September 8, 2010

A Little About Our Clinic- by Dr Khan

By jarnold

Our clinic is located in what looks like an auditorium within a compound, the area used to be surrounded by grass but has been so worn out from use.  The building is old and drafty and the concrete floor is covered in dust.  There are two restrooms in the clinc but leak into the concrete hallway but at least there are no smells.  There is a second floor to the clinc but we are not allow up because there is no railing on the stairwell.  There is alot of trash both around the compound as well as all over the street in piles.  It is bleak to say the least.  in this enviorment I'm so suprized to see people thrive.  Our patients are so resiliant and so determined to make things better despite the hardships.  Today I saw a lady in the clinic almost blind from glaucoma with and infant strapped to her back, I wanted to cry when I saw her condition but she acted as if she was fine...... hard life makes you strong. 

A huge highlight of our clinc are our translator volunteers.  They are young, educated and full of smiles.  They have hope much like young adults do when they graduate.  Many speak multiple languages including French, Spanish, English, Japanese and Chinese.  I'm learning my native tongue from someone in Africa.  The volunteers act as translators, with the patients as well as patient escorts, crowd control, eye glass dispensers and all around gofers.  We could not run the clinic without them..... They are a key part of our success as they bridge us to the culture here.

Finally, One of our team mates left her back pack  with a laptop outdide in the middle of the patient waiting area but did not discover it until it was after dark, in a panic she went to look for it  and amazingly enough it was still there unopened and intact, nothing missing.  People here continue to amaze me.........

3 Comments

  1. Fernand Somadjagbi says:

    You are doing a fantastic job! Thank You, Thank You and Thank You again.
    Here is a video of the opening ceremony:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbYMK5EaYfY

    Posted on Thu Sep 9, 2010 5:19 am EST

  2. Alison Sadlier says:

    Great job on the blog Team Benin, keep it up!!! Hi Peggy!!! We miss you, but know you are doing amazing work helping the people of Benin!!!

    Posted on Thu Sep 9, 2010 1:23 pm EST

  3. Connie says:

    Hey Dr. Garcia.  I know all of you are working hard.  We are doing fine but we sure miss you.

    Posted on Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:36 pm EST

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