Testing Malaria meds

Today I tested whether I could "tolerate" the malaria meds.  Dr. Rousse strongly warned I test this ahead of time instead of risk the results of one of his patients that vomited all the way to the airport.

I quickly saw the wisdom in his advice, so I tested the malaria pill today.  Thank you Lord that I can tolerate it and that I learned ahead of time that I need to take it with a large meal.

Typhoid is all that is left and that begins tomorrow!

Also, I met the sweetest woman today-- Rosalie, in Dr. Rousses's office.  She organizes all the travel shots in the office and she has a real heart for the world and helping those that need help.  She has a great vision to educate NWA about other countries & their needs.  I hope to spend more time learning about her vision when I get back from this trip.

Long Skirts anyone?

My current wardrobe doesn't include many long skirts, so I've had some kind offers from some sweet ladies in my life.

One of those is Julia Robinson, my BSF teaching leader.  She has made many trips to Africa and had some long skirts/dresses made in beautiful African print.  Thank you Julia!

My Dad's wife that I love, Andi (Step-mom seems to have negative connotations tied to it, so this description seems to capture it better), was on a recent trip with Dad to visit us and she brought along some long skirts/dresses that she purchased when on a "scouting" trip for me.  Thanks Andi!

Shots, shots and more shots

I got my yellow fever shot yesterday.  This one hurt much more than the others, but with the perspective of a recent root canal, this was tiny pain.

More than the immediate discomfort, my concern was symptons experienced later, like from the other series of shots.  So far so good- thank God!

Tomorrow I will fill my typhoid and malaria prescriptions.  I feel like a walking drug store, which for those of you who know me well, know I'm anti-drug even in the form of tylenol, so this is already a walk of faith!

Thank you Lord for the means and the opportunity for this trip!

Trip Paid in full!

I guess God is really sending me to Africa on this trip!  He provided the money for me to go and I paid it in full today.  Wow-- that is grace!

Lost my voice AGAIN!

Just another evidence of God's sense of humor!

Lost my voice AGAIN (just 3 days after getting 2nd Hep shot) and just in time for a 2012 planning meeting with my largest client.  Not a fan of summer congestion!

Very hopeful that the future Yellow fever and Typhoid meds have fewer symptoms!

Still... MUCH easier to take than a Root Canal!!!

Dental hygienist assistant

Sherri spent some time showing me the equipment and the charting procedures for the dental cleaning portion of our work at the Rafiki village.  We hope to clean all the children's teeth, as well as the adult national's teeth.  My job will be to keep trays filled, equipment clean and the most fun part is that I get to be the entertainment for the children that are waiting for their turn!

The biggest take-away is to ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES when using the sterilizer and handling the equipment.  Strong sterilizer will take layers off skin not covered by gloves!

Thank you God for Sherri and that she is going with me to Africa!  And thank you that Jeff and Burt are so supportive of our trip!

2nd round of shots

today I got my second round of Hep shots.... very quick and easy!