This week I had the opportunity to work in the laboratory. That is where my host dad works and so he showed me the ropes. Basically, the week was bittersweet. Hardly anyone in labs spoke English, and my French is a work in progress. Therefore, I sat there quietly most of the time. (I am still really timid about speaking French).
My host dad did a really good job of explaining what everything was and how to do things. Honestly, it was nothing exciting like in the OR. I just looked at malaria smears and poop all day long. And if I wasn't doing that then I was cleaning slides. However, I still had fun.
It is more relaxed in labs. The workers sit back, talk, and have a great time. I wish I knew enough French to join in the laughs. Although it was hard to communicate they ensured I knew how much they appreciated me being there. They made certain that I went to eat lunch, and basically kicked me out of labs by three because I did a lot of work already. Everyone would tell me good job, and were very encouraging. Therefore, other then the very mundane work day, I still had a good time.
Of course I more exposed working in labs. Every patient has to go to labs at some point and time. So, I was being hit on the whole time by some of the patients. Even one of the workers put a great deal of effort to communicate with me and hardly did any work. He added me on Facebook, then proceeded to look through all my pictures. I never thought I would be so embarrassed by my knees showing in a picture. I was mortified when he saw pictures of me in shorts. Culture shock has hit me hard. I am less worried about cleavage and more worried about how my knees show once in awhile.
I also had many people tell me I should stay longer, and had a wonderful lecture about marriage. A patient argued his case for why it is better to have more then one wife, and why I should get married in Tchad. He told me that I need to learn French quick or else I won't be able to find a good husband... Things were very awkward from time to time.
On top of labs I had a wonderful time at gymnastics. This new kid is attending and he is amazing. He can hold a handstand for over 20 seconds and can do a back walkover by himself. He is the best one in the class by far. He even shows me some moves and makes me try them. Basically, he is teaching me how to breakdance. I never expected to learn that here. So now it is a gymnastics break dancing group. I hope we can get a show together before I leave so I can show you a video of all our hard work.
It is crazy to think that I am only here for 8 more weeks. At times I feel like it is a very long time and I can't wait for it to be over. But, for the most part, I hate to see it end. Things are getting better and better and I am loving things more and more. I feel like I have so much more I want to do and very little time to do it in. I have truly become attached to this place.
******TOUCHING MOMENT OF THIS WEEK: One of the kids in my old English class stopped me and asked why I wasn't teaching anymore. They miss me teaching English, but are happy they get to hang out with me at gymnastics still.
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