Clinic Day 2

Hi everyone.
We're starting to get the rhythm of this place...There are a few very active roosters here...one starts at 3AM, and the others begin at 5AM, so we're all up and around starting the day about 6-6:30AM. Breakfast at 7, to the clinic by 8AM. Luke and Daniel have continued their excellent work at the check-in station, providing names and very accurate vital signs for the drs. We saw a little over 100 patients today (3 drs. and 1/2 nurse practitioner who worked in the afternoon for a while). Very interesting medical problems (like the 18 year old woman who looked about 4 months pregnant; I would have bet $ she was pregnant; but actually ended up with intestinal worms); but sad things too like the 94# man who either has lung cancer or TB--all we can do is give him ibuprofen for pain and some antibiotics to clear up a possible pneumonia. Or the 22 year old guy with a congenital urinary problem that probably has renal failure (nothing to do for that in Haiti). But mostly very grateful people (like the 70 year old woman who had problems seeing and was given a pair of reading glasses--she promptly jumped off the exam table, squealed in delight that she could see again, and bear-hugged the nurse!!
We're exhausted by the time we get back to the guesthouse by 6 PM or so, have dinner and try to avoid the bats swooping at dusk around the pool (this particularly bothers Sue... one of the few things I've ever seen that bothers Sue!!). After a team meeting for 30 minutes or so, everyone's ready to go to bed about 9PM (yes, Luke and Daniel too--they're the first ones up the stairs to the bunk rooms).
Tomorrow, Wed., we have a day off for sightseeing: we're going to Mama T's orphanage (run by Mother Theresa's Sisters of Charity--they have about 200 kids, many who are very ill with malnutrition, AIDS, etc); the Baptist Mission up the mountain; and Fort Jacques, also up the mountain with a panoramic view of Haiti--supposed to be very impressive.
Luke and his soccer ball were quite a hit with the schoolkids today--he pulled it out at recess time and says the boys especially went crazy and had a goal made before he realized it...before today, they had to play soccer with a tennis ball.
Grateful we've had regular good meals while here when we've encountered so many patients who don't have that luxury.
We're also grateful for all of you, and look forward to seeing your smiling faces soon.
With love,
Paula, Daniel and Luke