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
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
Great post, Jake. I really like it when you paint a picture of your interaction with the people you encounter...or giant lizards...or bugs. :) I'm glad you got your boxes with some fun stuff inside.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that you and Kahler are there making a difference for the people you work with and for those that your work will affect directly one day...whether the "without a clue"s at Emory appreciate it or not. I know God will bless your efforts because your heart is to accomplish your worthy task.
You and your brother are gonna make TERRIFIC dads!!
I love you, Honey.
momma XXooXX