Friday was a good day but also had a bit of a reality check that morning. I went with the team to the hospital to visit one of the fundi’s (mason) from Kawawa (one of the sub-villages of Zuzu which we work in). It was so shocking and appalling for me to see the state of the hospital and the poor condition this man is in. This is my second time going to Miremba Hospital and it is very disturbing. It is known as the mental hospital but this man was there for other reasons. I know this sounds cynical but I would have automatically suspected he has HIV/AIDS because it is quite prevalent here and people are ashamed to admit it. I can understand that. What was even more sad is that his family and friends did not have enough money to pay for the proper medicine to treat his condition and so there is a good chance he may die. (Everyone in the sub-village and us came together to find the money for his treatment so there is hope). It is amazing how many people die from diseases that are easily treatable like malaria here. I know two people who have lost a child to malaria in the last year. This sadness helps to reinforce why I am here, even though I am very homesick right now and sort of want to go home! If I do go home I will not be giving my whole self to my heart and giving in to temptation. I will be giving up and I don’t give up! Otherwise I would not be who I am and where I am today!
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