Lots of health education!

Today was a really good day. 

Megan and I presented at PTC about HIV transmission between mother and baby, as well as child development during the first two years immunizations during the first year, and deworming in the years after the first. We taught in English and then Musa, the awesome HIV counselor here, translated into Lugisu. I was a bit nervous beforehand, but it turned out well. Then, I worked at station 3 with CO James (our doctor here at Beatrice Tearney Health Clinic). Station 3 is my favorite to work at because I act as the scribe for the doctor, and assist in the full examination of each patient. It's similar to shadowing in the US. But it's so great because I'm able to see diseases and illness common to this area (malaria and HIV are two examples) and I get to see and work with lots of adults and children. James does most things but I get to be his scribe and learn more about medical techniques. It's a lot of fun:) it's also very touching when James talks about his reasons for working as a doctor here in Bududa. He grew up in this area, and just wants to help his community and people, in his own words. ;) over and over he said it, he really cares about them!

After that, I presented to staff at the clinic about Anaemia! I was so excited when he asked me to present because Anaemia is right up my alley--I wrote a super long research article about it last year, I think I even had it my last year of high school, and I'm a nutrition major, so I felt like I was able to use skills in my "expertise" (haha) to help others learn!! That's what I love most-helping others using my skills- and I was so happy to help. :) 

We had planned on going to a group for young preteen girls after, but for some reason they didn't show up today. So instead we just came home. Passing through the village, these two young men in secondary school approached me, just to shake my hand like is common here, but after a  few intense looks this guy came at me, like he was going to kiss me! It shocked me, so by instinct I put my hand up to his shoulder to prevent him from coming any closer, and he then asked me, pretty straight forwardly but all smiles, to give him money for his schooling! I felt bad, but not that bad considering I thought just moments earlier he was going to "attack" my face. I told him I have no money , and he then asked if I would instead visit him at his home. SKETCHY. Oh the adventures of a mzungu lady . . 

On another note, we came home to running water, electricity, AND food already made!! It felt like Christmas. :)

The marketplace just down the hill from the clinic. 

So many cows everywhere! I witnessed the harvesting of meat the other morning. . . A huge group of men gathered together, slaughtered the cow, and then carried the meat out in large pieces. . . I only saw the huge rib cage and then hurried on my way. . .

I almost died of cuteness overload. I have never seen a baby sheep so small!

This cute kid was just walking around with cardboard. I showed him the photo of himself and he got a kick out of it.

My feet get plastered with mud due to the rains.

Girls from the Arlington academy of hope, a school located just above the clinic. 

My view each day coming back from the clinic into the nearest marketplace. 

Also, I forgot to add, we went to a huge market this week! It was 3 marketplaces over from our home in Bududa. It was HUGE, and it stressed me our majorly. I don't know what it is, but big places with lots of people give me anxiety and make me sick. It was still fun though! We took a boda down the road, and then just walked around a bit. I got a new skirt (always a sucker for skirts, especially super cheap ones!), and a few things for family. I found my little niece the cutest little dress ever. education!