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.