It was an outstanding day of clinic today full of satisfying opportunities that played to my strengths, nursing and otherwise. Samuel was back with me as interpreter unless discretion was necessary and then my Rachel came to my rescue.
My tiny Maasai warriors were my heartbeat today. 3ft tall rocking their shukas, some with a tiny staff as tall as they. My one was the son of our security guard and clung close his papa as a mini mimic. I smile as I imagine how precious he must be in his ‘unguarded’ moments.
I was blessed with being of service to a 7 month pregnant Mama of 5 who is dehydrated. I gave her a place to lie down and started her IV, checking on her between patients. I miss starting IVs. It was once my superpower and the thrill of riding that bicycle lives on.
Our sick baby from yesterday returned for another round of antibiotics. She clung to her mama, of course, but was less volatile. I gave her shots in her legs and sent her home with ice bags to ease her discomfort. I suspect she will make a fine recovery.
As clinic ends, an after-party pops up in the lobby vibrates with the laughing joy of the young Maasai interpreters teaching our young Arizonians how to jump like true Maasai warriors. S and are impressive as they tower above their Maasai counterparts. B adds his skill with his round-off, spinning handstands and double jointed shoulder feats amid well earned accolades of wonder.
The smell of rain fills the air as the storm rapidly approaching sends it’s thunder ahead. The sun behind me, the storm ahead sparks a rainbow, a clear line in the sky between.
A motorcycle bearing two riders, revs it’s motor in the direction of the sun to try to beat the pelting. The Maasai passenger realizing the futility, covers his head with his red plaid shuka and ducks behind the driver. I flashback to my own self on the back of our Harley riding home in a monsoon. I can feel the sharp stinging even now.
The wind whips itself and the deluge into a frenzy as we are overtaken with its bluster. The sunny sky becomes a memory but is replaced with dancing and singing in the rain back at the hotel. It’s cool freshness washes our sweat and cares away.
TanzaniAnne
Tripping with God: Stories of Faith and Inspiration 