I saw a baby come into the world today, in one of the clinics! It was a girl, and my first-ever experience of seeing a birth!! Hospitals in South Africa are much simpler than at home. There was the midwife and sister, as well as seven of us nursing students in the room with the mother and newborn. The baby wasn't suctioned, but was instead turned face-down on the bed, to drain any fluid in her lungs. They don't use the bulb suction here because it can break the baby's mucus membranes and create an outlet for bodily fluids from the mother to enter into the baby (specifically HIV/AIDS). The mother was indeed HIV positive, but the baby remained HIV free. Another means of transmission is through breast milk, but for many mothers they must breastfeed since there is no extra money for formula. The mothers are actually encouraged to breastfeed, even if they are positive for HIV, because the incidence of getting HIV from breastfeeding is only about a 7% chance, according to the sister, and breast milk provides the baby with all the critical nutrients and antibodies for it's immune system.

Of course I was the nursing student that had to step back because I almost fainted. Lisa Marie helped me to the bathroom and I was lying there with my feet elevated and wet cloths on my head - great. I saw the whole birth though (thank god), and it was about 15 minutes later that I started to feel lightheaded. I was just thinking how I actually witnessed the birth of a real, live baby, who took her first breaths in front of me, and was in her mother's arms for the first time. The whole event was emotional (as many things in South Africa have been), and I think it was the reflection on the experience that made me feel lightheaded.

We went to a mother & child clinic afterwards, where there were lines of mothers with their infants waiting (from 7:30am & it was then around 3:30pm) to get routine immunizations for their babies. A few of us watched a pair of twins receive their Vitamin A and various immunizations. The government provides money for these babies to get immunized, free of charge to the mothers. This is so great, because otherwise the majority (if not all) of the babies would never receive the necessary shots needed for their health, due to lack of money. However, if the government must provide meds for all babies, there is obviously a shortage that must go around and help everyone. Also, if we thought understaffing of nurses in America was bad, there were only 2 nurses to do routine check-ups and shots for about 300 babies per day. Insane. The nurse told us that they can't go home until all the people that arrived that day are helped, because the chance that these people will be able to get transportation at another time (for a different appointment) is slim to none.

Overall, life is good. The workload is picking up (lots of reading!), and there are opportunities to see things here that are so incredible. Hope everyone at home (& Australia-Jordan) is doing well! Miss you all.

Dr. Guma gave us all African names. He chose names based on each person's personality. Mine is Thandiswa (pronounced ton-dee-swaa). Translated into English, the meaning is something like one who brings happiness to others, or one who children feel better around. We are taking a cultural class here, to learn about the history and politics of South Africa. Currently in the news, the fight for power is between Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Mbeki was formally asked to step down as a leader, since the country decided there cannot be two sources of power ruling over South Africa. Jacob Zuma will now rise to the top as the single leading authority, but before he can do that he must be a member of Parliament, which is a series of steps. I've been trying to read bits and pieces of news, but hopefully we will soon get a newspaper delivered to our house, so that should make matters easier.

Hello to all reading my blogs! I can't believe it's already almost the end of September...each day I find something new that I didn't notice from the day before. We have begun our visits to the area hospitals where we will be completing our "clinical internships" as they are called over here. The sites include the Themba Care HIV clinic for infants & children, the Christel House Elementary school where we will be doing school nursing & health education, the Bishop Lavis Maternity & Pediatric Hospital, and the Red Cross Children's Hospital. The past few days I have seen things that were incredibly shocking, immensly sad, and also intensly euphoric. To say the least, there has been a great deal of emotion with each visit! At the Red Cross Children's Hospital we visited the pediatric & neonatal burn unit. This was really tough. There were infants, toddlers, and young children with head and face, or worse - full body burns. The doctor explained to us that many of these accidents were caused by a hot water kettle falling on top of a child who pulled on the chord, or reached up and grabbed the handle. The majority of these burns occurred in the small township houses, where it wasn't uncommon for 3 or 4 children to be running around near a hot burner. Also, it is reality that there is often no supervision, because the parents or other adults have to work in order to survive - literally. On a more positive note, we saw the cutest pair of Siamese twins. This morning myself & a few others went to the Themba Care HIV clinic. I really loved it!! The 2 or 3 sisters (nurses) were in charge of 18 infants and young children, to which they happily assigned us duties to bathe, feed, diaper, get temperatures & weights, play with, & supervise the group. The kids would cry to be held; they were absolutely starving for attention. At one point I was holding an infant in one arm, and a toddler in another, and there were a few more tugging at my jeans and telling me something. The majority spoke English, so communicating with them wasn't the hard part. In fact, a couple of the older ones had quite an attitude! Nonetheless, they were all adorable. It was slightly different though, taking care of children you know have HIV/AIDS, or past TB, or scabies, etc. Each one had a long list of health issues, really requiring a lot of attention, compliance with meds, sufficient diet, and of course a lot of love and caring.

So I am finally somewhat caught up with my blogs. This past week the weather has been finicky, so our trip to Robbin Island was postponed until yesterday. Again, I went for a morning run around the Commons with a few other girls. We hopped on our bus to catch the ferry for Robbin Island, and found that something had blown with the engine - so 14 girls plus Lisa Marie got out of our bus and had to push it down the road until it started..only in South Africa haha. Well, anyway, we managed to get it up & running, & caught the ferry for a trip to where Nelson Mandela had been imprisoned. We had a dramatic tour guide who gave us every detail of the past history, and I got some amazing pictures - which I have yet to be able to put up online. STILL no internet at the house, so we have all learned to make do with what we have. So we all lucked out with the gorgeous weather & later stopped at the Waterfront when we got back, to have dinner in the seaport area - that was literally like a postcard view! It's a more touristy area at the Waterfront, but still amazing food for not that expensive. The seafood is really good here - I got a whole plate of seafood (muscles, calamari, shrimp, etc.) over angle hair pasta, for about 10 US dollars with tip included.

Here nurses are called sisters. Everything is very family oriented. The proper way to address an elder is to say "Molo tata" (if the person appears to be a male & about your father's age) or "Molo mama" (if about your mother's age). Molo means hello. After the church service (which was about 3-4 hours), there were some snacks they prepared for our group (ordinarily there are no snacks, and there is no bread or communion to share). After we left, we stopped for a short time at the Vangate Mall and ate lunch, and then began our township tour of Khayletisha, the crossroads, and Manenburg. Everywhere surrounding us were small shacks with dirt floors packed right next to each other, with men, women, & children barefooted and roaming around. Everyone turned to stare - we certainly stood out being white-skinned and wearing nice church clothing. Most places didn't even have 4 walls..there were old trucks turned into houses, with a fire in the middle to cook their meals. On the streets was garbage, people openly relieving themselves, and in some parts, outdoor grilling (which they call a "bry" here). We stopped to visit a maternity hospital, which resembled a jail to me. There were cement walls, with open rooms for multiple mothers birthing their babies - no privacy, no comfort, and all patients had to bring their own linens. There was one mother who had just given birth, all alone with her infant, with no family or husband nearby. It was certainly a change from in the States.

Sunday we departed from our house by 10am for a Sunday Baptist service at a church in the townships of Guguletu. The entire day was an incredibly emotional & moving experience. The parish was singing, dancing, clapping, & loud preaching. The women and children sat in wooden pews & the few men sat at the front of the church. Everyonel wore black & white, mostly frocks or long dresses, with the men in suits. The preacher made a speech about how we must have traveled to South Africa for some reason, & there must have been something in our hearts to make us come here. He blessed us, to keep us safe & welcome in South Africa, & said that God sent us here for some mission. Then Lisa-Marie was invited to make a speech, which explained our purpose here in South Africa to the parish, and asked everyone to welcome us in their community as equals.

Saturday Carrie-Ellen, Carolyn Baker, & myself went running again - 2 loops around the Commons. After, the entire group left for the wineries! We went to Durbanville & Stellenbosch vineyards -for tours, wine-tasting, and this incredible authentic African cuisine lunch at Moyo African Restaurant (which was part of the Spier Wine Estate). There was African singing and dancing (and drums). There were cheetahs in this area, and on the bus ride over we saw zeebras, antelope, ostrich, horses, and what I think were wildebeasts or really ugly cows haha. Each day has been such a different atmosphere than at home!

So Friday here in Cape Town was again another gorgeous sunny day! The group took a trip to Camps Bay, which is a beach area past Seapoint (the area where they are building the 2010 World Cup arena - Bryan & Brett I took a picture for you guys). The beach was SO gorgeous. The waves were pretty big since there had just been a monsoon right before we arrived in Cape Town. There were signs with Shark warnings - and mom I know, I'm not going in the water..at least at that beach. There was kelp instead of seaweed that was literally like mini trees washed up on the shore. Around the area there were small shops (and this really good espresso place Nando's) , palm trees, & mountains in the background. We ate lunch (snoek & chips) at Mariner's Warf, & then went to see penguins around Haut Bay (they were small & adorable!). After there was more sightseeing around Chapman's Peak and the Cape Peninsula where we climbed to the top near this lighthouse, which is apparently the most southwestern point of Africa. I cannot even describe the view from the top - literally, breathtaking. There were no baboons out though, which was a little disappointing, but on the way back we saw a wild ostrich so that made up for it.

On the way home, we stopped at the Internet cafe again, since not having internet is a huge adjustment for all of us! Jordan I am dying to talk to you! Mom & Dad, there's so much to say as well! My number here is 011-27-71-428-7365 (this is calling from the U.S. to South Africa, Jordan for you it will be different). Alright, so in conclusion of Thursday, we all had dinner at Diaz Tavern (this week most meals were covered by the trip cost, so they took us to this amazing restaurant and we could order whatever we wanted). This dinner, not even joking, took 4 hours. In South Africa there is emphasis on communication and talking with friends and family for long periods of time. They believe that if the waiter asks you for your order immediately it's rude, and rushing the moment. So, yes, our dinner was verrry drawn out and relaxed, and your food pretty much completely digests in between each serving (drinks, appetizer, main course, dessert).

We got lunch on campus after that, and campus food is even cheaper! I got this delicious avo sandwich (they abbreviate everything, so that means avocado), which was pretty much an entire avocado on a wheat & oat grinder roll, with tomato & lettuce, only costing R9 (about $1). So I will never starve! Our classroom that we are assigned to at UCT wasn't the most up-to-date with technology, and was actually quite small for 14 students, so we may just hold class in our house (and possibly have our Nursing Ethics class on the beach!). Next, we visited the US Consulate General office, to be warned about safety issues & whatnot in South Africa. Everything we were told was again repetitive, so I think at this point we all have a good idea of what to do & what not to do.

Thursday morning came really fast. I went for my first South African run in Rondebosch Commons!! Mom, don't worry - I ran with a group of people in broad daylight. The Commons is a fairly large field with Table Mountain in the background, and right next to the main road and some stores (and our house). It's not secluded at all & many people were running around. Still, the rule is always stick with a buddy, or group of people. We ran 2 loops, which is said to be 2 miles a loop but definitely didn't seem that long, so we're guessing it's about 1.5 miles for one loop around. We motivated each other to do lunges and abs after - I'm really excited that there's a group of girls that will run with me! There's also a ton of walking (40 minute walk to campus) so hopefully I won't ever feel trapped inside. Breakfast for the most part consists of yogurt & granola, plus instant coffee and a multivitamin (I told you I'd give all the details). There's also lots of fresh fruit in the house, which is amazing tasting (apples, clementines, and bananas that taste super fresh and don't have pesticides on them). Ok so we went to UCT (University of Cape Town) today to check out the campus. I was absolutely in love with the campus beauty. There is an upper, middle, & lower campus, all with Table Mountain in the background. The buildings look like castles, and the trees consist of palm trees, exotic flowers, and colorful evergreen-like trees. We listened to a welcome and safety lecture - reviewing everything we have been told by several different people - not to have cell phones showing, don't wear a purse (but a book bag is fine), etc. We got photos taken for UCT student ID cards (apparently if you don't have your ID on you & they ask you for proof of student enrollment when you're walking around on campus it's considered trespassing, and you could be put into jail for a night or so). I don't know how true that is but just in case I'll ALWAYS carry that ID!

Also, both places drive on the left side of the road (and therefore walk on the left side when you are passing someone, left elevators, etc). Also in our house there is no dryer, so that means everything must be put on a clothes line, which becomes difficult with 14 girls. We do have a system, however; everyone is assigned a laundry day - mine is Saturday - and we are taking turns buying items for the community fund (ie. things we all share, like paper toweling, & dish detergent). Our house has a maid (which I was shocked by), but she is referred to as a "Domestic Worker", which is apparently a flattering position in South Africa, highly respected by the majority. Her name is Margaret and she makes sure the house is clean & orderly (even throwing out some of our things if we don't put them away!). So I am getting off track but there is literally so much to tell everyone at home (and in Australia - Jordan). So for the rest of Wednesday we ate lunch at a place called Adesso's. It was Mediterranean style food, and absolutely delicious and healthy, plus only R20 for the whole meal (about $2.50). So yes, I am loving the food situation here. We took a tour around the area a bit more - stepping into grocery stores (Checkers, Pick & Pay, Woolworths), and the Internet cafe ( a must!!!). Later we walked back to our house (about a 20 minute walk) and ordered pizza from Mr. Butler delivery. The night concluded with a house meeting and falling into bed absolutely exhausted.

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Wednesday am - our first morning in Cape Town! We left the house by 10 am, to begin our scenic tour of the city & life in this new world. Dr. Guma, also known as "Tops," led us to Signal Point, to get a view of Table Mountain. Just a heads up - I took a million pictures of this one mountain, but it is so amazing (really), and I'm afraid the pictures don't capture half of that beauty, but it's an attempt. At this point we saw a group of African men conducting a spiritual ceremony on the mountain side, singing, and cooking some type of food that smelled like meat. It was like what you see on TV or in a movie..our first reminder that we were actually in South Africa. After this we went into the city of Cape Town for our introduction to Long Street, Strand Road, and Main Road. Ben made us pair up and go find out how to ask for a minibus at a certain location. Carrie-Ellen and I were first to volunteer. We walked up this flight of stairs and it was like stepping into a new world. We clearly stood up, being the only white individuals, and everyone was staring at us. Still, we both tried to ignore that , and kept walking a short way until we came to the minibus stations. Minibuses are the main method of transportation in the city. They cost about R7 (or less than $1). By the way the conversion rate is 1 rand equals 7.9% of the US dollar. So the buses are lined up in separate lines according to destination. We were told to find the bus to Mobray and ask the owner how much for a 1 way ticket to Rondebosch (where we live). He told us R7.50 and the other students in our group R6. Everything is very subjective and changes according to whatever the owner wants. There aren't set prices, except at the grocery stores, and you can barter for the price you would like. So after this experience, the group rejoined to see more of the city, and stop for a quick dessert or drink at this place called Charlie's. After visiting Jordan in Australia, I have seen many similarities, as far as food, electronics, roads, and housing situations. Just a few things: the coffee is espresso for the most part, with instant coffee if you are lucky.

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The flight wasn't that bad, but just long of course..we took Northwest airlines to Amsterdam (where everything was so expensive since the US dollar isn't worth much there), and then to KLM (a Dutch airlines) into Cape Town, South Africa. Nobody's luggage got lost, thank god, and we all arrived safely (thanks grandma for your prayers). I exchanged sixty US dollars into South African Rand, which gave me 423 rand (R423). Here the US dollar is worth A LOT! That part is good news. Reverend Vernon Rose, Ben Brown, and Dr. Guma were waiting patiently for us and took us to our house via two vans (there was a good amount of luggage between all of us). When we arrived at our house I was amazed - the house is so incredible! There are a million rooms (just about), a wide open kitchen with white cabinets and plenty of windows, a pool house and a pool (I'm really excited!!!), lounge rooms, and wood floors all downstairs. My room is almost all windows (so lots of sunlight which I love!) , but is also on the second floor and has curtains so don't worry mom. I have a huge closet, literally humongous, with PLENTY of space for the contents of my two suitcases and future South African purchases. So we got our keys (4 skeleton keys), had a brief house meeting, and then tried to fall asleep by 2am, even though we all wanted to get organized and rearrange things in our rooms.

Settling In..

So here I am, as weird as it is to say, in Cape Town, South Africa. Each day has been filled with eye-opening scenery of mountains & beaches, luxurious & inexpensive restaurants, and sadly - a view into real poverty, seeing so many people live with the bare minimum or nothing at all. Since there is still no internet at our house (which now seems like a luxury), writing blogs has been limited to time at the internet cafe downtown or at Lisa-Marie's house (our professor). There are so many things to explain, and sorry if I'm a bit repetitive, but here goes:

I'll start in detail from day 1: there are 14 nursing students including myself on this trip. Carrie-Ellen, Nayomi, Katie, Olivia, Carolyn B., Carolyn M., Carolyn Z., Jess, Kristin, Kari, Briana, Ashley, & me! Our instructor is Lisa-Marie (for the 1st half of the semester), and our RA (resident assistant) is Ben Brown. Reverend Vernon Rose and Dr. Guma are from Cape Town, and have been showing us around, providing transportation thus far. We arrived pretty late at the airport in South Africa..by the time we got to our house on Loch Road it was almost 1am South African time (7 pm in the States).

Here in Cape Town!

So I finally arrived in Cape Town, South Africa with 14 other co-nursing students!! Everyone is doing well & safe. So far, I am absolutely amazed, each day. Yesterday we went to Table Mountain and toured Rondebosch. Pictures don't give the area justice! The fruit and food in general is really inexpensive, and good, fresh food. I have my own room, with lots of windows and the biggest closet I have ever seen. It's pretty cold at night and early morning, so I take full advantage of this wall heater we have. No internet in the house yet, but Ben (our resident assistant) is working on it. We walked all around the city, and got to view "real life" South Africa. We clearly stand out - there are like 2 other whites in the entire city. Today Carrie-Ellen, myself, and a few other girls went running in Rondebosch commons. It was so amazing, with the mountain and city in the background early in the morning. I'll post pictures as soon as I can..but the internet situation over here is completely different than in the states. Jordan, Mom, Dad, Brett, Bryan, & everyone at home - I hope you are doing well !! I could go on & on but I'm at an internet cafe and have 2 minutes left. I have my phone, but don't have the setup to call out just yet..I'll let everyone know when things are settled.. Ok, until the next post -farewell from South Africa!!