We said goodbye to Dr. P and Darlene, and off to Mota they went. We were excited to know there was cell reception in Mota when we got our first call from them. The news was equally as exciting. In less than 24 hours, they had been harassed significantly in BahirDar, found themselves in the middle of a religious celebratory mob scene in Mota, learned that there is no internet in Mota, found out that we would have water only three days per week, and that no cook existed for us.
The good news: sheets are pretty clean, the hospital staff is warm and inviting, and the air is cool without too much threat of malaria carrying mosquitoes. And the rooms are in the hospital compound so we can be locked in at night.
From all accounts, they are navigating the obstacles the best they can. This does not come without a bit of sleeplessness and anxiety….and lots of “what ifs”.
What if a women dies while we are there? How will Dr. P and Darlene feel about removing a dead fetus? What if a woman is hurt? What if a referral needs to be made, knowing there is no place to refer in the vicinity? What if the village gets angry? Will they accept a female doctor?
Most of these questions seem less of a concern during the daytime. But when the head hits the pillow, we all lie awake churning the scenarios over and over.
This is the hard part. And we signed up for it.
Dr. P and Darlene get ready to take off on their plane to Mota, while Jay and I turn toward Arba Minch