Wednesday 30 March

Today is like a whirlwind.  We have lots to do at the clinic and apart from the building work there is data entry to be done.  Some time ago the clinic’s computer was stolen along with research data about the screening clinics.  This is vital information to have at hand, especially when we seek funding.

A few of us get to input some of the many files of data.  It is a fascinating snapshot into the lives of women in the Kathmandu valley.  We notice that many women that are screened have never attended school, and if they have, many only achieve primary level.  When we come across some who have actually made it to high school or college we yell out with glee.  Education is a given for us, not so for many people in developing countries.

We are taken on a tour of the hospital across the road from the clinic, the Sheer Memorial Hospital run by Seventh Day Adventists.  They do amazing work there, and some of the doctors are volunteers from overseas.  We hear that some come for a 3 month stint, but stay on for years.  There is no ‘free’ hospital in Nepal but the Sheer Memorial hospital charges a very small fee for service.  Even still this is beyond the reach of many.  I’m saddened to hear that there is a high incidence of suicide and suicide attempts by young people in the region, probably no higher than in Australia, but it is depressing to hear.  Unfortunately there is no mental health follow up for these young people. My heart goes out to them and their families.

The building work nearly comes to a halt, as there is a tree that needs some branches to be cut.  Apparently it is some sort of holy tree and the workmen are not the right caste to commence the cutting.  One of our strapping men is nominated as an honorary member of the right caste and sets to work, chopping branches.  Once he begins the task the others are able to take over.  Problem averted and the concreting begins.  By the time we finish our community work at the clinic there are 6 posts up, concreted and ready for roofing.

Now we just need to raise more funds for the roof to be finished!

We are all adjusting to camp life, the dug out toilets are not as scary as first thought and the tent is getting organised.   Our crew looks after us beautifully with great dinners each evening and huge pots of either orange cordial or ‘calla chiya’ black tea to quench our thirst.  This afternoon we even had a warm shower, well a private ‘shower tent’ with a bucket of warm water to splash over ourselves.  I ask myself “is this camping or glamping?”

 till next time,

Julie xx