It was a fitting way to end our volunteer stay in Arusha by spending our last day with the hospice/palliative team from Selian Lutheran Hospital. Deb described the "small world" in how we managed to make the connection and the day was special for both of us. This hospice was established in 1999 and currently cares for people with HIV, TB, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Their current funding is from USAID, a partnership with Denver hospice, and donations - no government support. We all jumped aboard the jeep carrying bags of food for the families we would visit. The entire team comes along including 3 nurses, social work, and spiritual care. It was obvious how much they enjoy each other and their work as we bounced along dirty and bumpy roads to the rural homes we would visit. We were met by a special trained volunteer ( selected by the community) who knows the patients and keeps the staff informed on their issues. We met the patients in their small huts with dirt floors and heard their stories of sinus cancer, HIV, type 1 diabetes, and leg pain. After updating their medical condition and dispensing the necessary meds, the spiritual care person talks directly to the attentive patient and family. We close each visit with prayer for the patient's health and well-being...holistic care at its best. Although we like all the team members, nurse Paulina with her bright and warm smile is our favorite. She reminds us both of my sister Mel - a hospice nurse in Michigan. Both of them make you feel like friends instantly. Paulina insists on the ride back to town that we will not take the local dala-dala transportation back to our home and instead we get to listen to her lead the team in traditional Swahili/Masai hymns as we are dropped off at our front gate. A wonderful way to end a week, and our adventure in Arusha.
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