It is Friday … again?

Somehow, the week just seems to fly here and there is so much to do and see. This week I went on a field trip to Godikum Hospital. It is about 12 KM away from Thimphu but takes about 45 to an hour to get to. Bhutan is not a 20 minute away from anywhere kind of city, it depends on where you are going and how many dirt roads and switch backs you are dealing with. While it is a tiny country the roads are very narrow and on cliffs…not for the car sick or weak kneed. Depending on who is driving, I have one eye open! LOL! Therefore I prefer walking. But, I digress… the hospital is in the middle of nowhere because it was the old leprosy hospital. It even has it's own small temple so the patients can pray. It is small but the patients get good care. The orthotic and prosthetic unit is small but they make everything from back braces, AFO, FKAFO, UE and LE prosthesis and orthotics. They equipment and methods are dated and prosthesis are very heavy. They don't use aluminum as in the country it rust pretty quickly. People wash clothes in a bucket, there are no washing machines and the water is not always reliable in the house, so going outside to get water to bring in is a common practice. ( yes, I bucket wash my clothes as well and hang them out to dry AND I have carried water in from outside) But, we do have a housekeeper and she does the majority of my laundry! :) She is amazing and I will miss her! They also have feet that can be used without shoes as some people who live in South Bhutan do not wear shoes..it is warmer in South Bhutan than here or in the east or North. Anyway, it was pretty amazing that they can so all the braces…for free, as many times as needed.
Patient update, I had to discharge my CUTE little boy because he got better…and needed to return home to east Bhutan. His elbow was -20 extension and has wrist extension and MP extension!!! Radial nerve palsy is resolving and he was happy to leave…I sent him home with theraputty and theraband and a ball and exercise program. It is really great that I can give them what they need without having someone tell me I can't! I am really going to miss that! My little girl is getting more control in her fingers and we are getting ready for her to go back to school and she will only get therapy 1x week. She is really sweet and is happy that her hand is getting better. I made her a thumb splint to help her oppose her fingers and hold onto objects…she had a spaghetti wrist, so median nerve and flexors were cut and repaired. Another patient is plotting and is trying to set me up with his friends so I will stay in Bhutan OR guarantee my return!! These people are so great and appreciative of all we do for them. It is amazing and refreshing. I also completed 12 protocols for the department and just in time, they have a new president and he wanted a copy of procedures that the department does! They were so thankful I had done that. I can't believe I have 2 weeks left here. It is so sad, it has been more than I imagined and I am so thankful that I have this opportunity.
We also had our first dinner party here at the apartment and I was taught to make some Bhutanese dishes! We shall see if I can recreate them..I also had some Bhutanese beer! ;)
Well, here's to the weekend!! More hiking and market exploring!!! It is also very cold here lately… i know 20 degrees is nothing, but remember… we have NO CENTRAL HEAT and poorly insulated homes. No heat in the hospital and gusty winds as we are in the Himalayas!!! But I  love this country and its people and all of its beauty.

 The hospital in the middle of nowhere and the workshop.

 The future K Pop star!!! He wants a blonde blue eyed or red headed girlfriend or Korean!!! Adorable!!! He has some wicked dance moves…. really.

 View from my awesome daily runs  in the mountains!

 Seriously, I was freezing and one of the boys moved the heater right under me!! That is how we roll in hand therapy!

 The national dish!! Ema Datse! Chiles with cheese and onions and soooo good!
Our guests and the cook! So fun!