December update

The last few weeks have been a blur of activity.  Here’s are a few snippets of what our lives have been like in the last 2 weeks:

1.    I’ve had some variety of viral sickness that has migrated from one part of the body to another – causing a sore throat, generalized malaise, then a runny nose (but, strangely, only the right nostril), then a congested eustachian tube (I’ve suffered from decreased hearing out of the right ear for the last two weeks), a week of loose stool, back to a sore throat, then nasal congestion.  I’m almost back to normal, but I still can’t hear properly! 

2.   My role has changed suddenly and dramatically at the Lusaka Eye Hospital.  As of November 29^th, I’ve officially been named the Medical Director and Administrator of the Lusaka Eye Hospital.  This has meant that all of a sudden I am in the position to make important decisions for the running of the institution and managing the 42 employees on payroll.  Although I feel inadequate for this position, I know it is not by chance that all of these changes have occurred.  I just hope and pray that I will be able to help lead this hospital in the right direction (and hopefully out of the red). 

3.   Dr. Mumba has left Lusaka Eye Hospital for greener pastures.  He’s served as the ophthalmologist here for the past 3 years, and we appreciated his years of service.  We bid farewell to him with a simple party and cake.

 

4.   LEH’s 10^th Anniversary.  November 2011 marked the 10^th anniversary of the Hospital’s birth.  We had a celebration and ceremony, characterized by a PA system that wasn’t functioning properly, a tacky blue and white tent, and many awkward moments on stage.  Nonetheless, it was a happy occasion to celebrate the decade of eye care service this hospital has contributed to the people of Zambia.

5.   By virtue of my appointment to a position of leadership at my Eye Hospital, I was at the last minute invited to attend Zambia’s National Prevention of Blindness Committee Strategic Planning meeting.  So for three full days I sat in meetings with about 10 ophthalmologists (mind you, there are only 22 ophthalmologists in the whole country) visioning, discussing, and planning the strategic national plan for eye care in Zambia for the next 4 years.  It was a blessing to be able to take part in such a committee and to get a better understanding of the “big picture” in terms of eye care for the country. 

6.   Two weeks ago, we had a chance to visit Riverside Farm Institute for the 3^rd time since we arrived in Zambia.  RFI is a self-supporting institution that has a farm, a mill, a school, and a wellness center.  It’s a beautiful area, about 1 hour’s drive from Lusaka, and it’s always nice to hang out and hike with fellow Americans. 

7.   Last week, we had some visitors from the Eastern Province – Dr. Verna Peduche and her husband, Gem, who are missionaries out at Mwami Adventist Hospital.  It was a historic few days, as they were our first set of visitors here in Zambia.  Now that they’ve warmed up the house, we’re now open to more!!!  If anyone wants to visit Zambia, you know where to stay!

8.   We finally bought a car!  For the last 4 months that we’ve been here in Zambia, we’ve had to rely heavily upon others for our mere survival.  Getting to work, coming back to work, going to church, running errands, and buying groceries all involved calling up a driver or begging for a ride.  But as of 2 days ago, we have our own set of wheels!  How liberating it felt to be able to get behind the wheel of a car and drive ourselves to buy groceries!  We even treated ourselves to an Indian restaurant for lunch.  Mind you, the car is old (1996ish Toyota Corolla Saloon), tan, and small, but it will suffice for now.  At least until we get our 4x4 truck. 

9.   We almost fired our helper.  We found that our levels of sugar were being depleted quickly.  Our cooking oil was running low at an abnormally fast rate.  The shampoo we had left in our guest bathroom was newly purchased, but we found that it was almost 1/3 empty.  Our laundry detergent was half empty, and we had only done 2 loads of laundry.  Our dishwashing soap and other floor cleaners were disappearing quickly.  And there were at least 2 rolls of toilet paper missing.  At first, we assumed she was simply being careless and using the supplies without discretion.  But then our suspicions were aroused, and we confronted her.  In fact, we nearly fired her that same day.  But she pleaded for a second chance, so we agreed to keep her on the grounds that she does not take or use any of our supplies or food.  Talking to other locals who have maids, this behavior seems to be the norm rather than the exception.  But what do you do when these lovely people need a job and food so desperately?  We decided to give her a little additional money to purchase food and discourage her from taking our food/supplies.  Hopefully, she has gotten the message and we won't have to fire her after all.  

10. Our garden is slowly growing.  We’ve only eaten spinach from the garden so far, but hopefully the eggplant and other veggies will start to produce soon. 

So that’s it for updates thus far. 

By the way, if anyone feels compelled to send us a Christmas card from the U.S., our address is:

Janie & Paul Yoo

Lusaka Eye Hospital
Post Net Box 674. Private Bag E891
Lusaka. Zambia 10101                 

The mail might take a month or so, but it’ll probably eventually get here.  Unfortunately, we won’t be sending out Christmas cards this year from Zambia. I hope you’ll forgive us! =) 

Happy Holidays!!!