Tuesday, June 23, 2009

3 Months: A Transiently Significant Amount of Time

6/17/09
I really understood how soon I am going home today. We had a great day at work. The sisters and children were in a great mood. The sisters love to teach me Afrikaans. They think I have a nice accent and pick it up well. Their response is to teach me the “not so proper” words. I don’t mind, because they get such a big kick out of it. I’ve come to know these women so well, and have enjoyed the privilege of working with them. 3 months is a long time to spend in once place. What’s more, as the child life team depleted, I worked more consistently with the medical team. The staff at RCCH might have limited resources, but they are tremendously dedicated and skilled in their work. They save and improve the lives of children everyday. The entire community at RCCH has been inspiring and humbling. The families offer just as much inspiration in the ways theat they look after each other and their children. I feel so blessed to have been welcomed so warmly into this place. Implementing the child life program, for the medical team, meant a change in practice, tolerance, and a willingness to learn something new and make big adjustments. Not only did the team take all of these things in stride, but they regard us with just as much respect as they would any other team member. I will truly truly miss having these men and women in my life.

Sarah’s dad arrived earlier this week and offered to take us out to dinner. We went to the Codfather in Camp’s Bay. What a novel idea! It is a raw buffet. Entirely seafood, you pick out the pieces you want, then they grill it and bring it to your table. I had hangklip, a very popular fish in South Africa, butterfish and a type of prawn (shrimp). It was all mouthwatering! We then shared Malva pudding and a chocolate brownie dessert. Yet, another fabulously delicious meal in South Africa!

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