New Hospital in Maseru

Lesotho has a brand new hospital, much needed.  This week I volunteered to take one of our students there with another teacher.  The hospital itself is very nice, large and clean, and since it just opened it has a very positive feeling to it.  Unfortunately it was not as easy to navigate.  We weren't sure where to go to and after waiting in a few lines and being sent to 5 different reception type desks we finally took our place in the line to see the doctor.  After waiting around 3 hours the nurse told us that there were currently not enough doctors and gave us another appointment for March.  This was a non-emergency, but it still would have been nice if we knew this ahead of going.  They are still working out the kinks.  I have to say that waiting in the hospital was probably the most pleasant part of our day.  The student we brought, Neo, is 11 years old but small for his age.  When you are 11 you do not get your own seat in public transportation so the 3 plus hour journeys there and back we had Neo squished in on our laps.  This was fine for a while, but eventually your legs turn numb.  Additionally Neo, not used to riding in vehicles was car sick 2 times.  The first time unexpectedly he got my bag and skirt, the second time we were prepared with plastic bags.  Not to mention that it was probably 90 degrees and people here don't like to open windows or use AC, I am surprised more people didn't get sick.  Needless to say it was not pleasant traveling, and Neo was very hungry by the time we got home!

Neo

Well it is supposed to start raining here in November, but we haven't seen too much yet.  Everyone here likes to talk about how all the seasons are changing too much.  The climate change is a big topic here because people depend so much on the weather for their food.  Planting, grazing, and water.  I have had a few days when there is just no water at all coming out by my house, and many people have it even worse.  I have some back up containers, but I am curious what is going to happen when it is worse.  Water is one of the resources in Lesotho and it is heavily exported to South Africa, yet the taps run dry, I don't get it!

The most capable students tending their plots

The middle group socializing and trying to figure
out what to do.

Despite the climate concerns our students are working on their plots and gardens in the hopes that all will work out.  The older and more capable students actually have their own plots that they work on each day.  The younger and more severely disabled students work more as a group to take care of the schools plants.  Or as you can see from the picture, sometimes they just socialize.  Either way they are outside and learning about something that will be vital in their lives.  As usual I continue to try to encourage the teachers to include the most severely disabled into these tasks, even if it is just a minor role, at least it is something.  Most often they just find a spot to watch the action but don't necessarily do anything. I get really frustrated by this sometimes because I feel like they could be doing more, but then I have to remember where I am and be happy that they are even attending school.

The observers (my favorites) Thanks for the Helmet!