Feb. 9, 2007

What a great day it was. We started out at Mt. Meru Hospital, where Sally and I went to the microbiology lab to work on our cultures. We are doing a research project to see if MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is present in the Tanzanian population. The research is going very well. Next was a lecture on epilepsy given by Dr. Nelson, a neurologist in our group. From there, we went to an orphanage, where some of the group worked with the children, and Mickey (a master furniture maker), Denny, and I built a table and chair for the orphanage. The children sang and danced for us, and it was wonderful to spend time with them.

The highlight of the day was with Ezekiel Noah, who is a 26-year-old Tanzanian that our group is sending to medical school here in Tanzania. Ezekiel is a wonderful, caring young man who wants very much to be a doctor and help his people here. As a surprise, the Phil Simon Clinic project flew Eziekel from Dar es Salaam to Arusha. It was his first airplane ride, and he had great stories to tell about it. Ezekiel spent the day with us, and later we drove him to his home, where he surprised his mother, grandmother, and family, who did not know he was coming. What a great experience it was to see their surprise and happiness to see him, and their happiness to meet Dr. Shriner and others in our group who are sending Ezekiel to school. Ezekiel was very happy to have us to his home and meet his family. It was a very emotional experience.

We are so busy here. Every day is filled from morning til night. We have a great team, and I feel lucky to be part of it. This is my third year on the team, and my second trip to Tanzania, and I hope to continue.

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