On "Cameron" Time

Well, on Scottie's first day "on the job," we proved ourselves as the good time managers that we are. We have no clocks, phones, etc. (much like our Pilgrimage, Camp Thunderbird & Outward Bound experiences)... What's great though, is this email/Blog thing! (When Mariah and I backpacked across Europe, our families only heard from us twice, via very expensive phone conversations!). Anyway, we borrowed a digital clock from a closet, (that we later figured out why it was in the closet to begin with). We set it and all through the night I kept looking at it, (nearly every hour b/c I couldn't sleep anyway) and thinking, "Man, we've got 4 more hours to sleep, and the sun seems to be coming up!". At what we thought was 6:45 in the morning, Scottie received a phone call wondering where he was. It was almost 9:00! Apparently, anything on an American digital timer does not keep 60 second time. It's like 50 second time?! So, it gives all new meaning to our sense of time...or lack there of! Scottie does, however, enjoy the work. The NICU has as many beds as CFV (~40) but in a space a quarter the size with only 2 nurses. It is run by Family Practice & Pediatrics folks, so his training is coming in nicely! The resources ar limited, but the caregivers are very compassionate. He gives teaching rounds and has brought 5 containers of much needed donated supplies. The patients travel mostly by foot and often for miles to receive medical care. Their level of tolerance for pain and true gratitude are immeasurable. Meanwhile, I am helping children write with pens & paper. They seem to be fascinated by the colors of markers, a resource which they lack. I've become particularly fond of sisters, Falinda (8) and Betsy (4). Wallacespends time watching after small children, swinging on the tree swing and scheming with Emma, a missionary friend she has met here. Wallace has also taught the children to play Tic-Tac-Toe using sticks and she enjoys carrying the young children around for Piggy-Back rides. Glenn passes the time with Emma's little sister, Claire (8, like Glenn). They climb trees searching for loquats and avacados to sell to the locals, and she is always on the hunt for camelions. She finally found one that she has names "Cami," (short for Camerons' Camelion). It actually sleeps in her room on the INSIDE of the window screen. Hugh is Hugh, even in Africa. I never thought I'd see the day that he'd meet his match, but he has found a soul mate in Levi, Emma and Claire's little brother, his exact age by a week. I pray for the Kindergarten teacher who has to tame Hugh after his African summer. He has befriended a big turtle named Kobi, who sounds just like "Darth Vadar." Anyhow, as Maryt often reminds me, "The days are long but the years are short." We love you all! You're in our prayers daily. Please keep us in yours:) Ave, Scottie, Wallace, Glenn & Hugh