The fine print.



So, when the job description read, "and other related tasks", turns out that can include bagging 100lbs of powdered milk! We needed the milk for mothers who cannot breastfeed their infants. One route of HIV transmission is through breastmilk and the Ministry of Health has a great programme that provides powdered milk to HIV+ women registered in their Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission Programme. Unfortunately, the ministry was out of supplies for this month, so we had to scramble to try to get some milk to the mothers who need it.

Normally, health officials encourage breastfeeding, and nearly all mothers choose this option. But in cases where it may contribute to infection, powder is used. There can be concerns about preparing the powder well and using clean water, but I have not experienced any frantic mothers bringing their sick babies in because of those circumstances. But now I have experienced that sticky kind of joy that happens when the ministry's supplies run short ... and there's Carl (a counsellor and friend in my department) and I with powder stuck on us up to our elbows. Oh what memories we make!

ps. I learned that there is such a thing as fashionable scrubs (I'm modeling them above!) I never knew that scrubs could be made into a skirt!

Not in Kansas anymore .... Mum and I on a pier at the mouth of the mighty Essequibo river during her visit. River is 30 miles wide at the mouth, with an island the size of Barbados in it.

emancipation

Emancipation day activities in the national park to celebrate freedom from slavery and afro-guyanese heritage - held August 1st. Lots of information about afro-guyanese history, examples of traditional foods and dress, dance demonstrations and more. An exciting day!