The second Saturday of my trip Julie and I made a trip into the bush to provide a training for the traditional birth attendents. I did not have privlidges from this Ministry of Health so I just took picutres and gave the devotion (previous post). This day was one of my favorites. I always enjoyed being on the road and getting out. It was a long drive into the bush. The meeting was at a school house. Hot day as they all were at this point. After the devotion and singing, Julie provided instruction and skills training in handwashing, newborn assessment, breech delivery, and kangaroo care. I love these strong, brave, selfless women. You can just see the strength in their body language and love in their eyes. I am so humbled to have been in the same room with them and know I will be humbled to see them when we meet again "on the other side."
During the class, a large pot of mahaile was served. (I have no idea how to spell that). But, it is a watered down powered milk drink with cornmeal. So, in other words, you are drinking a chunky milk drink in 120 degrees. I don't think so. I knew it would be offensive to refuse the drink as it is a treat and was made for us, but I also knew I wouldn't be able to get it down. I prayed for help. All the while, I am thinking "what do I do?" I have few food/drink aversions, but texture is a big one for me. They watched me as I took a few sips (small sips). I was proud of myself for taking as many sips as I did but also knew there was no way I would finish the drink. And one of them had looked at me and said with a somewhat stern voice and no smile, "finish it." It's like she knew! I decided to give myself a few minutes off from drinking and hope for intervention. I developed a plan: if I could sneak to the side I could throw it out the window. My desk was shaky so I took the opportunity to move my drink to the table which was close to the window. One of the women saw this. I played it cool and took another sip. Once I was close to the window I built confidence to make my move. While the women were watching the next demo, I quickly poured my cup out the window. Ruster, our translater, was the only one who saw me. Our eyes met and we smiled. After a few minutes I walked my cup over to the pot where everyone else put their empty cups. One of the women looked surprised mine was empty. I was SO glad nobody asked if I drank it all. I wouldn't have lied, but had no problem pouring it out!
I was relieved when after class Julie said she hadn't seen a thing!
During the class, a large pot of mahaile was served. (I have no idea how to spell that). But, it is a watered down powered milk drink with cornmeal. So, in other words, you are drinking a chunky milk drink in 120 degrees. I don't think so. I knew it would be offensive to refuse the drink as it is a treat and was made for us, but I also knew I wouldn't be able to get it down. I prayed for help. All the while, I am thinking "what do I do?" I have few food/drink aversions, but texture is a big one for me. They watched me as I took a few sips (small sips). I was proud of myself for taking as many sips as I did but also knew there was no way I would finish the drink. And one of them had looked at me and said with a somewhat stern voice and no smile, "finish it." It's like she knew! I decided to give myself a few minutes off from drinking and hope for intervention. I developed a plan: if I could sneak to the side I could throw it out the window. My desk was shaky so I took the opportunity to move my drink to the table which was close to the window. One of the women saw this. I played it cool and took another sip. Once I was close to the window I built confidence to make my move. While the women were watching the next demo, I quickly poured my cup out the window. Ruster, our translater, was the only one who saw me. Our eyes met and we smiled. After a few minutes I walked my cup over to the pot where everyone else put their empty cups. One of the women looked surprised mine was empty. I was SO glad nobody asked if I drank it all. I wouldn't have lied, but had no problem pouring it out!
I was relieved when after class Julie said she hadn't seen a thing!
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