Malawian experiences

There are days driving along that you see things that are just ‘so Malawian’.  Some cultural treasures that make me smile and or shake my head. It’s all part of the experience.  There are times that I wish I had my camera at the front of my car to capture some of these moments as they often defy gravity, reality and common sense.

The common scene of someone cycling or pushing their bike for miles and miles laden with firewood twice the height of them, or cartons of eggs piled high bumbling along dirt roads all defying gravity but sheer determination of the individual to be able to get them home or to sell to at least get some profit in these tough economic times.  In Zomba going to the top of the mountain to collect their supplies and then slowly making their way back down with fire wood on their heads or bikes.  Amazing that gravity rarely wins.

I can also attend the ‘pet’ stores on the side of the road where I can buy dogs, rabbits and rather large turkeys on top of a man’s head.

The colour explosion of women washing or collecting water at the bore hole.  Each taking turns to fill their coloured buckets.  The stripe and spots combinations along with their chitenjis makes our Western sense of fashion cringe but here a beautiful expression of culture and vibrancy particularly at this time of year when everything is so dry and barren.

Driving through the villages and sometimes in town men all sitting round playing the game of boab where stones or natural seeds are placed into each beautifully carved hole.  Concentration and strategy is so important.

Recreation of our childhood western games and sports such as elastics and football utilizing string, plastic bags and bottles, on the dirt pitches bringing all children together. The list could go on.

There are also the Malawian things that are out of our control.  The 20hr power cuts, the lack of water, the smelly water, lack of rubbish bins and trucks all of which we have to learn to deal with and hope that progression to a healthier, more sustainable environment is on its way.

It has been a year since I moved to Malawi and each day has its trial and tribulations but each day also brings some great surprises.  Here’s to many more!

The things people don't tell you .....

Living in a country different to your own presents some challenges, some entertaining stories and some life lessons.  I thought I'd share a few with you.

• Riding in a minbus with animals is normal.
• Having a baby pee on you whilst on outreach is normal.
• Smiling at someone invites conversation and potential wedding proposals.
• Frill neck lizards are just as scary here as at home, especially when they are attached to your screen door.
• Having electricity in a 24hour period is something to celebrate.  Get your baking done!
• Having electricity and water at the same time makes you jump with joy!
• Despite not wanting avocados, mangos, bananas on a daily basis you will still be asked.  Turning off your engine does not invite a quick sale.  Pepani (sorry)!
• Sindikufuna (I don't want) is a helpful phrase!
• Creating your own road rules is essential to survival.
• Riding a bike or a motorbike with goods to sell is a balancing act and should be rewarded!
• Ordering food on a menu is not a guarantee that it will be available or what you have asked for.
• Just because I am white does not been I am a money tree (however it would be nice).
• Apparently men are like trees you can just pick one you know!
• Your stomach is an amazing organ.  It deals with some things (I won't go into details).
• Shaking hands with an enthusiastic CP child is very rewarding and humbling.  It can also be detrimental to your fingers!
• Mice on sticks regardless of culture will never be eaten by me!
• I appreciate that nsima or rice is a staple. There is no need for me to eat either for some time.
• My name is Beth however Bert, Bertha, Birth will also suffice for ease of conversation.
• White girls can't dance.
• Goats are unpredictable.
• Paying the equivalent of $15AUD for Vegemite or Timtams is really not acceptable!
• Being called fat is acceptable - it means I have money for food.  I appreciate you might be trying to say I need to loose a few kilos or that I am toned from the increase in exercise (I'm going with that option) but it is not acceptable to me!
• Working with kids is fun (who would've thought).  Working with kids who have a disability and receive a new limb and can now play football again that is the most rewarding experience of all.

Good byes, good stories, good changes.

It's been a few weeks since writing and I don't know where to begin.

Here as part of our clinic we have had an exchange program with FK Norway which have provided invaluable knowledge to our staff.  However the rotation ended this year and I said goodbye to some now very close friends.  Many tears ensued and my sanity levels may have dropped but with the absence of my Norwegian sister and Ernie my waist line is hopefully decreasing as our cake dates are no longer and her wonderful baking has gone back to Norway!  6 months and we will re-unite!  It gives me time to increase the swimming and running to prepare for more cake!

The clinic is still busy and we're seeing an average of 150 patients per month with over 100 devices.  There is never a dull moment.  We have seen some of our regulars recently.  One girl has made me smile continuously this week when she danced for me in gratitude for getting back her extension prosthesis as it needed repairs.  These cases is what it is all about.  There is obviously the flip side and we have seen some shocking burns and infections recently that really could have been prevented.  Burns awareness and education around fire safety is desperately needed.

We had a visit from the Scottish Minister for Europe & International Development.  Mr Humza Yousaf and his team engaged with the clinic and it was great to share our stories and also hear about the other Scottish Malawi Partnerships he was to see for the remainder of his trip.

It's not all work and no play.  2 gorgeous weekends at the lake both at Cape Mac and at Senga Bay.  Great company, good swimming and amazing fish! Oh to live by the lake!  Social events coming up in Lilongwe include breast cancer awareness walk, Lilongwe beer festival (where there will be beer other than Carlsberg served - hooray) and the Lilongwe colour run!

The past few weeks with interesting meetings, changes in staff and the odd cultural 'battle' that requires emphathy and understanding from my part as well as patience (A LOT OF PATIENCE) have tested me.  But in the words of Anne & Ailsa in Frozen ... LET IT GO!!!  Or another quote I saw recently was 'if it doesn't challenge you it won't change you'. I think my personal challenges have changed me - all for the better!

Waving not drowning

Since arriving back in Malawi I have hit the ground running.  Waving not drowning at present.  Is it time for a holiday yet?

The clinic has been exceptionally busy with our record number of patients and devices being made in August with September not far behind!  We have seen some amazing and heart breaking stories these last few weeks. Stories of refugees who have been kind enough to reveal their plight from their homeland to Malawi and how they have come to obtain their disabilities or inabilities.  A few gangrenous feet that I'd care not to discuss and finally a group of people who have suffered from leprosy and are finally obtaining appropriate shoes.  The smiles for this group in particular could not be wiped off their face.  Our staff have done an amazing job with producing devices with minimal equipment.  So very proud!

It hasn't all been work and no play though.  I was lucky enough to see Lady Blacksmith Mombazo the first weekend I arrived back in Malawi.  Absolutely talented group of men.  My childhood came rushing back to me with visions of Saturday morning house cleaning day and dancing to the record of Graceland with Lady Blacksmith supporting Paul Simon (kids these days records are large CDs).

I also ran in a triathlon at the beautiful location of Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear.  Great weekend despite running in 32deg heat.  This body is not made for running and anyone who knows my history of outdoor adventure races don't worry I came back unscathed!  Apparently some charming people (they claim to be friends) are signing me up for the 2017 Hawaii Marathon.  Tell them they're dreaming!

The next few weeks continue to be busy in the clinic and some fun outreaches are coming up again.  It's always great to see people again and see the progression of the devices.  Hopefully a few more success and smile stories as opposed to elephant's head in the sand stories! 

Malawi Day

People ask me 'What do you mean when you say a typical Malawi day?' Right here it is, the 30th of August 2015.

I arrived back from the UK to a power cut and mains water being off no worries I can sort stuff out tomorrow the 30th of August. Hahahaha 1 to Malawi 0 to Beth.

Woke up at 615am to realise there was no power. No worries I'll head back to sleep, it'll be back on. Woke up at 9am. Still no power, milk in fridge is now off, gas burner has been borrowed for a camping expedition so no ability to boil water. So many dishes from weekend, no water to wash up. So many clothes from holidays that need washing oh no wait no electricity & no water. How many times is it ok to wear your underwear again?!

Right nae bother I will do some study. Oh no wait the documents are on the uni server, I'll research some on line, oh but wait phone dies, Internet dongle not topped up and laptop hasn't been charged.

Ok not a problem I can have a shower. No hot water and no pressure. Lovely. Refreshing you say as the weather starts to heat up.

Ok let's have lunch. Ah wait all products in fridge need cooking and you can only eat so much cheese and crackers in a 3 week space. Ok I'll go shopping. We need some basics like butter, cereal etc.

Ah yes but the shop has no normal butter unless you want to spend the equivalent of $15AUD and no real cereal except cornflakes and milo crispies. No problem I will get eggs. Didn't think that through did you Beth - you have no power!!!!!!

Right return home. Still no power. I'll call friends to go for lunch. Well you would Beth if your phone was charged. Right. Let's do some yoga for deep breaths! There's only so many sun salutations one can do! Right lets read. Ah yes now we're down to candle light. Ok don't burn the pages Beth!  Cheese and pickles and rice crackers for dinner because you bought uncooked chicken for dinner! iPod is dying .... How ok is it to do interpretive dance until you're tired?! 

Neighbour comes to the rescue....they have a generator!! Charge phone for some contact to outside world. Apparently no one needed me during the last 15hours of no power. Home to try not to burn myself reading again. Power is back!!!!! Right load of clothes on, washing up done, chicken cooked for next 2 days, all appliances in every charging spot possible. Opened fridge....hmmm the smells will need to be dealt with tomorrow. Oh wait tomorrow is only Monday and there will be daily power cuts til Christmas?! Hibernation ensues.

Posted this blog.... Then the power went out. Malawi.

Emotions, privileges and bits in between

The 2 weeks prior to my annual holiday were filled with complex, challenging and emotional cases. The cases that make you realise how privileged we are but also how the small things we in the P&O world can impact people's lives in a multitude of ways.

One case we were asked to cast for a spinal brace for a man who had TB of the spine and HIV. The conditions we cast in were not ideal, outside, in the sun, smoke and wind. Our simple hope is that the spinal brace will assist somewhat with reducing the pain and discomfort whilst doing bed transfers. Acknowledging the realistic outcome was and is emotionally challenging for all involved.

A case of neglect has stolen my heart with these children being the first I ever saw for an assessment when I first started going to Malawi in 2010. The internal struggle of realising that none of our interventions have been successful and that the parents have left them in the care of an elderly grandparent. Who knows when they have last been cleaned, fed or simply talked to. The realisation that from our organisation and from the partner who is monitoring them we have done all that our organisations can possibly do but where to from here? The next journey for these children is still unknown.

Finally 2 days at a refugee camp ended the culmination of an intense 2 weeks. The stories that unfurled saw me needing to turn away and compose myself to realise this is not about me and how I react and nothing can change what happened to these people but what happens moving forward is so important. This rationalisation may sound callous yet if we as clinicians let each individual touch us too deeply our emotions would unravel before us and the clients, which would be counter productive to obtaining a rational and realistic treatment approach.  What I have realised is that I am in a privileged position to be able to provide some potential advice and whilst it may not be the initial answer I can hopefully point them in the right direction to hopefully one day find something that works for them. 

At the end of the 2 weeks I was emotionally spent. Ready to embrace my 3 weeks holiday in the UK and Prague. An extreme contrast to the last 9 months. The challenges were different. The inner turmoil of spending ££ verse Kwacha. The understanding however and immense joy when I realised that my life is very exciting. The challenges of living in a developing country yet acknowledging that I come from a developed country and that my experiences and my 'normal' life is ok.   The contrast of my past & present does assist in helping me move forward into an exciting future that can understand and accept both. That each have their challenges yet each help create who I am today.

Contrasts

Constantly throughout my time here I feel like I am from 2 different worlds.  The contrast between what I have grown up with, what I as a Western person accept as 'normal' or 'appropriate' compared to this, in the scheme of things, small immersion into Malawian culture and the way of life here even for an expat.

I constantly question why I am here, what am I achieving, what selfishly am I getting out of this experience and is it normal on some days to crave the wine bar and cheese platters (I'm not an alcoholic!).

There are some days I sit in my 'big' office as the 'bwana' and realise that my life is so different from everyone around me both in this 'world' and at home. I often need to step away from the desk and interact and acknowledge to my staff and to our clients that I am just like them human and approachable.  Connecting with them on any level rather than a white person in power is so very important for them and for me!  Someone said to me recently regardless of our skin, our religion, our political preference we all have the same colored blood and we need to remember that.  So very true.  Breaking those barriers or perceptions is an interesting, challenging and never ending battle.  Even within the expat community we have perceived ideas of Brits verse Americans compared to the South Africans and then us strange Aussies.

I then head to the lake where I am done with the backpacker scene but stay in a nice lodge over looking the lake with a sundowner and think this Malawi caper...not such a hard life after all.  The children on the beach are much happier and interactive than the Lilongwe kids and is this just typical of beach life anywhere in the world. I feel that I should sometimes be having a more local experience and admire those that immerse themselves within a village and live the local life. So very challenging.  Someone did however say to me that my experience here is so very different to my 'normal' life and creating that normality once in a while is ok.  I think I've convinced myself that Cape Mac and its lodges is ok once a month :-)

Attached in this blog are some of the contrasts of the recent week.  Cape Maclear, beach children and our gold star client who is back on the motorbike with his new arm.  The other picture is of a Malwian saying that says we must be like chameleons with one eye observing the past and one eye on the future.

All good contrasts this week!

Multitude of emotions!

Where does one begin to tell you all about the last few weeks?!  So many new experiences, so many emotions, so much to say!

So the last few weeks have been exceptionally hectic with an increase in double the amount of patients we have seen since this time last year, as well as an absolutely fabulous visit from my Dad followed by an intense but amazing and encouraging visit from the director of 500 miles (www.500miles.org.uk).

Leading up to the weeks prior to Dad's visit I experienced my first chinkhonswe (traditional engagement party) as well as a modified Malawian hens party.  The chinchonswe involved lots of money throwing and getting up to accept gifts to then pay for the gifts to give the married couple a starting basis for their lives together. Much learning ensued about the cultural differences and nuances one must experience to understand!  The presentation of the chooks with the axe had me concerned but Hatty lived to see another day!  The Malawain hens party however I care not to discuss but am exceptionally grateful that I come from a modern Australian society where some things just don't need to happen.  All I'm saying ladies is that next time I attend a hens party at home I will be sure to bring a candle, a string and a pin for some hysterical party games!

The visit with Dad was fantastic! To have some one from home come into the life that you have created here and it to feel semi normal was on some occasions an overwhelming experience for him and me!  The opening of my birthday gifts and other tidbits was like I was 5 years old and in a candy shop.  A little bit overwhelming in terms of 21st century products and Australian necessities (insert cherry ripes, milo & vegemite)!  Our trip included the best safari I have been on to South Luangua in Zambia where Dad & I braved the border crossing and came out alive to see all animals on our tick box! I think 2 of the best experiences were watching the leopards with their kill and then almost being able to touch another one as she hunted a pack of impalas.  This came close to my almost but not quite up close and personal with George the giraffe my aunt Mary would have been proud!

Dad also got to experience life in a Malawian school with much singing and dancing and somewhat interesting classes. We are both now well aware of leaf arrangements.  I think one of the special moments for me was Dad coming out on outreach with me to see what we do on a daily basis but to also see some of our old patients ecstatic with their progress.

We finished off the trip at the lake and a visit to one of the first Catholic missions in Malawi at Mua.  Definitely a cultural experience not to be missed by all regardless of your religious connotations. The lake as always was peaceful and a great end to a great trip!

The last week has been jammed pack with meetings for our Director's visit.  It has given me a new lease on life and motivation pushing the organisation to bigger and better things.  So much progress to be made but heading in the right direction!

Today was also complete by having a gorgeous boy come in who we'd seen 6 weeks prior for his first below knee prosthetic.  He is now walking without crutches and starting to play games with his friends. We are hoping to see him in October back playing football at school!

Below are a very very small selection of the last few weeks!  More adventures to come!

It's not all about me.....

These last two weeks I have had people all over the world say to me what you are doing is amazing, you are truly inspirational. Friends, family, friends of friends, old clients etc.  I started to think is what I am doing really that amazing? Working in a job that has so much diversity, interacting with amazing clients, hearing and seeing new things and enjoying a new and challenging culture. Is it really that inspiring? Is it not just me having finally bit the bullet and not worried about finances, what the future holds and just grabbing an opportunity that had come knocking and run with it and enjoying life?  Then I said to myself 'Beth it's not all about you!'

This weekend I listened to a sermon that discussed this 'selfie' world we live In. Where we look for the best photo that week and filter it to suit what we want the world to perceive we are like instead of actually being who we are. We look for the number of 'likes' to see how popular we really are and how 'awesome' our status can be even though we've edited it a few times to get it just right.  It got me thinking this isn't about me at all. It is about the people on my journey. It's about the NGO work they are doing, the music they're creating, the projects they are calling awareness to. So I thought I'd share this time their links to their amazing journeys and so here are the links....

Landirani (African Vision Malawi) : www.africanvision.org.uk

Initially a family run NGO that now has multiple projects on the go within the Lilongwe region.

George Kalukusha Music (check him out on Facebook)

Born and bred Malawian with a great voice

Mizu Foundation (check on Facebook)

An organisation raising funds for other charities within Malawi

There is Hope (thereishopemalawi.org)

Organisation supporting the disabled with in the Dzaleka refugee camp 

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (lilongwewildlife.org)

Game reserve rescuing animals that are being poached or harmed

Flood Church let girls be girls campaign (www.floodchurch.com)

This list goes on without my selfies this time. Completely unedited.

Experiences...

Interesting cases and children with personality make my week each and every week I continue to live in Malawi.

These past few weeks have been no different.  I thought I would share a few of them with you as I acknowledge that I could never go back to a 'normal' clinical position again!

Firstly a young girl of 12 had Van Ness surgery or rotationplasty.  This surgery is usually performed when the individual has had a tumour of the lower leg. The ankle and foot are then reattached backwards so that there is a more functional knee joint.  My mind took a while to get around this one!

Another child comes in every 4-6months (sometimes earlier) for bilateral symes (through ankle) prosthetics.  He had the amputation as a toddler and is the most active little boy we have seen.  It is great to see his prosthetics getting so much use.

We have seen multiple burns these last few weeks too.  Some as a result of chintenji (or cloth) catching on fire whilst they are burning their maize, others from candles being left on in the house, others as a result of having epilepsy and falling in the fire.

Each day something new, interesting but most of all inspiring.  The challenges many of these individuals and their families face in their communities, we in the Western world can't even contemplate.

As I quickly approach my birthday this week I reflect on the opportunities I have had in these last 12 months.  I would never thought I would have this opportunity to do what I'm doing and I'm so very grateful.  This is definitely an experience I will be talking about til I take my last breath.  Even the small things like learning the language and the culture and being able to share these experiences with my very inquisitive nieces.  Sharing some basic greetings and food stories (some I'd like to forget about) gets me thinking about the life I have chosen to create and how many more experiences are yet to come and to share! Bring it on!

Seeing the rest of Malawi

I haven't posted for a few weeks as I had a glorious 10 days off over the Easter break.  Getting stuck in the city was not an option! It was time to escape and see the north.  Absolutely magical!  Best decision I'd made.

Living in the central region the novelty is to go the lake for the weekend yet logistically Salima/Senga Bay is the closest location.  Pay that extra fuel people and drive that extra distance as there is so much more to see as I soon discovered.

My first stop was Kuti which is just before the lake near Salima.  A small game reserve awaited and saw my first zebras up close and personal.  They came to eat the foliage surrounding our cottage.  Absolutely magical.  I am ready to take on the Serengeti and more after seeing them.  I want to see animals in abudance!  George the giraffe (later we found out it was Georgina) made a brief appearance at night.  Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough with the camera before she hid behind the trees but her magestic walking speed was something to admire.

Whilst in Kuti I tackled a bike ride or 2.  Those that know my history with bikes will be pleased to know that there were no injuries (my first attempt at a run in a year however didn't end so well).  Even when encountering Mr & Mrs Camel and not knowing whether we should leg it out of there or stay and be spat on, I survived unscathed.  I'm even contemplating purchasing said vehicle.  One step at a time.

Next stop was Nkhotakota followed by some well needed R&R at Kande beach.  Absoloutely picturesque.  A definite must stop.  Charlie & Ewan (Long Way Down) had stayed here and camped.  I don't think they had quite the same experience as us in the thunder and lightening stop where we feared for our lives and subsequently found out that the tent and car both leak profusely but hey what's a camping trip without some adventure!  We'd hoped to ride the horses whilst there but one of my travelling companions is severely allergic - epipen and all.  Despite my love of horses and desire to get back on one I wasn't prepared to have to do CPR all the way to the closest medical facility which was some time away.  Whilst at Kande we were privy to a gospel music video being made.  All I'm going to say is watch the music videos coming out of Malawi this year.  I may have made an appearance is all I'm saying!

Next stop was Nkhata Bay.  So very different to Kande but equally gorgeous.  We had lunch at a backpacker lodge that was set in the cliff face of the bay.  A definite must and bring the togs and snorkel next time!

Final destination was Mzuzu.  A small town in the hills in northern region of Malawi.  On the way we drove through a rubber plantation.  Absolutely fascinating.  I am so naive when it comes to such things.  I'm not sure how or where my tyres, erasers etc came from but definitely a place well worth a walk.

Mzuzu was much less hustle bustle than Lilongwe and good to see a different way of life.  Instead of driving back along the coastal road we decided to venture on the more direct route and the views through the mountain ranges definitely didn't disappoint.  Sunflower fields helped to keep us happy without thinking about returning to reality!

For those contemplating a trip to Malawi....DO IT! You will not be disappointed!

AEP to Sport Scientist….

Well ex-pats in Malawi certainly know how to put on a good show for St Patrick's day.  I was not expecting to see some excellent Irish craic in the middle of Lilongwe!  A tent packed with at least 1000 mzungus.  Who knew that there were that many of us here! Some flash mob appearances of 'Boyzone-reincarnated' kept us entertained whilst I reminisced of an interesting St Patrick's day in Dublin 9 years ago!

From a clinical perspective every week the tenacity and determination of the clients that we see continues to astound me.  From mothers who continue to carry their 12-14 year old boys with CP, to cancerous limbs that one should not ever discuss again, to burns contractures which could have been prevented had they had treatment post burn to those that have been 'treated' by traditional doctors with scars, blindness and other interesting 'cures'.  No 2 days are the same.  CP kids still win the day with me.  One small look has me entertaining them all day.  A pipe dream would be to set up a CP clinic in the villages.  Any willing benefactors and potential rehab staff willing to volunteer get in touch!!!

On a slight change in career path here I was approached by one of the top Malawian teams to assist with rehab, fitness, strength, flexibility and who knows what else!!!  Who knows FIFA may see me yet!  You may make a sports scientist out of me yet (I say that very loosely old colleagues of mine).

2 weeks before Easter and I'm looking forward to the new cases potentially coming through but also a week off to explore some of Malawi! Stay tuned!

Lake, complex clients, CP fun and melting..in a good way

It has been a full couple of weeks.

Finally got to see some of the scenery of Malawi the last couple of weeks managing to spend some quality days with amazing friends at Salima, Senga Bay and Dedza.  Malawi is truly beautiful in the rainy season.  Having a couple of days at the lake, although over cast, was great to sit and watch the world go buy and have a sneaky G&T or 2.  Sunsets in Malawi are like no other!  You can see why African sunsets has such meaning!

My social life also took me to the Malawian Music Awards.  That was indeed an interesting experience.  I lasted a few hours but did not witness much music!

Another week of interesting cases with CP kids winning my heart again!  A young boy with significantly mobile knee has been an exceptionally puzzling case for all clinicians this week.  The royal 'we' are trying to come up with an interesting knee brace to serve some purpose while we await a surgical review.  He is exceptionally bright and has been home schooled by his dedicated father.  When the boy asked if I would teach him daily my heart melted.  We are hoping to find a children's centre near his village so he can at least get some education.

We had an outreach with a new partner this week and all clients were children with CP or spina bifida.  All children were under the age of 6 and of varying severity.  Whilst I love being a fascination and them playing with my hair, skin and earrings, I'm not so keen on the face slap or vomit!  My heart did melt when a gorgeous young girl with spina bifida said in English to me 'see you tomorrow'.  I tell you I am just a melting pot these last few weeks!

We have however seen some excessively confronting clients this week too.  Some include neck burns, leg burns and a cancer of the heel that I do not want to discuss or see again.  Some things are better not said!

The next couple of weeks we have some more outreaches and we're hoping to see more interesting clients come through.  Whilst some days are particularly Malawian (eg being in the bank for 2.5hrs for them to produce a form for me to sign) other days like outreach days consolidate why I'm here.

Landirani days….

Landirani days will always be my favourite days in Malawi.

I have volunteered for Landirani since 2010 and they are the reason I found myself living in Malawi. 

Now working for 500miles I am able to work with Landriani regularly and these outreach days are spent reviewing clients I have seen over the years as well as new ones hoping that devices will be their answer.  Sometimes yes and sometimes we have to refer on to a more appropriate solution.  The clients we see on these outreaches from a 500 miles perspective have a variety of conditions eg cerebral palsy, post stroke, burns victims, leg length discrepancies to name a few. 

Today I wanted to just let you see the joy that is brought to their faces and mine when we work together on these days.

To check out Landirani's other projects go to www.africanvision.org.uk

Job love, nature and all things in between

I know I’ve said it before but I will say it again…it is so nice to love your job!

This week I did a round of the children’s orthopaedic ward with a brilliant Norweigan surgeon.  I am sure he thought I was exceptionally blonde when I looked at what I thought was a catheter bag hanging from the foot for drainage and asked have they not got any proper catheter bags left and we have to resort to shopping bags?? He looked at me strangely for some time and then said that is the traction equipment because there are none here. I.e. the bag was full of rocks holding the broken femur in place! Well of course!!  In my defence a catheter pipe was holding the bag to the bottom of the foot with strapping tape!

We have re-established a connection with the hospital’s physiotherapy department and I am hoping that this connection is maintained to aid with more appropriate and consistent gait training.  The challenge however is for those clients that are from out of town. Gait training often has to occur within a 4 hour window so they can catch the bus home as accommodation is limited.  Our fingers and toes are crossed hoping they will adapt well in the village and also hope they will return in 6 weeks for a review to ensure there is no misalignment occurring and that the device still fits appropriately.

I have on an important girly note found a second hand clothing store! Who knows what vintage collections I could find?!  I have also been told there is a second hand book store with a coffee shop attached – this weekend’s plan.  I am trying to contain my excitement!  Ensuring work life balance is paramount!

Nature news this week I have had a hedgehog in my garden, somehow my flat mate and I have acquired a dog “Bessie” and the cat “Mr Darcy” is becoming all too friendly for my liking. I may have also heard hyenas last night…I can’t be sure…but when in Africa!

Another clinical highlight

Another week has come and gone. I’m never sure whether the weeks are long or short! No 2 days or 2 weeks are the same!

In some respects it has been a typical Malawi week i.e. no electricity, shops not having supplies, some shops shut, basic administration issues that could take 5 seconds take 3 days, goal posts changing and the list goes on.  But life would be boring if every day was the same. Right?!

A car (who is now named “Rocky the Rav”) has now been purchased and freedom will ensue.  Life in Lilongwe can often get stagnant and so having the freedom for day trips is very exciting!  This weekend saw me playing with the big boys in their land rovers, land cruisers and pick ups on the dirt roads just outside Lilongwe.  My heart was beating fast at certain parts of the day and I would like to sincerely apologise to the poor children playing by the side of the road that may not have been able to get out of the way of the mzungus and may have been covered in mud.  We aren’t 100% sure as they can move very fast when they see vehicles coming into the villages.

The clinical highlight this week was working with another transfemoral (above knee) amputee.  This reasonably young man had been involved in a motor vehicle accident in November where he lost his left leg and one of his fingers. His quiet determination and the support his family gave him was exceptionally humbling.

After working with him on his first steps of utilizing a prosthesis and booking his future appointment for more gait training, I followed him and his family to his car to observe some basic activities of daily living such as getting in and out of the car.  Once we completed the tasks his brother shook my hand in the traditional Malawian way and said ‘God bless you and thank you for your kindness and support’.  Whilst I have faith to a degree, the passion and belief they have in God but also in the services we provided and the exceptionally gratitude his family and he had for what we have so far achieved, was overwhelming.  Tingles ran through my body when he shook my hand.  I am looking forward to seeing the progression of this man’s walking ability as well as seeing him return to some normality.  It will be exciting to watch.

We also ran a small workshop for the other NGOs we work with to assist them in identifying appropriate clients to visit the centre.  Creating ‘the same page’ will aid in reaching out to the wider community of Malawi and ensure more people are accessing our services as well as other rehabilitation needs.  Our goal is to hopefully see an increase in numbers walking through our door for 2015.

Outreaches will also start soon and I am looking forward to working with our team as well as the partners will be servicing.  There will surely be some great cases and photos to come of the events ahead.  Watch this space!

Entertaining...

Well the start of 2015 has been nothing but eventful.  I returned back to Malawi at the beginning of January after spending time back in Brisbane for Christmas and family events. 

I have definitely hit the ground running and it looks to be an exciting year ahead.  My experience in Malawi, if nothing else, will teach me patience.  Nothing is done at  a fast pace except for crazy driving which in tuk tuks in wet weather over pot holes can get the heart racing. Combine that with the largest snail/slug suction cupped to your foot and you are in for an entertaining trip!

The earthquake hoax has to be one of the funnier events that have occurred in the last few weeks.  I was staying at friend’s house and we received not one but two phone calls warning us to prepare for the earthquake that is about to hit.  What does one do in this event?  Do you actually get earthquake warnings i.e. can they predict it?  We decided that sleeping in one room with things off the walls that couldn’t fall on us was our best option.  When I asked if any more news had been provided on the quake I was told yes between 10 and 11.  WHAT?? On the richter scale?!  No Beth it will occur between 10 and 11pm.  Needless to say these types of predications are impossible and no tremors were felt.  Another entertaining Malawi gossip story to add to the collection!

I have had some entertaining conversations the last few weeks with cultural differences and misunderstandings being the main culprit. One particular conversation that springs to mind is the need for the clinic to order soft and hard leather in order to make certain devices.  I asked my assistant manager to provide me with the dimensions of the sheets of leather we have used in the past to determine our order.  His reply was “Beth how can I possibly tell you that information I don’t know the size of the animals!!  I don’t know how fat or skinny they are!!”  So true my friend – what was I thinking?!

In speaking about animals a friend and I went to inspect a building office block that his family is having built.  We were met however by a tribe of goats who was led by their infamous male goat.  Hiding from him was entertaining and between the 2 of us we weren’t quite sure who was going to defend who.  A large stick was found to assist in our plight from Mr Goat should we have needed.

I am also getting to know the various tools of many trades. I can now for instance buy certain tools and equipment to weld bars for hand rails, purchase POP powder for plastering and now understand an engineer square (which by the way is not a square).

I have to say though that my highlight is still seeing the smiles of the clients that come through the door and the achievements they make (big and small) with their new devices.  A gorgeous 2 year old was recently fitted for a below calcaneous prosthetic.  In just 1 month her gait, hip alignment etc has improved immensely and I can’t wait to see her at her review in 2 months time. 

Yesterday a gorgeous 9 year old boy with cerebral palsy came in to the clinic.  He had various devices but had grown too big and staff decided they wanted to send him the surgeon for a calf release.  On further investigation and cuing of his gait he could with concentration obtain heel strike.  Deeper discussion with the staff they admitted that the child had KAFOs (knee ankle foot orthoses) and had progressed to AFOs (ankle foot orthoses) and there had been a significant improvement.  Suggesting we hold off on the surgery and see with better fitting AFOs and more structured gait exercises over the next few months before resorting to surgery maybe more beneficial.  We will see the outcome!

From a 500 miles perspective please have a look at our Big Dinner campaign www.bigdinner.co.uk .  It will be aired at 7pm on the 7^th of March UK time. Any contribution you can make will assist us in helping the disabled of Malawi walk more than 500 miles.