Last Day!! Part 1

Everyone is sad to be leaving and the patients are sad to see us go. A transfer at noon yesterday went very smooth and we love this group of surgical ward nurses. Some we have seen before but their skill level and assessment skills have really shone on this trip. They have played a more visible role--not just there to do the personal care. The have also seemed to understand the wonder of such a complex surgical procedures in this setting. We know the patients will need continued good care, no infections, and follow-up which works, to continue on their path to healing and just some good luck.

Transportation is an issue. There are very few patients from Kigali proper where buses are many....most need a combination of travel involving buses, and the dreaded moto-taxi and then some walking in the full day sun. Not exactly what I would want after being ill for so long , followed by cardiac surgery. But they are so excited to reach their home and their families.

After we left the hospital yesterday, we had a wonderful afternoon in many direction. Some sleeping, some shopping and some of us completing the valve forms to mail in...but at 5 we gathered at the studio for Emmanuel (not our patient Emmanuel) and his brothers near the guest house at their studio/gallery for an art show. Wonderful colors and wonderful young men...

We held out traditional departure dinner at Heaven with the most beautiful moon we have EVER seen. First bright orange, and over the night as it rose, the moon paled and you could see Orion and other constellations in the night sky. Somehow very fitting....