My second week here I met a lot of wonderful people in my village. I was able to do some talking while drinking plenty of yaqona or kava! It's a great tool to get to know people that's for sure!! Even if it is bad for you, in excess anyways.
My third week was thanksgiving!! Also I had conference in Savusavu on the new reporting system in the Ministry of Health, which was actually very enlightening!! And one of the presenters, Siga from Labasa, was amazing!! So knowledgeable! That whole week was pretty crazy, went out to have a couple drinks with two of the other volunteers on Wednesday. Thursday met the other volunteers from the North and other group, then Friday helped another volunteers supervisor with some accounting stuff. Then I met a couple locals of Savusavu and they were so wonderful! That Saturday we went to Labasa to have another Thanksgiving with other PC volunteers, but also JICA and AUSAID volunteers, very international haha. That was a great night because we got to go dancing and its honestly the best medicine for me.
My fourth week was pretty random. My supervisor got really sick so the clinic was closed. On Wednesday I helped with the prize giving or certificate of completion day at one of the local schools, which was so much more fun that I can tell you! The kids danced meke, guys drank grog, and women brought some amazing food. I definitely did not starve the week she wasn't cooking for me. It was cool because I learned how to make a fire and to cook over and open fire. I have to admit I felt very bush at that point. But also this week, PC staff came to visit me and I ended up being able to ride a horse too! Fun!
My fifth week here was short and sweet! I went to a tabu fishing area workshop for all the areas in my district. Two response volunteers were there and it was very informative! Made me want to help my village in that area too! Also, later that week I went to a tuberculosis conference in Labasa! That was pretty cool too, and I liked being able to understand some of the procedures with TB. I stayed the weekend in Labasa, because I got to go to an Hindu-Indian wedding on Saturday, then left Sunday! Of course I missed the bus that would take me straight to my village, so instead I went to Savusavu and took a ridiculously expensive taxi cab home.
My sixth week was nothing short of a weird time for sure: I did some good patient talks on Monday about the importance of not keeping babies coddled up so heavily, then hung out with one of the girls in my village that's home from school. Tuesday I went to town for a bit, then went to the gift exchange party for the women of my village. Did I explain at all of these functions, workshops and conferences I'm eating a ridiculously amount. They won't let you leave the table until they know you're full. I have to start faking my fullness or something haha. I've gained 7 pounds since I've been in the village!! That's crazy!! I ended up having a small medical issue Tuesday night so I talked to the doctor and she said I should come and get a few things checked. So by today I'm in Suva having a few appointments here and there.
All in all an interesting time to say the least!! So much to be thankful for!! Happy Christmas in case I don't post again :) miss everyone back in the states!! With all my love <3
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