11.23.14 Sunday kayaking

It was a nice low key day. Did a little work, hiked another stone trail, visited the teachers from the high school, checked on the refugees, played with the neighbor kids, fed Chocolate and then went on a wonderful kayak excursion to O'Keefe Island.

First Chocolate. It appears he has forgotten or forgiven me the bath. But his coat does look a lot better, especially on the side that had the most scrubbing. He now eats from my hand (no rabies in Yap) so I pulled out the loose hairs with one hand and fed him with the other. It also looks like he  has filled out just a little. He scarfs down these pepperoni dog treats - I only give him two or three a day so he does not have gi problems. He also loves the milkbones and  now is not so hot on cereal. Spoiled already.

The kayaking was great. Waited until 5:30 when it is not blazing hot, and this afternoon we had a lot of dark clouds. There was a rainbow in the East and the tide was still coming in. So I had a great paddle out across the shipping channel and then to more shallow water to look for fish along the reef (I do see more fish leaning over the bridge) and then paddled to O'Keefe's Island. O'Keefe is famous for being rescued by the locals and then importing the stone money for them from Palau. Made it just ahead of the very dark clouds moving in quickly from the east. The rainbow was beautiful as it reached all the way to the horizon of the ocean when I first started.

Here are two pictures of O'Keefe's Island. Remnants of his home are on the island. Was thinking of going back sometime and maybe have a picnic. Then I saw a ton of mosquitoes. Maybe I'll just paddle all the way around the island or find a bug free landing.

This is Cutey. His owner doesn't want him anymore, sad to say. Love this dog - he is only four months old and he gives puppy kisses. He also likes the milkbone and pepperoni treats. But I am not allowed a dog in the apartment, so I cannot take him and I don't want him to become a stray.  He really wants to run around and play with the other dogs. Who can blame him? They are free to roam nad explore and he has a short chain. The teachers ask me what do I do here to fill my time. I have a lot going on between work, refugees, exploring, playing with and reading to children, photography, walks, swimming, bird watching and tending to the dogs that I am never bored.

Pretty sunset.

A dog from the village of Keng. All white is a bit unusual. Note the collar. He belongs to someone.

11.22.14 Chocolate gets his first bath

Sorry to say there are no pictures of this. Pretty much had my hands full with enticing Chocolate to "stay" (right!) while I scrubbed him with an OR scrub brush.

He now comes by the area where I live frequently, waiting for me by the stairs. So I ran up and got a large pot of water and a scrub brush and some food. Initially he just ate while I scrubbed. Then he really didn't like the water on him so he tried to run away. I lured him back with a milk bone and let him bite it in half and put my arm under his neck and scrubbed as fast as I could. He kept looking at the other half and didn't get it until I had to rewet the brush. Let's say we both had a bath! I finally dumped the pot of water on him. He shook off to dry and then came back for more food.

It looks like he is healing those areas where I am applying the medication and with some calories, maybe he will heal completely. I'll give it a week rest before I try to wash him again, but next time I think I am just going to put dish washing liquid on his coat to make sure we have enough soap. I am surprised he let me hold him still and he even licked my hand today. The milk bones are a quick source of calories and now he has fresh breath, too. He is not too upset, when I came out later he was waiting for me. Smart dog, he knows where there is food. He also comes now when I call his name or whistle. I have a ribbon, so I think I am going to make him a collar when his coat looks better  so everyone will know he is no longer a stray.

Went to check on the refugees. They are healthy, no  new medical problems and they are able to cook the rice and other foods. The Red Cross is finally getting it together and have ads on the radio to donate food. Never should we complain at home if services are not immediate.

At Mass tonight (was invited to go to the English Mass and hear the choir - beautiful singing). The priest overheard a conversation in the store about  buying boxes of turkey tail. Yes, it is exactly what is sounds like. For some reason, Micronesians love eating turkey tail and they buy it in large size boxes. I personally do not see the appeal. It was on a "plate" of ffod that I bought at one fair and not to my taste - almost no meat and all fat. But the refugees will now have the chance to try turkey tail, taro, coconut, bananas, cassava, and many local foods that they have never tried in the past. Some had never seen a green banana and they were going to eat it skin and all. So I do hope someone explains how to prepare these foods.

Went to go kayaking later in the afternoon (it was soooooooooooooooo hot today I cannot even imagine being on a boat, kayak or canoe in the hot sun). But in the afternoon clouds roll in, sometimes it rains, sometimes not, most rains are brief and it is ideal to be outside. But no one was there to rent and I dozed off waiting and then decided to just go home and make a pizza. Will try early tomorrow morning, before it gets too hot.

Found this picture on the internet. They are so cute and remind me of my boys Fionnegan and Gunnarr when they talk to each other. I have found them having conversations under the table while I am working or in their playpen when they think I am not watching. But I most fondly remember them talking to me on occasion. The first time Fionn talked to me it was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. He sat next to me as I was getting ready for work and just softly mumbled. I had him repeat it and what he wanted was a hug! I had picked him up and he snuggled his head in my neck and put his paws around me for a moment, and then he was done. A week later, Gunnarr started to talk to me, too. I do miss them. I suspect they would like Chocolate very much.

Fionnegan and Gunnarr. Two very happy and well loved puppies! This was taken in Gloucester. We hiked up to Stage Fort from the causeway and they climbed up on the rocks. What fun!

Chocolate is looking happier and healthier every day.

11.21.14 Exciting times in Yap

The local authorities could not be more overwhelmed with major issues from the high seas. With the four boats still here that were poaching from VietNam to the human trafficking boat from Indonesia, it has been exciting. Went back today for a followup health exam of the one of most concern and he has improved with antibiotics. Apparently, and I write this with no authority, VietNam is not going to claim their men or boats. Soon Yap may have four relatively decent fishing boats as it will soon become state property. In addition, the UN and other agencies have been contacted for advice on how to mange refugees. Tomorrow night state officials will arrive for discussions about their fate. The men have no passports or other id and no money. Again, Public Health and the Yap Hospital doctors collected monies and local foods and I bought food and basic essentials, and laundry detergent. I also asked one grocery store to donate and they (finally) gave us a 40 lb bag of rice, cartons of canned foods, and a discount on the many items I purchased. I love a good bargain. I have many years of bargaining under my belt, so I am a bit tough on the merchants.

The Red Cross is supposed to organize things, but they are still waiting for money from the capital. However, they way we are providing for them is not sustainable, and the Red Cross and government will need to decide how to feed them and their fate soon. The government had spent its budget on the poachers, so there is nothing left for the refugees. I hope to attend the meeting Sunday as the physician/public health person. It is not scheduled and no one knows any details, so it may be hit or miss. As a woman, it may be a miss. O yes, it is like that here. It is like starting all over again in my career. While a different topic, I work hard to encourage the young women to be more assertive and confident at work. The culture here against women is very strong and there are many conflicts in the workplace. There is a well known caste system and I have seen senior women bow so low to almost crawl when a "chief" of a village is in Public Health. Any chief worth his salt will stand so the woman does not have to crawl. I have witnessed this.

Here are pictures from today, including a lights of a beautiful sunset.

These are the boats from Vietnam, the fishermen poaching sea cucmber from within Micronesian waters of Ngulu.

The refugee boat from Indonesia, with 34 men from Nepal and India, one captain and one crew member. In the background you can see the fishing boats from VietNam.

Nepalese men.

It is amazing they made it here 800 miles from Indonesia. They are now interested in going to Guam, then Hawaii.

A lovely walk about the lagoon tonight with a beautiful sunset.

more videos from the canoe festival sail race

 

 

 

 

Launching your boat from the floating dock. It is a whole different approach.

 

And the race begins. Mast up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.20.14 Refugees

This was an exciting day. In addition to the four boats of fisherman from VietNam who were poaching sea cucumbers, we now have one boat from Indonesia with refugees from India and Nepal. Environmental Health and Sanitation is charged with overseeing them and the doctors were alerted to some people with rashes. So I volunteered to go with one other doctor and examine the refugees. All 34 of them had scabies, so  not so bad. But they had no food and no water. So after treating them, the PH staff moved into high gear and collected a lot of money by their standards and we were ableto buy them rice, ramen noodles (yes, everyone here loves them and even eat them uncooked as a snack), and water. In addition we got them soap and cleaner and bleach. When I returned to the hospital, I also reported to EHS that they had no water or food. The head then wrote an email to the governor, lt governor, and attorney general stating that the men were starving and without water or cooking fuel. Actually, he said I reported this to him. The government was supposed to supply them with food and water, so this got them into action and when I went back later in the afternoon (my third trip) they now had a supply of ready water and were eating biscuits for dinner. So once again I informed EHS that they had no cooking fuel, so now they have that.

Our staff were very generous and I was very proud of them. People collected money, gave up water bottles that we could fill with clean water, gave up some of their lunch and tomorrow they will be bringing in local food.

There is a Red Cross here, but they are very slow to respond. They were waiting for money to come in from the capital before they made "donations". The plan is to get enough provisions for them to send them back to Indonesia, once the paper work in completed, according to  my police escort. We think this is an example of human trafficking. The story we have is that the boat left Indonesia with just the captain and one crew member. Then at some point several boats joined him and delivered the 34 men. They are planning on going to Hawaii to get US passports. (As an aside - when the Chief of Medicine  told us this story and I volunteered to examine them, one of  the doctors said - now when they see Dr. Rosemary they will think they are in America and will get passports!).  I did ask the men where they were going and they all think they will be going to America. But Yap officials have alerted the US Coast Guard and have plans to  escort them in the direction home. I suspect these 34 men paid a lot of money to get to the USA; they will be sorely disappointed to learn that that will not happen. They were all clean cut and polite. Some spoke a little English. Mostly they were thirsty and hungry. But now they have food, water and medicine.

Here are a couple of pictures. This time I was doing more doctoring and not much shutterbugging.

We also visited the police station to see these five men. They were just being questioned, not arrested.

It is hard to imagine this vessel being seaworthy. The stern did break away from the dock - it looked like the line broke. It was frayed. I wonder if they will actually make it anywhere as it is now typhoon season.

11.19.14 Treats arrived

The plane and ship arrived today. Thank you all for the cards and treats. A special thank you to Mrs. PG for  the treats for the furry friends. They will be lapping it up soon.

Worked on a few projects, saw the little ones in school. Am looking forward to some quiet block time to work on a special project for the neighboring islands.

Here are a few more cuties.

 

They all watch.

 

Twins. Not too sure they want this  done. Mom there to help.

The teacher records the hemoglobin levels for the children.

A new and healthy baby and a very young Mother.

 

This basket is for carrying the newborns.

 

11.18.14 Tuesday

Busy day. Went to visit more ECE's - early childhood education centers to repeat hemoglobins. As usual it is fun to play with the kids. We made rooster balloons from the gloves at one  school.
On another note, while we do not have Ebola, we have another serious infection calle melioidosis. It is found in Northeastern Australia, Thailand, and a few Pacific islands. We have had five patients with the infection (obtained from spores in the soil and water) and no survivors. We are batting a 100. This is a major public health problem, so  I spent tonight reviewing the charts looking for a common thread to help us identify these patients earlier. The demise is very quick.

To keep on a positive note - here are some pictures of the kids. It is just amazing that Janet and Carlos can convince a four  or five year old to have the finger pricked.  And the kids watch it done!

This little fellow is only one and  not feeling too well. His Mom works in our immunization program.

Getting ready to check the kids, we all sat on the floor. No one wears shoes indoors - not in the homes, schools, shops, etc. So the floors are clean. It probably is an excellent way to keep out the soil pathogens. I do the same at my house too - no shoes indoors. And my boys have learned to stop and wipe their feet first if they want a treat.

Janet. Notice the gloves. We had a lecture on standard/universal precautions. Have noticed and been told that many are now wearing them. Very nice to see.

Carlos.

A Mom  and an Auntie. Nice to see a parent or other relative at school.

She is a cutie.

Just having fun.

Carlos and his little nephew.

A little Tom Brady. Wonder if he knew we had a great game Sunday night.

Teaching the children how to write their letters.

Some are more interested than others!

She was very curious about this setup. No tears when she had her finger pricked.

Maybe a doctor in the future? She is a doll.

Gracie is adorable.

We made rooster balloons from the gloves for all of the children. Can't make just one.

The teacher was a good sport. She drew faces on each balloon and each child's name.

Fun was had by all.

My dog Chocolate does not look too good. I tried a home remedy on his mange yesterday (cooking oil to smother the mites). I went to the pharmacy at the hospital today and got the medicine they use for kids with scabies. While Andrew fed him cheerios, I applied the cream to all of his spots. Hope it helps with the itching. Saw him walking home tonight and he looked better. I don't know why he decided to come up to me that one day, but I have been looking after him ever since. One of the ladies thanked me for  feeding him but I think most people think I am crazy for taking care of him. Maybe with some calories and some medicine his coat will improve. And you do remember that smile from him on the last blog. Next will have to figure out how to get him a bath - may be a sea bath. We'll see.