Yesterday I went walking before dark with Fr Thadeus to the North through the fields to help him with his blood pressure by walking. He told me he was watching for elephants, He said the elephants would come running after you and pick you up with there trunks and stomp on you. He said they can run very fast and you would not hear them coming. They come and eat the crops when it is season. The fields are mostly just planted now so there is not much danger now.He told me that some of the people in the past had herded the elephants with dirt bikes and trucks to a high hill top which had a cliff and drove the elephants over the cliff to kill them. They killed about six. Fr Priscus has gotten funds from the Tanzanian Cardiac hospital foundation for an electric fence to keep the elephants away. Please see their website for pictures. I tried for about an hour yesterday to upload a picture of some patients for Mark Torreano but was constanly cut off the Zane network which is faithful to third world performance which exceeds the limits of American patience. See pictures at tanzaniancardiacfounndation.org
Dear Jack,
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to read your comment, esp. because I know all the people you are referring to, please more news on my sisters. Give them my love and I am sending a suitcase with Fr. Israel when he returns in Nov. Sr. Ernesta is a rock, she does whatever is needed. I can tell from your words you are falling in love with the place and the people, just like I did.
God Bless and take care, Carol
Jackson... WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!! I just got done reading your blogs to my mom. They are so amazing and interesting. My mom gives you her love. Buddy I had NO idea things there are as you say there. Incredible. I would have a tough time with the "animal thing". I do get it but driving elephants off a cliff to their death...I would have nightmares buddy!!! The website that you referred was really something...how we take our easy life here for granted. To see the structures the women build for shelter; what simple yet efficient and clever design. By the way, that site cannot be accessed with the web address at the end of your blog (tanzaniancardiacfoundation.org) but patty and I got to the site with the address stated earlier in your note...(tanzanian cardiac hospital foundation). How coincidental that the foundation has so many failrly local people as its roots. Are the pictures of the center with some references to Sister Ernesto the place where you are staying?? Buddy, great to here from you. Got to get back to work. Have a TEE in ICU in a little bit (you know how I LOVE them)!!! Take Care and talk again soon....Chuck S
ReplyDeletehi Dad. I thought of you today. I had 6 cases today. It took me all day. I was so tired by the end. My last patient said, "hey I heard you had a long day, so if you want me to go completely to sleep that's fine, what ever is easier for you". Wow. That's nice. Ok. I need you completely asleep so you don't move. Oh, it was a good day. I am liking my job again. I am really enjoying it. There are 15,000 soldiers deployed from here so everyone I operate on (almost) their husband is deployed. It makes me see that I am not going thru it alone. I am so glad you are enjoying things over there. I know you are having a great time. I am so proud of you for being brave and taking a giant leap. It is so wonderful to know that you are making the most of your retired life. i hope you are taking lot of pictures. love, elena
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