Random randomness II

Mondays can be rather long (a schlep as Matt would call it) but they finish at SOS; a good thing. Last Monday I brought two hula-hoops, two jump ropes, a soccer ball, a whiffle ball and bat, and assorted other out door things for the kids to play with before it got too dark. They'll play way after dark but we try to have some simmer down time before they head to bed.

On occasion I'll wander to the side of the playing field (read large dirt football field) and enjoy the sight of the kids playing and laughing. Everyone here laughs even if it is a difficult situation. The usual response is not to get exercised about it but to laugh. As I was enjoying the sunset and the moon rise two kids came over to me, each about 8-10y/o sat down with me and proceeded to "inspect" me. I have taken to shaving my hair, what there is of it, very short and they love to run their fingers through it and feel the texture of short European hair. 'Course they won't hear me complain as it feels wonderful and truly is a "bucket filler". Then they examine my arms and runs their hands up and down them to feel all the arm hair, something that most Motswana don't have. THAT feels fantastic. Then lift my shirt to look at my graying chest hair all with the most innocent of intentions.

I banged up my leg (getting out of the pool-pond no less) and have a bit of an abscess that I finally treated with antibiotics after draining it three times. Man that hurts but it's easier than finding a doc that can do it for me and maybe just a touch cleaner. Anyway after draining it I rap it in a tight bandage to avoid accumulation of goo and hope the goo won't return. As I had the bandage on they were interested in what was under it.

Well, OK, so I took it off and showed them. They were genuinely saddened that their friend had this and expressed that I "should see a doctor". I told them I was one but that wasn't satisfactory and they told me again. Something tells me that they had somehow been in communication with my family!

I was out of the pool for a week and resumed yesterday. I am definitely a nicer guy if I swim. There is talk about using drivers and state vehicles to deliver us to our sites. This will really cramp my style so I have been more that a little hyped up lately, I feel like a I'm a touch "toxic" and in need of a break. I'll wait until 26 Dec for that. Maybe drive some back roads to out of the way places 'til then.

Things have changed here in the office, generally for the better. We have a huge staff, many of whom are Motswana. We now have a large document that outlines the conditions of employment. It's seems interesting that we spend so much time protecting the entity that is BUP when I'd much rather spend that time protecting and treating their countrymen.

The currency of visits to the doctor is still pain and the currency of treatment is still acetaminophen. People will complain of six kinds of pain to get 7 paracetamol (Tylenol to the US). I gave a talk on malingering, somatization, and conversion disorder and it was well received so maybe we'll start to call it what it is, not the symptom.

That's enough for now, best to all who read this and celebrate Thanksgiving. And to those that don't!