It's Africa Hot

As is traditional in Africa, things will happen - but in their own time. We woke early this morning only because the sun was up and our eyelids were the only things not stuck to the sheets. Our first task of the day was to get to the Maputo Heart Institute for a meeting (o reuniao) with Dr. Ferreira, the institute's director. We have been given the keys to one of the Mulenga's cars (a Toyota Something-or-other) and free reign of the streets. CC can attest to the fact that I am skilled at the right-side drive automobile, but am challenged with the turn signal switch v. the windshield wiper switch. Left turns can really obscure one's vision if the windscreen is 'buggy.' Erin is the essential navigator as the roads are potholed (read: craters of the moon) and the avenues are infrequently signed.

At any rate, we made it to the institute where we were warmly greeted by Dr. Ferreira. She gave us the skinny on the history of the Instituto do Coracao (ICOR), toured us through the center, and invited Erin to spend as much time there as she'd like. This little organization is quite amazing considering the governmental restrictions on non-governmental organizations (NGOs). ICOR, in it's 5th year, has done over 500 corrective heart surgeries, many on indigent children for free. The equipment, save a cardiac cath machine from funds donated from a French company, is all used and donated. The clinical staff are all well trained in Portugal, France, Sweden, and the UK, as well as right here in Maputo. Recently, though, technical and administrative staff have been developed locally. Young adults who have demonstrated academic competency have been given jobs as orderlies and trained during their service. This is a great service the institute provides to the local economy (with 30-40% unemployment in the skilled and professional sector) and it helps with program sustainability. I'm sure Erin will like to tell everyone more about it as she will be working there as part of the Team.
Then, Jeff tried to buy a t-shirt off of the back of some guy. Unfortunately, it was the wrong size. But, after a couple of phone calls and a day's wait, the shirt (new and sized) was purchased.
Then we went to a birthday for a little girl living in the village. We were greated with kisses and hugs from the WHOLE FAMILY - including grandma and grandpa. This family spoke, primarily, Shangaan, so we had no idea what they were saying. But, as the little girl, Paulina, was opening her gift, they all clapped and whistled. The older sister, Mizinha, was even crying from happiness for her little sister. It was good sport.
We look forward to more ventures into the community as our work begins more formally next week. We'll keep you posted!