to say the least...

I have learned a couple of things in Africa
(to say the least).

1. Nothing is really straight forward.
You have a problem.
You have a great solution.
It probably will NOT work! Ha!!

2. Appearances are everything – you may have perfectly fine intentions with good morals and a positive way to accomplish that goal, but things can be misinterpreted so easily. It also can be comical what types of lies people make up in order not to take any shame for their actions.

3. “China shops” charge more for their items if you are white … most any white person is viewed as $$ sign. Befriend an African and have them do your shopping!

p.s. Things in Africa are really not that much cheap than in the U.S.A.

4. Non-verbal communication or sign language is pretty effective especially when you do not know the language!!

5. In the Theatre (Operating Room) I have had to learn how to do cases with almost NO equipment!
I also have seen some of the most disgusting things anyone may ever see.
(Example- TB puss filled tumor the size about 3 softballs. Extra precautions?! What are those? What is MRSA comparied to a raging TB infections? No TB masks! At least we did NOT keep that suction tubing!)

P.S. I ALWAYS double glove and make sure I have eyewear, for Dr. Matt.

Oh, you never know what you may find when you do a C-Section… like two babies instead of one (that happened to me last Friday)!

6. Africa is HOT! Everyone sweats.
I think I am starting to smell like an African!

7. Time is a relative thing!
Events are where it’s at!

8. In Africa you walk.

9. African people are some of the most creative people I have ever met; sadly they do not always live up to their potential.

10. Cleanliness is NOT next to Godliness!