Today, if weather permits, we plan to pack surgical instruments on loan from Brigham and Women's Hospital, probably 150 pounds to go in second bags to travel with the surgical team--Many thanks for this generous loan and the support of the operating room (aka theater in Rwanda) leadership. Once again, Carol R. has been wonderful behind the scenes in preparation. We could not do it without the support of this institution that seems both pleased and and slightly bewildered at times by the sheer magnitude of support required by this project.

Another key person at the Brigham has been Steve S. . Very quiet, very competent, he knows OR and ICU inventory inside and out. If we need something the Brigham does not supply, he has the contact to get what is needed. He has been involved for 4 years and from the very first year, he was always there when we need him the most. You know we cannot do this with out surgeons...but, we also can not do this with out people like Steve and Carol...no one ever sees them--but boy, do we know they are there!

A snowstorm moving into the northeast has just slowed us down with what looks like 10-12 inches. Hard to believe we will soon be in Rwanda, unpacking, watching Marilyn and Pat work their magic screening patients , getting new people oriented. But before we get to this point, there is much to do stateside.