Day 5 March 12 Heat like a Brick Oven!

Today we returned to the Toza district that we visited on Day 2 and spent the day with some of the most family‑oriented, close‑knit people I’ve met on this trip. It was so hot in this school that was transformed into clinic, like standing inside a brick oven . The heat index was close to 100 degrees, the humidity was not helping yet people were smiling, welcoming and kind.

At one point we realized we were filling our water bottles (about 3 bottles in for me) from a tank that collects rainwater. That moment definitely made me pause and warn others, but so far, so good. No one is completely dehydrated, and I’m grateful for that. The effects of the heat and lack of sleep are definitely starting to show among members of our group, but overall we’re doing our best to stay positive and find the upside in the experiences. Even in the hard moments, it’s important to remember why we’re here and to stay intentional about what we are trying to learn. This trip isn’t meant to be comfortable, it is meant to be eye opening and humbling.

One of the highlights of today was seeing the 98‑year‑old woman and her daughter from Day 2. They walked to the clinic. Yes, in the same flip flops.  After they were seen by the provider, one of the Global Brigades drivers was able to give them a ride home in his truck, which was so kind! 

I was saddened to learn that the older of the two has a women’s health issue what sounded like a prolapsed uterus that has never been addressed and still couldn’t be treated today. Her daughter shared that she is “just dealing with it” and is uncomfortable at times. Hearing things like that stay with you. They magnify the very real limits of our short‑term, limited medical care and the reveal the health disparities that exist especially for older women.

There is so much I feel thankful for tonight, access to care, medications, comfort, clean water, and choices to choose where or by who I receive medical care. At the same time, this experience has made me far more aware of the gaps that exist and the resilience people show while living within them.

The heat was intense. The day was long---but I am grateful. 












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