First Patients out of ICU and Scenes from the Countryside

Emmanuel, our first patient, WALKING into the Step-down Ward

Today is Wednesday and our first patient, Emmanuel transferred out of ICU. He is a 37yo farmer. Our second patient, Israel transferred over later in the day as well.  He is only 11yo. Both patients, had single valve replacement surgery on Monday and are doing fantastic, transferring out of ICU on post of day 2!
Several Team Heart nurses took a trip out of the city today with Abraham. Abraham is a local shop owner and jewelry designer who has been a friend of Team Heart since 2009. Abraham brought the nurses to a co-op where many of the traditional Rwandan baskets are made by local women. It was quite the experience, to see the grass drying and the women weaving it into the beautiful baskets we all take home as gifts. The areas outside of downtown Kigali, are lush and stunning. It is always nice to enjoy the beauty of Rwanda on days off from the hospital. With four patients in ICU and now two in the Step-down Ward, we are just getting started...keep following along for more updates and pictures :)

Rwanda: the land of a thousand hills

Hitching a ride uphill :)

Women taking a break from basketweaving

Stepdown Ward ready for patients

Our first Step-down Ward Patient