Thanks for tuning in….what can I say since I last wrote that captures my world?  The honeymoon ended, the reality settled in, is still settling, and perhaps, at this point, 6 weeks postpartum…er…post arrival in Dili, I am adjusting.  I always tell my mothers (aka midwifery clients), “Just expect it to take 6 weeks to feel sort of normal again”; and alas, I am having this same phenomenom here in Timor. 

Hannah wants to share some news about her world: Hannah is enjoying killing mosquitos with the electric raquet.  Though we largely have them under control inside our house, somehow every night, we kill more inside our China Tour Tent (fancy mosquito net) before we lay us down to sleep.  She had diarrhea one day, but very minor: she complained about a tummy ache Monday nite, did not eat dinner, but I gave her my favorite gut remedy: charcoal tablets (equivalent to bentonite, but these were chewable tablets; Libby, you know the ones).  she fell asleep. then, the next morning, she had two good squirts, and then was fine.  Ate a little breakfast, and was back to her usual habits after that.  I am amazed this is the first episode of runny poop, as she eats with her (often dirty) fingers despite her parents incessantly reminding her to use her spoon at every meal. Not to mention the other germ ridded activities she is involved in.  what can I say: the girl is solid!  

yesterday I visited an old friend who works at a foundation focused on women’s health issues in timor.  they are starting programs similar to La Leche League, here in timor!  Believe it or not, these groups are really necessary.  Women here have misconceptions about feeding their babies, and we are in the context of haveing to boil water to clean it.  Imagine, making formula properly when you have to go to the spicket, perhaps a block away or more, to first get your water, then boil it to sterilize it, then make formula for a new baby.  You would think this would make breastfeeding so appealling that it would be the obvious choice.  But, things like, myths about colostrum being bad for the baby, thinking sugar water was adequate, or giving rice gruel at 2 or 3months of age was a good idea, these ideas are pervasive.  and perpetuated in families and communities.  So, there is much work to be done.  Once I get to Lospalos I will fill you in on the birth scene there.

It is almost 2pm Friday, and we are on our way to Lospalos for the weekend.  Our house is not yet ready, so we still have not moved yet.  However, I was given an orientation, so to speak, this week: organized a stock of medicines for resupply, met others in FUSONA, the organization I am assigned to work for (which is connected to the Protestant Churcch) , and reviewed some great documents about the clinic I will be working in, as well as about health in Timor in general.  Upon reading these materials, I am assured again why I am here. I have been training and preparing for this work for many, many years, though I did not know I would be led here, precisely.  

On a high note, last weekend we all headed up to the mountains: a 2+ hour drive, and spent the nite at sort of a guest house/community retreat center.  30 young women live there to learn and have a place to stay while attending high school.  Spending the nite with a cool breeze  , without a fan, and a lite blanket: aaahhhh.  Meanwhile, all you duluthians are beginning to prepare for another big freeze, no doubt. 

My ride is waiting, so farewell for now! Love, Moni