Things here are good.... Last night we were invited to a Christmas party at a friends' home with several other families.. It was a nice, familiar holiday party that revolved around families having something to share with everyone. Some people sang songs, performed beautiful piano solos, while the Eckerles led a sing a long to "Must Be Santa", followed by the "try and eat a cookie placed on your forehead without moving it with your hand game".. thanks Cathy.. Needless to say, we came across as a little pretentious with our high browed ways..
After that, the kids participated in a night swim (not something we would ordinarily do during this time of year at home)... As strange as things feel here during the Christmas season, this was a wonderful way to start this Christmas week.
At Michelle's work yesterday they had a Christmas party as well. Michelle had asked me to photograph some of the event as well as take photos of the area of the hospital where she works... I was unable to get permission to go into the ward to take photos, so I will go back soon to really capture the place she works..
If you know Michelle, she hates having her photo taken, but I was able to manage a few snapshots of her at work..
I have to say that it was good to see her working.. It is at times difficult to have her gone for such a long time due to the current situation she is in, and I needed to be reminded of why we are here.. She is making a difference. If she didn't put in the long hours here(along with a few other physicians) children would die.. It is a difficult situation.. The hospital is understaffed, people are underpaid, there is limited resources and children here are very sick. I know nothing about medicine, but I do know that the situation here is tough. And Michelle is in the throws of it and her services are needed every single day.
So, it was good for me to be reminded of this.. When I feel like I haven't seen her as much as I'd like (i really enjoy hanging out with my wife), this is a good reminder why..
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The Christmas Party was a huge event.. they had all the workers come for a grill out, several performances and apparently after I left, they made all the American doctors(Michelle included) dance. Now, for Malawians and probably all Africans, there is nothing more hilarious than watching white people dance.. Michelle tells me she was a part of the comedy relief.. The women in the photo below did a wonderful dance..
Aside from dancing, there was beautiful Malawian singing. Videos are below as well..
Please check them out for a taste of the local culture...
Heading out shortly for a quick run to the shops in preparation for everyone's arrival... Safe travels Jake, Bob and Rebecca.. as they say here... See you this Side!!
sorry the writing seems a bit rushed.. have lots to do before tomorrow! Cheers everyone
s
