09.12.14. Department of Public Health now Betel Nut free zone

Bust day at the office with meetings and new assignments. Dinner at my apartment with two Peace Corps Response volunteers Judith and Graham. Gumbo and squash with bananas and coconuts for dinner.
Visited the College of Micronesia at Yap campus with a health worker. They have a two year program. No four year college in the country.

The college is just across the road from the high school.

Everyone takes off shoes before entering a building or home. This is outside the administration building of the college. Note the flipflops by  the door. And the trash can for the used betel nut.

 

 This is the high school, just outside of Colonia.

Today it was official. The Department of Public Health would be betel nut free. That means no chewing of betel nut by staff or patients. A fine of $1.00 will be collected from those who do not comply. which will be used to buy water for the department.

This dog is often seen on my walks and around the hospital.  I do believe she belongs to someone. She is very calm but  also quite thin. I do feel bad for the dogs who scrounge for something to eat.

These pictures are from Jackie and Larry, who are kindly watching my boys Fionnegan and Gunnarr while I am gone. They are such cuties. They look like they are having a good time! Thank you for sending me pictures.