Sittin’ on the porch of my flat, wastin’ time

Imagine Otis Redding singing it, it's much better.

It is a Good Friday indeed. In that is more than enough hope to get through any trials that I might face here or anywhere.

The three day work week was much longer that the hours which made it up. An admirable amount of work was done That we have Tyronza from the Copperbelt has been great in that Kahler and I are now free to do other things that we know have needed attention but, just have not reached high enough on the priority list to warrant any focus. There is, of course, a learning curve and we will be bringing her up to speed on the specifics for the remainder of our time.

We completed a mock run for the vaccine trial, that we will begin screening for in a couple of weeks, yesterday. The lab did well and save not being supplied with the proper paperwork it was perfect. They used my blood, again, for the testing. I think the techs just get a kick out of stabbing the boss. Patricia was especially anxious and claimed the phlebotomy bench for this mock run. It was more bearable as this screening visit does not require PBMC isolation and thus did not require as much as the time previous. This time it was five only 5mL serum separator tubes and two 4mL ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes.

All was fine and dandy until on the last tube the IV clotted and I couldn’t handle the fishing that was going to be required to clear the needle so I asked her to pull it out and I got stabbed a second time in the opposite arm. She was unbelievably sad that she had to stick me again and I assured her that I was not angry. So HIV rapid testing was done, good news, I am negative, and blood chemistry and haematology results will follow next week.

This morning I awoke earlier than I had intended to help Ty shut down the liquid nitrogen plant that was screaming over at the IAVI site. Then I saw Kahler and Katy off as they are going on a little adventure to Lake Kariba with Ellen and her pup. At 10:00 I mosied down to the Emmesdale Market to get something for breakfast. It is interesting how much different that walk seems to me now. It is more a duty now than leisure though I still appreciate the uniqueness of the scene/s.

The lady that normally only grunts at me actually said hello this morning! That was a victory, I have no idea what was different but, I got a ‘good morning, how are you?’ for the first time ever. I picked up a few drinks and two little loaves of sweet bread and returned to the flat. Made a cup of tea, toasted a few slices of the bread, and sat down here on the porch to listen to The Tale of Two Cities and write you this little blog.

 This is what my computer sees right now. Easy ladies, I'm taken. haha

Praying that you are restored, refreshed, and re-hopend (that’s a new one) as we are thankful for the sacrifice and victory that was made for us. Not my will but, Yours Lord. There is much I have learned over here from being very ok with not taking a shower to allowing my naturally extraverted nature be content with a very introverted lifestyle. I have so much to be thankful for. Have a wonderful Good Friday and a blessed Easter.

Miss you all.

A few things

1. Persistence (Thank you Uncle Bill)

2. Physical Sustainance (Thank you Mom and Pa)

3. Frustration (Thank you ZEHRP)

4. Beautiful Weather (Thank you Africa)

5. Hope (Thank you Jesus)

This past week a few unique things happen.

I was walking from Main site back over to IAVI. I had made my way over to check the stock room for something and stood outside and talked with Kahler for a bit. While we were talking Florance asked if I would mind taking some blood collection tubes back with me. Of course, I would and I made my way down the dirt alley that separates Vubu from Mwembelelo. On the way there were two little Indian girls skipping along. They saw me and stopped to ask what it was that I was carrying. I began to try and explain that I work at a clinic and we use these to test if people are sick.

She looked at me, with absolutely no idea or interest in what I was trying to explain. She asked me if I was selling them and I said, 'oh no, these are for the lab, you wouldn't want one of these' they said ok, smiled and continued on. I, a little disappointed in my ability to relate what it is that I do looked down at the tubes. I saw the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes bring purple tops and smiled. They were pretty and they wanted to know if they could have one. Man, if the Lord ever blesses me with a daughter I will be SO lost.

Tyronza, the lab director who basically does everything at the Ndola site, is relocating to Lusaka to help out with the B002 HIV vaccine trial. So far no word on whether or not there are any interns lined up to take over for Kahler and I. It will be a real shame if they do not let us pass on as much as possible before we leave. It makes apparent the tragic under-estimation of what we have learned this past year.

I, however, am not so disappointed. The way they run this thing I secretly, though it shows in no way in my ten hour work days, want to see the work of this Emory-based irritable tyrant burn. As I shared the other night in small group, it is difficult to work as unto the Lord when I so badly want to see the work of one that does not appreciate the fact that any success was built on intern backs shatter. I will continue to do my work as best I can, because I don't know any other way, and survive the next few months. Persistence.

As for nutrients, my folks have me covered. I received two packages today with all sorts of tasty things. Thanks you so much. They also sent some entertainment items that are just about vital when you are tired of reading and need to shut the 'ol noodle down. Towela, one of the laboratory technicians wanted an external hard drive so I ordered it and they sent that as well. She will be pumped to get it. Technology is at least twice, if not three or four, times more over here.

A long weekend is on the way making tomorrow our Friday. I had tentative plans to make way for South Africa but, as you have all heard before traveling is incredibly expensive over here so I will be making the most here in Lusaka. I have lots to read and many hours of sleep to catch up on. Maybe I can write a few blogs that I have been meaning to catch up on as well.

Praying that you all are well. Can't wait to see you, have a super day.

Going to make it

Immune

Despite my work being about as frustrating as I am equipped to stand all is well. It is time for me to get accept to the idea that the rest of my time with this project will not be ideal. This however, will not steal my joy.

The temperature is beginning to drop so that I only need to turn my fan on low when I go to bed. I am told that the wet season is over. It was not so true to it's name in my mind. I expected to be swimming to work. There were a few days where the water did rise but, so far as continued/non-stop rains Lusaka could not deliver.

It is interesting to see how the Zambians bundle up when the temperature drops below 15 C or so. They gear up like they are tackling Everest. I have heard that they are not as able to regulate body temperature because they are carried on their mother's back for the first two years of life. It is an intriguing theory.

I finally tried the IAVI nshima that I have heard so much about. I was wondering how something that is supposed to taste like nothing could get any better. Turns out it is the consistency and the temperature that makes it good or not so good. So if it melts your fingerprints off and doesn't stick so badly that you get third degree burns sue to the afore mentioned then it good nshima. Good or bad it is my palate that makes the decisions and I could really go for some curly fries.

We are going to be getting some company soon in the way of new interns and student visitors (kids from Emory finishing up their master's work and are interested in global health). They are bring back Michelle and the current lab director at the Ndola site. There is plenty to do. Emory is so terribly behind when it comes to the site here yet, they insist on calling the shots and installing mandates that make zero logical sense. Focusing on the good means ignoring many aspects of my job. There is good there of course but, it is buried.

Africa, it's not you, it's ZEHRP.

I pray this blog finds you well. That chain in the living room with weeks until I hop a plane keeps getting shorter, proof that I am headed in the right direction. Like the engine that could, I will make it.

All will be grand

God Bless you all, He has certainly blessed me. 

At least I have my health

We have a visitor (Jana) in from the Human Immunology Lab (HIL) in London. She is here to train on the specifics of peripheral blood monoclonal cells (PBMCs) isolation. This is a process that the lab does on a daily basis and consumes a great many work hours. They are not only difficult to run but, extremely important to our parent/funding bodies, Emory and IAVI.

Well today Jana needed a sample to demonstrate how PBMCs should be run. She and the techs, mainly Oscar and Towela, decided that the best source of blood would be me, with my over-sized return circulatory plumbing. They got their wish and I forced my body to cope with 64mL less blood than I had when I awoke.

It turns out that I am in pretty good shape so far as my cellular health. They found a terrific cell viability of 15.26x10^6 and were able to isolate a great concentration of cells. I told Jen, who, now jokingly, refers to me as Chuck Norris. I am quite far from that kind of greatness but, I certainly did not discourage such a prestigious nickname. Might have told them to hang onto that blood because I am pretty sure that it cures all disease.

I forgot to mention another nickname that I picked up a few weeks ago from Parry. He said that I reminded him of General Custer from the American Westerns. Quite sure it has to do with the mustache, ha. I have been called more things in my nine months here than in the rest of my life.

Kahler and I have been feeling the heat more than ever from the Emory side. Combined with the consistent want for communication from the IAVI, CLS, HIL side, you have jobs for at least five members of management. There is just Kahler and I though doing more than we can to try and keep them all satisfied. Our work lives are consumed with data errors from years past, validating equipment for the vaccine trial, and the myriad other day-to-day items.

On a lighter note, Katy reminded her with her last blog comment that I ate carbonated yogurt. That's right folks I put actively bubbling yogurt in my body. Kahler said that I am now ready to be a dad because they are supposed to have the ability to act as a human food disposal. Turns out that the carbonation is due to the fact that the cell cultures are not deactivated in yogurt over here, which is actually good for you but, is a significant limitation to shelf life. So I ate a few bites and decided that it was probably not for the best. I went out to tell Katy and Kahler and forgot that I had left the container on the counter until I heard Katy say 'oh my gosh!' My yogurt was climbing out of it's cup. Africa Wins Again

Tonight was interesting, to be sure. We went into the Mexican place for dinner and drinks. After a delightful dinner we sat talking when we were interrupted by a thoroughly toasted South African fella that I am quite sure would have chosen to not have grace us with his presence had Katy not been around. He quite fancied her I reckon, he only asked her name six times I think. His buddy, who was equally destroyed, decided I was his friend and had a ball sputtering half sentences and trailing off in curses. It was entertaining at first but, became frustrating as they did not pick up on every social cue I can think to send that we were tired of their presence and they should return to their table.

After calling Joseph and escaping the drunken dynamic duo we agreed to go on an errand with Joseph before returning to the flats. It turned out to be a ton of fun. We traveled just a half km or so south-ish (I think) down Zambezi Rd. to a compound called Mungwa (or something to that effect) where Joseph's in-laws lived. His in-laws were looking after his two little ones Wayne (6yrs) and Brandon (2yrs). We took the chance to meet his family and experience some new cultural traditions. It is a sign of respect to kneel when you come to the residence of your in-laws or your elders. His wife is number six of nine children. Holy smokes, right.

On the way in it was neat to hear a choir singing and the drum being played. Katy hit it right on when she said that this is the Africa that she loves. It is a dirty, crowded little compound but, teeming with life and personality that is quite unique to this continent.

One more day until the weekend. We are tearing another link off the chain and K&K are getting pumped about heading for Dusty and Sarah's wedding here in a little over a month. I pray that you all are enjoying your Friday afternoon and have an adventure this weekend. I miss you all so much. Know that I am well, breathing, and healthy. Thank you all for staying in touch and being here even when you can't be. It means more than you know.

Breathing

Survive vs. delight. I guess I can combine the two and take joy in my survival. I mean after all there are entire television series about people surviving in the wild. I think that the cameramen would fall asleep on my African adventure though. Email, walk to the lab, talk to the techs, back to desk, email, check the logs, email, repeat.

Mrs. Cummins, you are right the vaccine trial is exciting and it is neat to be on the edge of the medicine. Though I am not involved in the capacity that I wish I was. I get to read about how the vaccine works and understand the science behind the endeavor, which is neat, however, the more I think about it, the more I wish that I was a part of the invention rather than just applying the genius of another lab team. It is not that I do not recognize the opportunity, only that I am getting to know myself a little better in so far as the pieces of this project in which I find genuine interest.

Uncle Bill, it's posts like your last that keep me from giving up over here. So. Thank you. You are an inspiration for me to continue learning and seeking the knowledge to make me more effective in my work here.

Before I forget I should document something that happen this past week. Fairly certain that Heather nearly died laughing when I told her the story. Kahler, Katy and I were in town (Northmead market area). Kahler and I hopped out at an ATM to grab some cash. As I am maneuvering a massive puddle that Joseph parked in a fella washing his car next to us (likely the reason for the puddle as I look back) pointed at my eyebrow ring and said 'you a bad gangsta'. Needless to say Kahler and I looked at each other and laughed. Maybe John Wayne is less 'gangsta' than I am but, other than that I think the list is short.

By the seventh of this month I will know whether I am able to return early July or late. Either way, I will make it. It's about the breathing, surviving, and hope in the fact that there are no mistakes.

Pap, that little devotional that you sent me was pretty great. Basically, people like my Pa, brother, and I are really terrible at doing nothing. If there is a problem I am going to try and fix it. If I don't know how something is supposed to work I want to figure it out.

There is much to be said for patience. This skill has been honed from nothing over the recent years, with a good deal, I feel, having taken place in my relatively short time here. Being content is waiting for what is coming is next is much simpler to say. It is certainly not as hopeless as all of this it's just very honestly how I am feeling.

Focus on the good. Mr. Cummins said it well, I am here for a reason and though it is more difficult than the alternative it is something that I do not regret. I have been thinking about the nutshell explanation of my experience here.

Maybe I can liken it to climbing a mountain or hiking a trail. That mountain doesn't look too bad until you are just about half way and coping with that, 'what the blank was I thinking?' You buckle down, press on, and reach the top because you are physically able given the drive you possess to see it through. After you have defeated that sucker you get on that flat ground again with a tremendous respect and appreciation for that bit of rock. You cursed it on the way up though.

I don't think that it is something that anyone can learn vicariously nor, if they could fast forward to the hindsight perspective, would they want to. For myself that 'what was I thinking?' has made me much more dependent and thankful that our Lord is sovereign.

Zambia and ZEHRP have taught me lessons that I will not soon forget. I am praying for the wisdom to get done what I need to before I leave and grace to do what I should despite the leadership that doesn't see it.

Brother, it was so good getting to talk to you this weekend. I really miss you guys a lot. For the first time I believed that someone knew what I was going through over here, thank you for that.

So here's to the next two or three months watching the season change, meeting people, developing friendships, being a part of a promising HIV vaccine trial, living with a house-keeper, and soaking up the good here in Africa. There will be rough parts but I will make it to the top and praise the Lord for the strength He gave me to get there.

This bad gangsta will keep on breathing.

Epic: to the end of the tunnel

01Apr11
Email Sent: 27
Email Received: 57

Today was just that good. Week has been tough but, the end is close.

Looks like I will be here longer than I would like. Unappreciated and bored to tears, it is a killer combo. Focus on the good stuff though and all will just keep floating on.

Good stuff- I got a good deal done today at work.
Good stuff- Every plant here has flowers and they all smell great
Good stuff- I have two friends over here that mean the world to me
Good stuff- I am getting international experience
Good stuff- This is a unique journey that I will remember forever (this maybe good and bad, haha)

Hope that all is well I will write details soon. It has been a long day. God bless you wonderful readers