Day Sixteen

Hello again from Santa Teresa, where it is still 37degrees despite being 8pm! Am thinking of you all in the snow, and think I have a definate "grass is greener" mentality....

Just finished work in the clinic (another 12hour day!) and off for a quick wonder around the community for a bit of fresh air, and then a night in with the new series of gray's anatomy on tv.....

Have seen an interesting mix of patients in the last couple of days, with a definate leaning to obs and gynae - I am now the only trained female staff member here, so I have responsibility for all antenatal, postnatal, women with chronic diseases and female sti checks (there are about 3 a day). It's a good learning experince and is keeping me busy, but the responsibility is a little scary! Luckily it seems that the doctor who comes to the clinic a couple of times a week is very supportive, and happy to answer any questions from behind the door! Some women are less culturally aware and are happy to see him, which is always good (for them as well as me!)

I braved a swim in the pool yesterday (as some of you know if is a hotbed for UTIs and eye infections) and foolishly thought I would be able to keep my head above the water...and could always steal some meds if I needed them (there is very limited stock control!) The kids were really excited to see me there and jumped all over me,good fun and worth the risk! So far no repercussions either....

I'm hoping to get back to Alice for the weekend, so I'll be in touch again then.

lots of love to all of you, keep smiling xxxxx