Work, day 1

I woke up at noon today. That’s noon California time. It was 6am over here in Kosrae. I saw sunlight and when I peaked outside my blinds, I saw wet concrete and blue skies with scattered clouds. Good thing I read the hotel guidebook: they had instructed me to NOT use the water from the sink when brushing my teeth! They kindly placed a jug of “clean” water in my refrigerator. Naturally, my first question was “well what about the shower water? Is that ok?” The explanation I got for using the “clean” water was to help tourists cope with any “stomach problems.” I wasn’t going to question the idea so long as I didn’t have any issues.

After breakfast, it was time for work. We arrived at the hospital at 0826 today. As you can see, the hospital is tiny. We worked out of their main outpatient area. To my understanding, this area is their urgent care, emergency department, and primary care physician’s office all lumped into one place. There were some rooms with air conditioning, but most were without any air conditioning or fans (including the room I was working from).

(sorry this is sideways - not sure how to fix it)

We met another medical team from Salinas, California today. One of the nurses (I think that was her profession) was from Kosrae (born here and moved at age 4) and was aware of the state’s needs. She, along with her husband who is a physician and an entire medical team, help raised money and brought brand new medical equipment to the island. They brought an ultrasound machine, vital monitors, and even that one house thingy for babies that keeps babies warm and isolated (the name eludes me at the moment, so sue me). I took a picture of Kosrae’s previously most advanced piece of medical equipment: an xray.

I did my own hospital tour as staff was busy and found a medical library! This area also served as the administrative department. You can see Mike in the picture with 2 of the hospital staff members (look on the right to see the second person’s hand) inside the administrative department. Just outside this area was the pharmacy. All the medications that you see are all the island has. There is no second row or back room or another area with any medicine. Oh and there is no pharmacist. The person handing out medications was a volunteer.

I came across the break room while we were on break. Though it was intended for nurses/staff members, I saw patients and their family in this room because it was one of the few rooms that had a working air conditioning unit.

Overall, all we did today was work. I think I can speak for everyone that we are still feeling the effects of the jet lag. Local time is 2020 (09/21/11) and I am exhausted (0220 on 09/21/11 in California). Tomorrow after we complete our work, I think we are trying to do some sunset tour thingyabob so I hope to get some nice scenic pictures. Oh! And the ocean water yesterday was so awesome. It was extremely warm and crystal clear. Mike and Lori went snorkeling and saw a ton of fish and a beautiful reef. I finally got to use my water shoes for the first time (never knew they existed before I bought some for this trip). It was like… walking in water with shoes… made to walk in water.

Please follow my blog! It would be cool to see who’s really reading all this gibberish I am writing =) As I said previously, I am pretty tired so forgive me if my thoughts are scattered and this entry is completing confusing. Wish you were here so I didn't have to explain how amazing it is!