***This is a scheduled post***
Friday 13th February 2015
Friday the 13th... Hmm...
Up normal time and met for breakfast
then highlights. Left to visit the clinic; a small mobile building on
the roadside. There, they check for and treat HIV/AIDS. It was an
interesting visit, and I was good to know that we gave them a
donation, but it was difficult too... Found out some really awful
things. Don't feel that it's appropriate to share them here as
they're potentially triggering and pretty disgusting (not that I
think we should ignore/be blind to disgusting things, just don't
think that this is the right place to share!)- just know that it was
awful.
After the clinic we went to the
hospital. There, we went straight to the acute paediatric unit. There
were two babies there with tubes, a woman who'd lost her baby, and a
14 year old girl. We gave clothes to the two babies, but had nothing
for the girl, which made me feel awful. She was so slight, she looked
about 8; hard to believe that she's the same age as one of the people
on the trip! No idea what was wrong with her, and I don't know her
name. But she had no parent and nothing to do- she was just sat
there. She didn't speak any English either, meaning she's likely
never been to school. I felt so helpless.
Moved on to the newborn babies ward.
There were several newborns, who we gave clothes to; there was also
another woman who's baby had died. After that ward, we were all
crying. I was crying less for the mothers, as sad and awful as it
was- more for the 14 year old.
BP found some big tops in one of the
bags, so we decided to take those to the girl. I gave her one of my
bracelets and a huge hug. Obviously not the most useful of things-
but I wanted so much for her to know that she's loved. I also have
several pictures of her, as a reminder to me.
Was so so difficult
leaving her.
After the hospital everyone was a mess-
the van has never been so quiet. I was sat next to GS, so got to
cuddle him which helped. When we got to the school we went to Yahya's
office; much more crying. GS and Maths were the only ones not in
tears, so they were working overtime trying to comfort everyone.
It took us a while, but eventually we
did get to cooking. We were divided into groups, but that didn't last
long and we were soon mixed up. We made beef benechin, sweet breads
and fish pi. It took a long
time, but eventually we were able to eat- it was great!!
Ooh, whilst it was
cooking, some of the students- including Fatou- taught me some
Mandinka/Fula/Wolof. It was great fun, and I'm super pleased with
it!!
Went back to the
guest house. I washed my clothes, but the water cut off so couldn't
rinse them. Had a half hour nap as I was feeling wobbly- then took
ages to wake up! Rnised clothes and hung on the line. AH and MR were
feeling ill.
Left to go to the
FGM talk. No AH/MR (so no Maths either). Talk was very difficult,
especially as there were some incredibly graphic pictures and videos.
Cried a lot. However, it was good to hear from those who do it, and
to hear their side of the story- they do it for money, which of
course is awful and inexcusable, but I can see that, if you've spent
your whole life making money one way, then it's difficult to suddenly
have to stop. Which of course does not excuse it, not remotely, but
to understand issues you have to see the bigger picture and the
opinions of those with differing views; otherwise no progress can be
made. The hardest thing about the talk was that everyone else was
really angry towards the women- but I can't be. They're not bad
people. They do bad things, but they're not bad people, and I can't
hate them.
Shop. Put some
money on the phone as I felt that I needed to ring people at home;
it's been a pretty wobbly day. Had dinner, then sorted out
painting/sport. I rang my cousin and a friend- felt much better after
that. Played cards, then went to bed.