiritual support is an important and effecitve part of health care and palliative care. What was more interesting though, was that he didn't just speak to them....he essentially was 'faith healing'. This was a thing that left me torn. Of course I have a hard time accepting it, and he did things I didn't agree with - like telling a diabetic they would no longer be diabetic. He also seemed to imply that everyone would be healed if they prayed enough...which seems to mean that those who aren't healed are at fault for not praying enough. He also demanded their agreement by saying "The pain is gone right? It's not? Well it's better right? It's not? Well..it will be." However, I know the patients probably shared some of my skepticism, but the hope and faith they had to gain from the experience is invaluable. He insisted that those who walk poorly and with a walking aid stand and walk on their own two feet.....and they did. And the look on one patient's face when he walked on his own for probably the first time in months was convincing enough. The 'logical explanation' would be that he was always capable of it and just needed the confidence...but if it takes religion and faith to give him that confidence, it is well worth it.

At the hospice, it is up to us to think of activities to do with the patients, because they are rarely given or suggested to us. On friday we thought to read the paper to one patient who speaks English very well, is definitely a very smart man, but is visually impaired and can't read it himself. It turned out, like everything else, to be just as beneficial to us as it is to him. Even though he needed us to hear the news, we needed him to understand it. After every article we read, he would answer our questions, or tell us his opinions. It will be yet another enriching experience to continue the rest of our time here.

Thursday was a holiday -- Ascension day -- so we went to SOS Childrens Village (one of our groups placement) to play Football (ie soccer) with the children. Yet again I got bored of sports fast and spent the rest of the time holding and playing with and singing to young affectionate orphan children. I had a great experience again, was so touched by these loving children. A little girl put a few braids in my hair, and did a great job. Seeing any OVC programs are always emotional and eye-opening experiences.

On thursday night we went to a Shaggy concert, which was tons of fun. On Saturday morning we rose early and climbed Kgale hill, the highest point in Botswana I think. I'm positive I have hiked higher hills in my own backyard (the escarpment I mean), but it was still a lot of fun, good exercise, and a beautiful view from the top. Yesterday I went to a Brai with the girls from my placement -- again, that's an African bbq, and generally just what people do, socially, on Saturdays.

I cannot believe how little time I have left here.

2 comments:

  1. for future reference:

    "on day x, we attended some sporting event. instead of playing sports, i chose to mom adorable african children."

    xox lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's a fact lisa.

    ReplyDelete