Kodak moments, Ebola and equality....

Another week or so has passed and I can't believe I've been here a month.

This week I've been wishing I could have been the passenger for all of my car trips to ensure I captured classic Malawi moments. Some include:

- the catch of the day hanging off someone's side mirror

- the older guy who travels with his push bike loaded up each morning wearing what looks like a crocodile skin akubra

- the 2 mules walking down the middle of well to do suburbia that I almost ran over

- my bicycle taxi experience

At work I wished I'd pulled out my camera sooner to catch the smiles of the cerebral palsy kids who weren't afraid of the azungu (white person). Or the look on the face of our clients who are walking with a prosthetic for the first time. Or the look on my face when I get asked to be involved with the management of gait training for someone using a prosthetic for the first time. Camera permanently attached to me may need to occur!

In a society where things move at a snail pace (except for those driving who need to get everywhere in a hurry with no requirement for road rules but once they get to their destination things can take a life time), it allows you to take time and assess. 

This week I attended a lecture on Ebola and what processes need to be potentially put in place should it ever reach Malawi (touch wood it never does).  Resources are so limited but the enthusiasm of the staff and the verbal commitment they essentially made was empowering. 

I heard of the Sydney issue this week where one crazy individual held many innocent people hostage in a chocolate shop. That in itself is a crime!  What rang true for me was that regardless of where we live there will be and continue to be more cultures, races, religions of which we can all learn from and embrace to create a diverse society.  What a situation like the issue in Sydney does is highlight the need for more education, involvement and understanding with in our changing society wherever we live!  This man's actions don't define a race, religion, culture etc but rather determines this man's need for help.   

Whilst not the same context, here in Malawi and in my role at our clinic, I feel it is our need to ensure that education, involvement and understanding of those with a disability in a country like Malawi where the disabled are shunned, is so important.  This can simply begin with a hello, an interaction, a handshake. Showing to the wider community that acceptance of those who are different is a step in the direction of equality. A road that still needs to be travelled.  It is but a drop in the ocean but if each individual can start small imagine the impact. Dream big!

Acceptance...

Moving to another country is one thing.   Being accepted by that country and immersing oneself into the culture is another. Working out acceptances within that culture both as a tall white female as well as working with individuals with disabilities who are shunned from society is also an eye opener into the human psyche.

During my second week I wore a chitenji (African patterned fabric - worn like a skirt) to work.  There were a few comments from the staff that I couldn't quite catch.  When I asked one of the female staff members what was being said she told me that I had done a good thing wearing the chitenji.  I had been placed in a higher regard and was more accepted by the staff.  Note to self wear them more often!

We are currently having Chichewa (language) lessons.  The more often I use basic words the more engaging I find the staff and obviously the clients that come through the door.  It is critical to at least attempt some form of cultural understanding as culture can be a secret weapon that can make extraordinary things happen.

Life in another country always has its interesting and challenging experiences as well as it's 'gold' moments.  This week's gold moment I was trying to practice my Chichewa and in English the sentence was 'My problem is in the shoulder'.  I was quickly told to ensure I say shoulder correctly as I had just said a significant profanity but the information was not divulged as to what I had said just to ensure I never say it again. I was definitely the imbuzi iwe azungu (idiot white person).

I also have almost killed multiple individuals this week.  Road rules are not something that is followed well however you will be beeped at often.  Usually if you are obeying the road rules i.e. stopping at a stop sign or red light!! I need to be careful when I return to Australia!  If only I had a camera whilst driving.  The sights one sees on the back of the bicycles, trucks, cars etc. Many a priceless moment that could only truly be captured by a photo.

On a work perspective seeing amazingly challenging and complex conditions on a daily basis is what I can't wait to get more hands on with.  Whilst my role is predominantly managerial I want to ensure I keep touch with the amazing and challenging conditions so many people face that we in a developed country just don't see or hear about.  The thirst for medical knowledge is shining through.  I am up for the challenge :-)