Friends,
We left Paul's and Kittie's home at midnight local time the morning of the 17th (6pm Chicago time). This was 3.5 hours ahead of the scheduled departure time - partly due to our concern about increased security for flights returning to the US. I'm glag we did allow more time. There was not only the usual by-hand inspection of the checked baggage, x-ray screening of the carry-on items, and magnetometer scanning of our persons, but there was an additional by-hand search of the carry-on items and a by-hand body search of each passenger, too. We showed our passports and boarding passes four times AFTER the usual security check - including at the base of the stairway onto the plane.
The flight left about 30 minutes late and arrived in NY around 8:30am local time after a flight of 8 hours. We had about 90 minutes to grab something to eat and catch the final - and uneventful - leg into Chicago, arriving on-time at 2:00pm local.
We consider the trip to have been very successful and to have planted seeds that can be tended by the Wellness Team between visits by others to assist in the training. We made new friends and enjoyed renewing long-standing friendships. We ask God's continued blessings and grace on all those we taught and those who will support them in the coming year.
-- Tom
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
The graduating class
The photo shows our 13 community health workers with their three primary instructors: Jane (left), Janet (back center), and Carol (right).
Friday the 15th
Friends,
Yesterday afternoon, the seminar continued with anti-diarrhea techniques, including Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc therapy. As I wrote yesterday, diarrheal diseases account for most child deaths in Africa. ORS is a home-made rehydration and electrolyte replacement solution.
Zinc has recently been found to reduce deaths in such cases, too - so the team has provided each student with a supply for use.
The final part of the day started out with Carol talking about recordkeeping and the need to the growth of children. The students were given growth charts tuned for Africa and other means of assessing malnutrition through physical examination. During the discussion, a student asked about family planning. Within a few minutes, a spirited and sometimes angry discussion began about the acceptance of family planning within the villages and conflicts with Islamic teachings on the subject. While no one was convinced, the students were exposed to a number of ideas and reactions which might come from their fellow villagers.
In the evening, we showered, rested and then went to Dr. Bashir's apartment for dinner. Many
of our friends from the church mission were there, too and a lively evening was had by all. Of special note were Karen's ten minutes on a theraputic vibrating platform that resembled a stair climbing machine and Dr. Bashir's demonstration of the foot acupuncture mat - which only Janet could replicate. There was much hooting and laughing.
This morning, we arrived at the church for breakfast. The students were asked to create a skit covering many of the concepts taught during the week. The team returned to the rooms to finish packing and then returned for lunch with all of the luggage in the van - ready for the airport at midnight tonight. Lunch followed and then the student skit. Both accurate and funny at times, they portrayed the complaining villagers they were sure would challenge the ideas taught. Clearly, they were both well-informed by us and had no illusions of the work before them. Afterwards, they read a letter to us of deep thanks. Carol, Jane and Janet then awarded the certificates for completing this first of three parts of the overall training. Final thanks were exchanged and honors conferred to the adjournment at 3pm.
This evening, we will go to Kittie and Paul's home for dinner and then some will venture into Dakar to hear Senegalese music. We must be at the airport around midnight for our 3:30am flight to JFK.
This will be the last posting from Senegal. Thank you all for your prayers. The mission was a complete success and we look forward to future visits to continue training community health workers in this country.
-- Tom
Yesterday afternoon, the seminar continued with anti-diarrhea techniques, including Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc therapy. As I wrote yesterday, diarrheal diseases account for most child deaths in Africa. ORS is a home-made rehydration and electrolyte replacement solution.
Zinc has recently been found to reduce deaths in such cases, too - so the team has provided each student with a supply for use.The final part of the day started out with Carol talking about recordkeeping and the need to the growth of children. The students were given growth charts tuned for Africa and other means of assessing malnutrition through physical examination. During the discussion, a student asked about family planning. Within a few minutes, a spirited and sometimes angry discussion began about the acceptance of family planning within the villages and conflicts with Islamic teachings on the subject. While no one was convinced, the students were exposed to a number of ideas and reactions which might come from their fellow villagers.
In the evening, we showered, rested and then went to Dr. Bashir's apartment for dinner. Many
of our friends from the church mission were there, too and a lively evening was had by all. Of special note were Karen's ten minutes on a theraputic vibrating platform that resembled a stair climbing machine and Dr. Bashir's demonstration of the foot acupuncture mat - which only Janet could replicate. There was much hooting and laughing.This morning, we arrived at the church for breakfast. The students were asked to create a skit covering many of the concepts taught during the week. The team returned to the rooms to finish packing and then returned for lunch with all of the luggage in the van - ready for the airport at midnight tonight. Lunch followed and then the student skit. Both accurate and funny at times, they portrayed the complaining villagers they were sure would challenge the ideas taught. Clearly, they were both well-informed by us and had no illusions of the work before them. Afterwards, they read a letter to us of deep thanks. Carol, Jane and Janet then awarded the certificates for completing this first of three parts of the overall training. Final thanks were exchanged and honors conferred to the adjournment at 3pm.
This evening, we will go to Kittie and Paul's home for dinner and then some will venture into Dakar to hear Senegalese music. We must be at the airport around midnight for our 3:30am flight to JFK.This will be the last posting from Senegal. Thank you all for your prayers. The mission was a complete success and we look forward to future visits to continue training community health workers in this country.
-- Tom
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thursday the 14th
Friends,
Yesterday wrapped up with student presentations on nutrition using their felt boards, construction of "tippy tap" handwashing stations, and a discussion of community mental health concerns. Jane, Janet and Carol are all impressed and excited about the progress the students are making.
The felt boards were brought by the team along with many sheets of printed drawings of foods and kitchen utensils. The students attached felt strips to the back of the their set of drawings and then learned techniques for using the drawings when presenting concepts to their fellow villagers. After questions and re-iterations, the group broke up into three sets of students and a translator. Each student then presented a particular nutrition concept to the other students and instructors present. All of the students showed excellent comprehension and skills in this exercise.
After lunch, Harvey presented the "tippy tap" - a handwashing station constructed from a 1/2 gallon plastic bottle. You can google it for more details. Harvey had to adapt the design to the local 10-liter bottles available - Senegal does not appear to have our familiar 1/2 gallon milk containers. After explaining the purpose, Harvey turned three groups loose with a bottle and materials to construct their own "tippy tap". The students were very excited and succeeded wonderfully. We hope this idea can be deployed near latrines or kitchens to encourage handwashing without wasting water.
Karen led the final session on community mental health. She asked questions to start conversation about problems of village life today. Are villages growing or shrinking? What types of behaviors bother villagers? The ensuing discussion was intense and enlightening. The students and local instructors discussed problems with alcohol, conflicts between traditional and modern medicine, homosexuality, and other familiar issues.
After the end of class, the team walked down to the ocean beach and back. The sunset was lovely. On the beach, dozens of young men were exercising - primarily training for soccer - and no women could be seen. We were back to the rooms around 9:30.
Today, Thursday, the team will complete food handling safety and then instruct the students on treating diarrhea. Later, Jane will show the "diarrhea dolls" and how to use one to instruct others on the causes and treatment of diarrhea. Most child deaths result from diarrheal diseases.
The beading continues full-steam and the students there have created beautiful rope necklaces. Their appetite to learn this skill seems insatiable!
We are now looking toward our trip home Saturday morning. The weather in NY and Chicago looks good for that day, so we hope that we will be at home on time. We have to be at the airport at midnight Friday night and the plane leaves at 3:30am local time Saturday, but because we travel with the sun, we get back to Chicago at 2:30pm the same day!
-- Tom
Yesterday wrapped up with student presentations on nutrition using their felt boards, construction of "tippy tap" handwashing stations, and a discussion of community mental health concerns. Jane, Janet and Carol are all impressed and excited about the progress the students are making.
The felt boards were brought by the team along with many sheets of printed drawings of foods and kitchen utensils. The students attached felt strips to the back of the their set of drawings and then learned techniques for using the drawings when presenting concepts to their fellow villagers. After questions and re-iterations, the group broke up into three sets of students and a translator. Each student then presented a particular nutrition concept to the other students and instructors present. All of the students showed excellent comprehension and skills in this exercise.
After lunch, Harvey presented the "tippy tap" - a handwashing station constructed from a 1/2 gallon plastic bottle. You can google it for more details. Harvey had to adapt the design to the local 10-liter bottles available - Senegal does not appear to have our familiar 1/2 gallon milk containers. After explaining the purpose, Harvey turned three groups loose with a bottle and materials to construct their own "tippy tap". The students were very excited and succeeded wonderfully. We hope this idea can be deployed near latrines or kitchens to encourage handwashing without wasting water.Karen led the final session on community mental health. She asked questions to start conversation about problems of village life today. Are villages growing or shrinking? What types of behaviors bother villagers? The ensuing discussion was intense and enlightening. The students and local instructors discussed problems with alcohol, conflicts between traditional and modern medicine, homosexuality, and other familiar issues.
After the end of class, the team walked down to the ocean beach and back. The sunset was lovely. On the beach, dozens of young men were exercising - primarily training for soccer - and no women could be seen. We were back to the rooms around 9:30.
Today, Thursday, the team will complete food handling safety and then instruct the students on treating diarrhea. Later, Jane will show the "diarrhea dolls" and how to use one to instruct others on the causes and treatment of diarrhea. Most child deaths result from diarrheal diseases.The beading continues full-steam and the students there have created beautiful rope necklaces. Their appetite to learn this skill seems insatiable!
We are now looking toward our trip home Saturday morning. The weather in NY and Chicago looks good for that day, so we hope that we will be at home on time. We have to be at the airport at midnight Friday night and the plane leaves at 3:30am local time Saturday, but because we travel with the sun, we get back to Chicago at 2:30pm the same day!
-- Tom
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday the 13th
Friends,
Yesterday afternoon the discussion turned to water purification. Harvey introduced a video from the SODIS organization which I had made work on the local computer. After the video, Harvey demonstrated the SODIS process again and then discussion began. In brief, the process involves sterilization of water through 6 hours of exposure to intense sunlight in closed, transparent, 1.5 or 2 liter bottles.
The discussion was very interesting. The students inquired about all aspects of the process and water handling in general. "Can any water be used for the SODIS process?" (No - water containing poisons must not be used and dirty water must be strained through cloth until it is clear) "Could the purified water be transferred to a larger storage bottle?" (No, not safely) "How long could th
e purified water be kept?" (Three days if opened - otherwise indefinitely) "Could the bottles be set in the sun anywhere?" (No, only on light-colored surfaces - but corrigated tin roofing is the best) "How many bottles are needed to handle the needs of a single person?" (Four, two for drinking that day - and refilling at the end of the day - and two that are on the tin roofing for tomorrow's use). "Is this the best means to purify water?" (No, boiling water is the best - but the SODIS approach is virtually as safe without the labor of finding and burning wood)
We asked questions, too. "Do the villages currently use any water purification processes?" (Only boiling) "Do the students believe that the SODIS process could be adopted by their villages? (Yes) "What problems do you foresee?" (Where could we get all the bottles?)
This sort of discussion is key to the community health worker education process because it confirms understanding while potentially revealing other aspects of village life that should be covered in the training.
The balance of the afternoon was devoted to mental health issues. Karen and Jane teamed to lead a discussion and present a skit about recognizing emotional/mood problems. Jane asked if there were emotional problems and how people were treated. In fact, villages do have instances of persons leaving to extended care elsewhere for mental health issues and then returning (or not). When Jane asked if suicide was known in the villages, the conversation became quite wide-ranging and serious. Yes, suicide is known and is most often connected with economic problems. Several students related sad stories of individuals who were evicted from living quarters and hung themselves (the most common means of suicide since guns are almost unknown). There were also stories of persons who seemed happy and rich - but were found dead by their own hand. Jane asked how help for these persons might have changed things and the students had many ideas and stories about persons who were helped by the community. So, simple recognition of problems appears to be most important.
Once again, we had a post-class meeting to discuss what went well and what didn't.
Today, the focus will be on nutrition, safe food preparation, and the use of felt boards for explaining these issues to others. Janet will lead the presentation of information and discussion (we even had someone shop for some food items for the demonstration). We will then break up into four groups (each with a translator) to allow each student to make a five-minute presentation on nutrition. At the end of the day, Harvey will lead instruction on Tippy Tap hand washing stations - including time for the students to build their own from materials on hand here.
-- Tom
Yesterday afternoon the discussion turned to water purification. Harvey introduced a video from the SODIS organization which I had made work on the local computer. After the video, Harvey demonstrated the SODIS process again and then discussion began. In brief, the process involves sterilization of water through 6 hours of exposure to intense sunlight in closed, transparent, 1.5 or 2 liter bottles.
The discussion was very interesting. The students inquired about all aspects of the process and water handling in general. "Can any water be used for the SODIS process?" (No - water containing poisons must not be used and dirty water must be strained through cloth until it is clear) "Could the purified water be transferred to a larger storage bottle?" (No, not safely) "How long could th
e purified water be kept?" (Three days if opened - otherwise indefinitely) "Could the bottles be set in the sun anywhere?" (No, only on light-colored surfaces - but corrigated tin roofing is the best) "How many bottles are needed to handle the needs of a single person?" (Four, two for drinking that day - and refilling at the end of the day - and two that are on the tin roofing for tomorrow's use). "Is this the best means to purify water?" (No, boiling water is the best - but the SODIS approach is virtually as safe without the labor of finding and burning wood)We asked questions, too. "Do the villages currently use any water purification processes?" (Only boiling) "Do the students believe that the SODIS process could be adopted by their villages? (Yes) "What problems do you foresee?" (Where could we get all the bottles?)
This sort of discussion is key to the community health worker education process because it confirms understanding while potentially revealing other aspects of village life that should be covered in the training.
The balance of the afternoon was devoted to mental health issues. Karen and Jane teamed to lead a discussion and present a skit about recognizing emotional/mood problems. Jane asked if there were emotional problems and how people were treated. In fact, villages do have instances of persons leaving to extended care elsewhere for mental health issues and then returning (or not). When Jane asked if suicide was known in the villages, the conversation became quite wide-ranging and serious. Yes, suicide is known and is most often connected with economic problems. Several students related sad stories of individuals who were evicted from living quarters and hung themselves (the most common means of suicide since guns are almost unknown). There were also stories of persons who seemed happy and rich - but were found dead by their own hand. Jane asked how help for these persons might have changed things and the students had many ideas and stories about persons who were helped by the community. So, simple recognition of problems appears to be most important.
Once again, we had a post-class meeting to discuss what went well and what didn't.
Today, the focus will be on nutrition, safe food preparation, and the use of felt boards for explaining these issues to others. Janet will lead the presentation of information and discussion (we even had someone shop for some food items for the demonstration). We will then break up into four groups (each with a translator) to allow each student to make a five-minute presentation on nutrition. At the end of the day, Harvey will lead instruction on Tippy Tap hand washing stations - including time for the students to build their own from materials on hand here.
-- Tom
Beading is a BIG hit!
Friends,
Carol has been taking beading classes in Chicago from Melinda. When Carol mentioned that we were going to Senegal, and that she wanted to teach beading to the Women's Skills Center instructors, Melinda was interested in coming, too. So, Melinda and her daughter, Karen, are with us on this trip. Karen is a graduate student at Vanderbilt in community mental health.
On Monday, Melinda began teaching the WSC instructors beading. This in not your ordinary, string-beads-on-one-thread style of work. The results range from intricate spiral ropes to flat bands of colorful beads. Sizes and colors are artfully woven together to make striking results. The first meeting was a great success, with the students completing a bracelet in about three hours. Of course, once other women in the ministry saw the results, they became instantly excited and wished to be involved, too. The result has been an explosion in the size of each meeting - as well as additional sessions and private tutoring. Melinda is certainly the most sought-after of our group!
This morning (Wednesday), Melinda and Karen got a later start than the rest of us from our rooms. Dogs barking all night contributed to interrupted sleep. We had knocked on their door and knew they were OK - just running behind. After we others
had been at the church for 15 or 20 minutes, the worried questions began: "Where's Melinda?" "Is Karen OK?" "Is Melinda OK?" Beading students were already gathered. Thought was given to sending a car to inquire after them. Anxiety was high! Then Karen and Melinda walked in and a huge sigh of relief was heard - beading will begin shortly! And now, one-half hour later, one only notices a quiet concentration from the classroom.
Senegalese women are very conscious of their appearance and are always dressed purposefully and attractively. No "throw on whatever I have" in this culture! Creating jewelry for women will be a marketable skill. Designs blending western and Africa styles could be particularly successful. The WSC can pass these skills to young women who could, with micro-credit loans, begin small businesses and eventually reach financial security. This is one more avenue the WSC can provide to support the standing of women in Senegal. We are very thankful that Melinda and Karen have chosen to join us on this trip.
-- Tom
Carol has been taking beading classes in Chicago from Melinda. When Carol mentioned that we were going to Senegal, and that she wanted to teach beading to the Women's Skills Center instructors, Melinda was interested in coming, too. So, Melinda and her daughter, Karen, are with us on this trip. Karen is a graduate student at Vanderbilt in community mental health.
On Monday, Melinda began teaching the WSC instructors beading. This in not your ordinary, string-beads-on-one-thread style of work. The results range from intricate spiral ropes to flat bands of colorful beads. Sizes and colors are artfully woven together to make striking results. The first meeting was a great success, with the students completing a bracelet in about three hours. Of course, once other women in the ministry saw the results, they became instantly excited and wished to be involved, too. The result has been an explosion in the size of each meeting - as well as additional sessions and private tutoring. Melinda is certainly the most sought-after of our group!This morning (Wednesday), Melinda and Karen got a later start than the rest of us from our rooms. Dogs barking all night contributed to interrupted sleep. We had knocked on their door and knew they were OK - just running behind. After we others
had been at the church for 15 or 20 minutes, the worried questions began: "Where's Melinda?" "Is Karen OK?" "Is Melinda OK?" Beading students were already gathered. Thought was given to sending a car to inquire after them. Anxiety was high! Then Karen and Melinda walked in and a huge sigh of relief was heard - beading will begin shortly! And now, one-half hour later, one only notices a quiet concentration from the classroom.Senegalese women are very conscious of their appearance and are always dressed purposefully and attractively. No "throw on whatever I have" in this culture! Creating jewelry for women will be a marketable skill. Designs blending western and Africa styles could be particularly successful. The WSC can pass these skills to young women who could, with micro-credit loans, begin small businesses and eventually reach financial security. This is one more avenue the WSC can provide to support the standing of women in Senegal. We are very thankful that Melinda and Karen have chosen to join us on this trip.
-- Tom
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday the 12th
Friends,
Yesterday and this morning have been intense times of teaching and evaluation. This is why we came and the work is picking up steam.
Yesterday, Jane and Janet introduced the group of 13 students to one another and to what it would mean to be a community health worker. After lunch, Carol walked the group through germ theory - the bottom line is that what looks clean is not always clean enough to consume. Tom covered macro-level sanitation, e.g., how does human waste contribute to disease and therefore how should it be addressed to avoid contamination. At the end of the day, Carol led an interesting discussion about malaria - causes and prevention.
The students are becoming more confident; however, we must challenge them to greater energy to sustain their role in a village. The students are now required to present information back to the group as they would explain it in their village - with some role playing by others to express concerns about change. This often leads to new insights and discussion about village life and priorities versus health.
Today, Jane and Rich have taught about "blocking behaviors" that block contamination - such as good hand washing, using clean water at all times, etc. After lunch, Harvey will take the stage with water purification (SODIS) and constructing "Tippy Tap" hand washing stations (especially outside of latrines). If you want to know more, simply google those terms. Thereafter, Tom and Dr. Bashir will discuss dental health.
All of these sessions are punctuated by the occassional short group game to encourage a relaxed approach and break down barriers between people.
The work continues until Friday. The weather is beautiful here, though somewhat cooler than past trips - low-70s during the day and mid-60s at night. The locals are cold and complain of it - most are wearing jackets and caps all the day long!
-- Tom
Yesterday and this morning have been intense times of teaching and evaluation. This is why we came and the work is picking up steam.
Yesterday, Jane and Janet introduced the group of 13 students to one another and to what it would mean to be a community health worker. After lunch, Carol walked the group through germ theory - the bottom line is that what looks clean is not always clean enough to consume. Tom covered macro-level sanitation, e.g., how does human waste contribute to disease and therefore how should it be addressed to avoid contamination. At the end of the day, Carol led an interesting discussion about malaria - causes and prevention.
The students are becoming more confident; however, we must challenge them to greater energy to sustain their role in a village. The students are now required to present information back to the group as they would explain it in their village - with some role playing by others to express concerns about change. This often leads to new insights and discussion about village life and priorities versus health.
Today, Jane and Rich have taught about "blocking behaviors" that block contamination - such as good hand washing, using clean water at all times, etc. After lunch, Harvey will take the stage with water purification (SODIS) and constructing "Tippy Tap" hand washing stations (especially outside of latrines). If you want to know more, simply google those terms. Thereafter, Tom and Dr. Bashir will discuss dental health.
All of these sessions are punctuated by the occassional short group game to encourage a relaxed approach and break down barriers between people.
The work continues until Friday. The weather is beautiful here, though somewhat cooler than past trips - low-70s during the day and mid-60s at night. The locals are cold and complain of it - most are wearing jackets and caps all the day long!
-- Tom
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday and the beginning of the new week
Friends,
Sunday was, of course, worship with our hosts. We joined them at the Grand Yoff church for a 2+ hour service of music, exhortation and witness to the power of our Lord. District Superintendent Joe Bleck delivered a stirring sermon on Christ's baptism and its connection to baptism as a sign of our commitment to God's intention for us. The music and energy was electric in an overflow crowd close to 100.
Thereafter, we had lunch and set off for Goree Island; however, the 3pm ferry was just missed and the group decided to do some shopping instead. Returning around 5, the group napped briefly and then began to organize materials for the next day's initial meeting with the community health workers. After dinner at the church - which gave the team a chance to introduce themselves to the workers - set up for the training began. We walked back to our rooms (six blocks) at 10pm on a cool evening.
Today dawned cloudy, but it never rains outside of September and October. The team gathered and walked back to the church. Breakfast with the CH workers was blessed by DS Joe Bleck. At 9am, the training seminar began with singing of "Amazing Grace".
The training program is being delivered to 13 volunteer members of six villages from the vicinity surrounding the city of Theis (pronounced "chez"). We are assuming no prior health delivery experience. The Wellness Team from the mission is observing the training so that they may continue it over the coming months. The goal is to train a person or persons in the village to monitor the overall health of the community and focus on changing behaviors to contribute to the greatest improvement in health. So, the training starts with basic definitions and germ theory, then moves into specifics about water safety, food safety, sanitation, hand washing, hydration, and eventually prevention of malaria. Just as importantly, the workers are coached in how to present this information to others within the village - each is given a felt board and pictures of foods, animal and insect pests, etc. Each module of the course has a quiz and the workers must make presentations to one another and the entire group. Upon graduation from this week, each worker will receive a certificate.
Of course, follow up with the workers after training is essential - emphasizing periodic reunions of the group to talk about their experiences together. This is a portion of the program we are coaching to the Wellness Team and expect them to fulfill. In another year, the US team may return to carry the training to a new level and perhaps start another group in initial training - but that will be decided after assessment of this year's success.
But class is now in session! Keep us in your prayers. If you wish to support this program, please send a check made out to Trinity United Methodist Church - with "Senegal Wellness" in the memo field. Any amount is helpful, because supplies and transportation are both needed. Please mail the check to:
Trinity UMC
1024 Lake Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
Thank you.
-- Tom
Sunday was, of course, worship with our hosts. We joined them at the Grand Yoff church for a 2+ hour service of music, exhortation and witness to the power of our Lord. District Superintendent Joe Bleck delivered a stirring sermon on Christ's baptism and its connection to baptism as a sign of our commitment to God's intention for us. The music and energy was electric in an overflow crowd close to 100.
Thereafter, we had lunch and set off for Goree Island; however, the 3pm ferry was just missed and the group decided to do some shopping instead. Returning around 5, the group napped briefly and then began to organize materials for the next day's initial meeting with the community health workers. After dinner at the church - which gave the team a chance to introduce themselves to the workers - set up for the training began. We walked back to our rooms (six blocks) at 10pm on a cool evening.
Today dawned cloudy, but it never rains outside of September and October. The team gathered and walked back to the church. Breakfast with the CH workers was blessed by DS Joe Bleck. At 9am, the training seminar began with singing of "Amazing Grace".
The training program is being delivered to 13 volunteer members of six villages from the vicinity surrounding the city of Theis (pronounced "chez"). We are assuming no prior health delivery experience. The Wellness Team from the mission is observing the training so that they may continue it over the coming months. The goal is to train a person or persons in the village to monitor the overall health of the community and focus on changing behaviors to contribute to the greatest improvement in health. So, the training starts with basic definitions and germ theory, then moves into specifics about water safety, food safety, sanitation, hand washing, hydration, and eventually prevention of malaria. Just as importantly, the workers are coached in how to present this information to others within the village - each is given a felt board and pictures of foods, animal and insect pests, etc. Each module of the course has a quiz and the workers must make presentations to one another and the entire group. Upon graduation from this week, each worker will receive a certificate.Of course, follow up with the workers after training is essential - emphasizing periodic reunions of the group to talk about their experiences together. This is a portion of the program we are coaching to the Wellness Team and expect them to fulfill. In another year, the US team may return to carry the training to a new level and perhaps start another group in initial training - but that will be decided after assessment of this year's success.
But class is now in session! Keep us in your prayers. If you wish to support this program, please send a check made out to Trinity United Methodist Church - with "Senegal Wellness" in the memo field. Any amount is helpful, because supplies and transportation are both needed. Please mail the check to:
Trinity UMC
1024 Lake Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
Thank you.
-- Tom
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Saturday the 9th = animals & a wedding
Friends,
We slept like the dead, rose at 9, breakfasted on pain and nutella, and hit the road for the Bandia reserve. Karen feels well; but Melinda is not 100% - but she is coming.
The reserve proved to be a fun visit, with the animals cooperative in their wild surroundings. I will leave the details to photographic proofs. The weather was fine and a lunch of pizza prepared us for the return.
By agreement, we stopped at a village during the return. Since six of the eight had not previously been here - and our health mission focuses on local issues such as water purity, food preparation and sanitation - we felt that first-hand observation would be
helpful. We stopped at Ponti, a village where we had held a clinic in 2008, and were escorted by a church member through two family compounds. It was very helpful for Jane and Janet to see this first-hand. During the tour, we found that a marriage was taking place and shortly thereafter we witnessed the procession of the bride through the village. What a colorful and festive celebration! We spent much more time in the village than originally planned, and got back to dinner around 7:30. Shortly thereafter we hit the road to our rooms and now - 10pm - everyone is settled in for the night. Our mosquito bed nets were installed today, too.
Tomorrow is church, then some will go to Goree Island and others shop and others just rest. I'm sure that we will have an instructor meeting in the evening to prepare for the start of our work on Monday. Thank you for your continued prayers.
-- Tom
We slept like the dead, rose at 9, breakfasted on pain and nutella, and hit the road for the Bandia reserve. Karen feels well; but Melinda is not 100% - but she is coming.
The reserve proved to be a fun visit, with the animals cooperative in their wild surroundings. I will leave the details to photographic proofs. The weather was fine and a lunch of pizza prepared us for the return.
By agreement, we stopped at a village during the return. Since six of the eight had not previously been here - and our health mission focuses on local issues such as water purity, food preparation and sanitation - we felt that first-hand observation would be
helpful. We stopped at Ponti, a village where we had held a clinic in 2008, and were escorted by a church member through two family compounds. It was very helpful for Jane and Janet to see this first-hand. During the tour, we found that a marriage was taking place and shortly thereafter we witnessed the procession of the bride through the village. What a colorful and festive celebration! We spent much more time in the village than originally planned, and got back to dinner around 7:30. Shortly thereafter we hit the road to our rooms and now - 10pm - everyone is settled in for the night. Our mosquito bed nets were installed today, too.Tomorrow is church, then some will go to Goree Island and others shop and others just rest. I'm sure that we will have an instructor meeting in the evening to prepare for the start of our work on Monday. Thank you for your continued prayers.
-- Tom
Friday, January 8, 2010
We made it to Senegal
Friends,
It took heroic efforts, but we made it to Senegal - landing at 6:00am local time Friday (11:00pm Thursday night Chicago time). We have been breakfasting with the mission team and reviewing the upcoming work. It is now approaching noon Friday and some of us are pretty tired.
As you know, we stayed at a hotel near O'Hare on Thursday night. So did four others of our total of eight people. We woke at 4am to catch the 7:45 flight previously arranged. Upon getting to the airport (in about 2" of snow) the Delta ticket agent asked us why we had the strange itinerary that took us to LaGuardia through Atlanta when we could take a flight through Cincinnati and go direct to JFK. Of course, we said "no reason" and the agent changed us to the second plan. This was great because we could check our bags and not have to handle them again until we saw them in Africa.
However, the weather (and equipment) had other ideas. The snow continued and we had to have our plan de-iced prior to pushing away from the gate. Once out on the runway (about an hour late) we starting takeoff roll and suddenly the takeoff was aborted and we taxied off the runway. A cockpit indicator had reported that the wing edge de-icing heater system was faulty. This was examined for about an hour before we were moved to another plane and eventually left 3 hours after the original time. We made the connection in Cincinnati with only 15 minutes to spare and arrived in NY without further incident. Other than the usual arrival problems in Dakar with luggage, we had no other problems.
So, our outbound leg is complete! Now we deal with jet lag and orienting everyone to the situation here.
-- Tom
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wednesday at 5:30pm - travel is settled for the evening
Thanks to the work of our travel agent, we do have a means to get to JFK in time to make the flight to Dakar - but it is going to be tight. We will fly through Atlanta and into LaGuardia, then take the airport shuttle to JFK with about 2-1/2 hours to spare before the overseas flight departs.
The agent expects tomorrow morning to be "chaotic" at O'Hare, so we must get their early to complete a ticketing process which is running late within Delta Airlines due to the large number of rebookings taking place. The weather forecast is for only a couple of inches of snow overnight, but then 6-10 additional inches through Thursday night. It looks like our plane will get out before the worst arrives.
Despite this brush with panic today, spirits remain high and we look forward to joining our friends in Senegal.
The agent expects tomorrow morning to be "chaotic" at O'Hare, so we must get their early to complete a ticketing process which is running late within Delta Airlines due to the large number of rebookings taking place. The weather forecast is for only a couple of inches of snow overnight, but then 6-10 additional inches through Thursday night. It looks like our plane will get out before the worst arrives.
Despite this brush with panic today, spirits remain high and we look forward to joining our friends in Senegal.
Wednesday 1/6 noon - and problems already!
Faithful readers...
We haven't left Chicago yet and already we have a crisis - our Delta flight from Chicago to NY JFK has been cancelled! Our travel agent says that this has become common when large snowfalls are forecast for Chicago or NY - and we are facing a projected 8-inches of snow overnight tonight.
So, our agent was able to find a 5:45AM departure - but from Midway! Unfortunately, Midway is so far away in travel time that we would have to leave about 1AM to get there 2 hours ahead of departure. Instead, we are now hoping that there will be space on a 5:45AM flight from O'Hare to Atlanta to JFK. Our agent wants to get us out of town as early as possible - alternatives even include a 2AM flight.
Air travel was never fun, but it has become the worst aspect of most trips I have taken in the past several year.
We haven't left Chicago yet and already we have a crisis - our Delta flight from Chicago to NY JFK has been cancelled! Our travel agent says that this has become common when large snowfalls are forecast for Chicago or NY - and we are facing a projected 8-inches of snow overnight tonight.
So, our agent was able to find a 5:45AM departure - but from Midway! Unfortunately, Midway is so far away in travel time that we would have to leave about 1AM to get there 2 hours ahead of departure. Instead, we are now hoping that there will be space on a 5:45AM flight from O'Hare to Atlanta to JFK. Our agent wants to get us out of town as early as possible - alternatives even include a 2AM flight.
Air travel was never fun, but it has become the worst aspect of most trips I have taken in the past several year.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Trip leaves is less than one week!
The UMC NCJ VIM January health education trip to Senegal leaves in less than one week. We are busy assembling the materials needed to assist the missionaries in Senegal to begin and sustain a community health worker education program. While we are there, we will acquaint 13 village representatives with water purification, sanitation, nutrition and other important health strategies which they will take back to their people and pass on.
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