Two days down …. where to begin.

It has been a whirlwind and talk about jumping right in! OMG! But I LOVE it!!! There are so many things running through my head and I don't know where to start.
First off… the hospital is NOT like American hospitals and it is like what we imagined, old beds with no elevation, no hospital food… there are wards with about 8 beds in each, no privacy curtains… it is incredible. Families bring in food and feed the patient as well as tea and juices. The all chew this betel nut, so their teeth are terrible and red and they spit everywhere. The hospital has signs that say "Please do not spit.", at first I could not figure it out, now I know.
The care is free, so it nice to be able to see patients for as long as you need as well as to give the whatever equipment they need. They come to therapy everyday if they want and stay for an hour or so or less. Documentation is minimal and no productivity!!!!! Inpatient is the same way. People stay in the hospital for months even if they are walking and moving around OK. The big thing here is infection… some of these people live far away from here and that is why they stay. Sound familiar my SLUH friends? But everyone is happy and so grateful for everything and anything you do.
This is my dream job. I work with patients along side 3 therapist and I teach along the way to a captive audience who is interested in hands. It is amazing and it feels good to be able to help people who want to be helped. I could ramble on for hours but I have some lectures to prepare… more to come!!

 Home sweet home!

My walk to the hospital … with a LOT of dogs along the way. :) 

And of course… MT EVEREST!!!  The tall one on the right . This was on the flight into Paro, Bhutan. I am staying in Thimphu, Bhutan which is an hour away. 

It is amazing here!!!!