On Tuesday we finally started clinical at Choma General Hospital! Because we are such a big group we divided off into pairs and were assigned a unit. Some girls went to the theater (Aka the operating room), women's clinic, men’s clinic, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health and outpatient. My partner Lindsey and I were at the cervical cancer screening and male circumcision center. 

Here is a very blurry photo of Lindsey and me...

Since it was our first day at the hospital our professors wanted us to play more of an observer role. At the start of clinical were able to watch and learn the procedure of screening for cervical cancer. One of the nurses who was working was so sweet and talked to us for a long time about cervical cancer, and the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Zambia.

Something really interesting that we learned was that any and all medications, tests, treatment and doctor visits pertaining to HIV are completely free for the public. This is because HIV is so prevent here in Zambia and this is one way to hopefully educate, prevent the spread and treat the symptoms of HIV.  

A first day of clinical photo was obviously a must!

On Wednesday our team visited Airport Community school.  This school was completely funded and run by the community. There are over 700 of the most amazing children at this school. The school principle gave us a tour and talked about the history of the school and then we were free to hang out with the kids. And let me tell you, it was a blast! The school choir sang us a few songs and then our team got up and sang them one too! 

I have tons of photos and videos from that day but unfortunately due to an issue with the camera’s memory stick, I am not able to upload them. The photos on here now are from some of the other girl's cameras. When I finally am able to I will post them and try to link this post to it so you remember what the photos were from.

Thursday was our second clinical day. I was in pediatrics along with Kristen. It was so hard to see the kids so sick in bed. Many of them were in for severe malnutrition and dehydration. We talked to the nurse and she said that this was mostly caused by lack of parental education. They do not know that giving their kids sweeties (candy) is not going to provide them with the proper nutrients that they need. It was heartbreaking seeing the mothers with their children, not understanding why they were so sick when they feed them what they think is good for them.

On a happier note, I have some great Valor news to share! When Valor was discharged from the NICU the doctor thought that maybe his fontanelles in his skull had closed already which shouldn’t of happened until he was 3 or 4 months. If true, this would negatively effect his brain’s ability to grow. Yesterday Kara and Nick took Valor to see a neuro specialist in downtown Chicago and by the grace of God, Valor’s results came back PERFECT! This has been a great reminder that God cares for and protects each one of his children. Thank you Jesus for being a truly amazing Father.

Praising God today for a beautiful, completely heathy and sweet baby boy. Not that I am wishing the rest of my trip away but I get to see this precious peanut in 53 days!

Well, off to class! Until next time :)