11/24/06

Thoughts \ Developed Thoughts \ Rants \ Raves \ Writing

12/07/2005 22:54 +0200 GMT

The Mysterious OOZ

I think the days of long entries may be thinning out. I'm getting tired. Today Michelle Downing (UASOM, 2008) arrived via an overnight in Jo'burg. She landed about two hours after the London attacks. Erin called alerting me to the attacks, and we hoped that Andy, who was due to land shortly in London, wouldn't find too much trouble in the chaotic response that was sure to follow. In light of the G8 occurring there at Gleneagles, and the announcement of the '12 games to be held there, the attack was timed, man.

So I ran to Chaisadale and picked up Aggie, Bwalya, Lisa, who cried if I tried to hold her, and...Evan's Jr.

Field Trip!

Drove out to the airport, and waited as people greeted, etc. One woman came out in the supporting arms of two others, one on either side. It was clear the woman in the middle was grieving, perhaps arriving for a funeral.

Stew-dog was at the airport too, along with Jeff. Got Michelle, safe, sound, and self-pampered from the overnight. Shortly we'll all have dinner together - the UASOMers. Three of my intern colleagues will join, along with some Kansas City MSIIs that I met who are living in Lima Garden Guesthouse. I do like getting people together. Hopefully Yang can join us too.

Ben Chi arrived a couple of days ago. The very tall Alain DeGroote is here, quiet and constantly working. Ben gave we three new interns an orientation talk, which was helpful, albeit a bit tardy for me. No worries at all though. I've been here before, and I think they accounted for that. Ben had a deposition in London, and despite this, he was apologetic for his absence. He's trying hard to make sure interns are adjusting well.

There might be a chance to see some other parts of Zambia. Ben indicated that we interns might all benefit from seeing some other ARV/PEPFAR sites. WE are also each to be paired with a Zambian medical student, which is something I very much look forward to. I know there is more to learn than I can imagine.

I've found the nickname for Brad Denney. OOZ, pronounced "Double-O, Zed." He's been tapped to deliver a couple of passports to the Brazilian embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe. I didn't ask for details, but I assure you that this will be an eye-opener. Care should be taken, but what an adventure. OOZ, secret agent in Zim-Zam.

Craig Wilson arrives on the 18th. Looking forward to seeing him on this side of the pond again.