Greys Hospital

     Today was a most satisfying and encouraging day for the team.  We spent the day at Greys Hospital, the former all white hospital ynder apartheid.  Bill Met with Neil McKerrow early in the day to gauge Neil's actuasl commitment to the mother lodges.  Neil gave an enthusiastic go ahead and Bill seemed energized.  There is still the long hard task of fundraising and hiring a local person to run the operation, but at least we have a positive direction.
     Larissa was put in the company of occupational therapists at the hospital with whom she related well.  She was able to spend the day with them and interact with the children.  The occupational therapists seemed quite enthusiastic about the programs that Larissa brought to the table and this was gratifying.  This seems like the proper avenue for Larissa to make a difference.
     Jamil and I were given an introduction to the hospital as well as a better understanding of the strenghts and weaknesses of the healthcare system by the head of pediatrics.  We spent some time in their emergency room and then experienced their pediatric cardiology clinic.  Since Greys is a referral hospital, the wards are full of fascinating cases, and pathologies rarely seen in the US.
     We all had a meeting with Neil McKerrow who better clarified our objectives and the definition of success in our mission.  I think that we all left the meeting with a better feeling of the possibility of accomplishment, even on our short journey.  The short of it is that we are a stepping stone in hopefully a long relationship that will have a significant impact.  I believe that we are all content with this.

     Tonight, too, was very special.  Hennie has begun an all black Rotary club in Pietermaritzburg.  It is the Rotary Club of Ugungundlovu.  We all attended a meeting this evening.  The club follows all of the principles of Rotary, but incorporates some of the Zulu culture to make it feel comfortable.  It meets with a simple supper prepared by one of the members.  Since cost is a major object, things are run tightly.  There is an interesting variety of members inclucing pastors, nurses, a social worker, a farmer, and 2 men who work with refugees from other African countries.  We all got to address them, and the gratitude expressed vocally and on their faces was heart warming and made me proud to be a Rotarian.  This club should become a well earned legacy to Hennie and what he stands for.
     The contrast between Greys and Edendale Hospitals is remarkable and is part of the problem of the healthcare system in its inconsistency.  Tomorrow we travel to Greytown Hospital, a more rural Hospital.
Marty