Kareoke and Volunteering day

Posted on 13 Aug 2008 - 23:16

Well, the day after was not that much more positive. Some of the other volunteers were a bit upset because a few patients died. So, all feeling a bit down, we decided to go to kareoke across the road. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to muster the strength to really enjoy it, but I'm really glad we went. We all had a great time and it was nice to feel alive and energetic. Sometimes you can feel a bit lethargic here.
Today was a very interesting day. It was the volunteers day where we get to go round to all the other projects and see what they're like. First we went to the tree clinic which is where community women and their children can meet under a big tree for medical and personal care. We spent ages playing with some of the kids, but unfortunately, today has been the one really hot and sweaty day! It was fun playing with the kids. But there was a bit of an emergency. There was a lady who walked for miles to get here who had been beaten with a metal pole on the way. She had a massive cut on her forehead. The police came but because the woman was drunk, they wouldn't take a statement. We had to try and keep all the kids away while the medical people fixed her up a bit. I think it looked worse than it was, its just a horrible thought that she was beated up at all. Apparently it was part of an on going feud, not sure of any of the details though.
I think the project that most stuck out in my mind was bobby bear, the place that uses teddy bears to get abused children to talk about their experiences. It seems amazing and the staff that we met had actually been abused themselves and just seemed like amazingly strong people, it was good to see. After we saw all the projects we all went for dinner at the Ushaka marine world in Durban. It was really nice to see Durban finally. Not much else to report at the moment. Feel like I've not seen the patients in ages, as today was such a long day. I'm looking forward to seeing them again tomorrow!
Oh, and just wanted to say thanks again for all the messages!

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Comments

Nichola

14 Aug 2008 - 16:06

I am very impressed after reading your blog messages. You are going to find it so easy to get a job in clinical psychology when you get back if that is still what you want to do. The majority of patients problems over here may seem very trivial to the types that you are hearing about over there. You are a very strong person Oona to be able to do what you are doing. I am very proud of you. Keep going! Nic xxx

Lizzie Wyatt

14 Aug 2008 - 22:58

Hi Glad you all got out for the evening and visited the other projects the following day. I am sure you are aware of how important it is to groung and protect yourself while doing this kind of work. Your blogs are moving and informative. I am planning to volunteer next year and you give a realistic insight into what is involved.Keep up the good work and the blogs.

Sian

15 Aug 2008 - 11:20

Hey Oona,
Your blog is excellent have loved reading about all your experiences! You're very brave doing that, I know I couldn't. I bet you make a huge difference to those peoples' lives - whilst it might not seem like it at the time, it would probably be much more difficult for them not having people like you around. I've been telling everyone at work and all my friends about what you're up to, everyone is really impressed.
Hope you're doing well and coping with the spiders :)
Lots of love
Sian
xxxxx
P.S. Loved the horseriding story!!