Teamwork at its Best!

Everyone plays a role in this world. Each of us brings a unique blend of passion, skills, and ideas to this life and we must work together in order to thrive...and heal. The VHW team has been a model of this belief especially this past week.


We had 3 arrivals this week. Helen, Connie, & Will.
Helen is a nurse from Maine and Australia (dual citizen) who was in Kigutu a few months ago and is so dedicated to the cause that she keeps coming back for more! Her funk, energy, and public health mindset definitely creates a fun, exciting, and sometimes exhausting experience (she brings a little bit of the craziness of home here, it's really wonderful).
Connie is Helen's friend from Flagstaff, Arizona. She is a nurse who has also brought a lot of flare (and chocolate- thank God) to VHW. She has taken on the role of "malnutrition makeover-ist" and she is diligently striving to create a top notch malnutrition ward. She likes to wear bright colors and as I said before, keeps a bag of chocolates under her bed...it's like heaven.

Will has finally arrived! He is an agronomist from Santa Barbara, CA who is working on our food security program! This means that he will be growing wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables for not only the VHW team but for the Kigutu community at large. He loves dirt and we love him for making us healthier! (he's single ladies, quite a catch)


The week started off rough as we had 5 babies with severe malaria who all needed blood transfusions or else they would literally die. When you have malaria hemolysis (destruction of the red blood cells) occurs and your blood cannot provide enough oxygen and nutrients to the body. The little boy above, Divin, is 5 years old. The consultation room became a pediatric ICU as we tried to provide enough oxygen to keep his little body alive. His heart was racing, breathing was labored and he was basically unresponsive. He needed a tube put down his nose so we could feed him formula and was constantly on oxygen. We all thought he wasn't going to make it. We were up with him from morning through night, sneaking in when everyone else was sleeping and checking on him, making sure he was still breathing. With training from the U.S. we use albuterol to help open up the lungs with pneumonia or respiratory distress, here it is mainly used for asthma. I suggested that we try albuterol to help him breath easier and sure enough it opened up his lungs. Again, teamwork at it's best. We were able to get these patients to Bururi hospital for blood transfusions despite the national shortage and some telling us "there is just no blood in the country." The kids left and a few days later came home to us, some thriving others in much better condition than when they left us. Divin is doing well- very lethargic but I'll keep you posted on his progress...make sure to send him some love!


Melino & Bazile are the two physicians on board here at VHW. Both amazing individuals! I can't say enough good things about them. Their skill, patience, passion, knowledge, and desire to teach and heal are contagious and inspire me. Melino is from Burundi and Bazile is from Haiti (we recently heard back from his family and they are all safe after the earthquake-thankfully). Both have devoted their lives to helping those most in need. More to come about these 2 incredible human beings!


We had a birthday party for Alex, the communications volunteer from Oregon. It was his 22nd Birthday so we made some cake in a pan...a "pancake" if you will. It was surprisingly yummy! We decorated him and the patio with orange gourds that we found in the garden. We had some leftover wine in a box and Bazile serenaded us with his smooth guitar sounds and voice that makes everyone smile. It was a great night!


We got together on Saturday and worked together with the community to build a run off system so the road does not get flooded. Yes, I dug and hoed with Burundians! It was fun but exhausting. We walked one hour down the "road" (rocks and dirt) and one hour back. Their is a need for community mobilization and empowerment but we are working on it. It was nice to be a part of the team.
...Walking for 2 hours can be difficult and people (Helen) can have some issues...



You know how people have old stuff and they just want to "send it to Africa" to help out. Well that's great and I know people's hearts are in the right place but sometimes I wonder... We went through hundreds of boxes of donated supplies and medications and we found the most bizarre items. Such as a total hip replacement kit, an Xray machine, 2 rascal electric scooters, and some dentist chairs. Here at VHW we don't really have the capacity to do Xrays or hip replacements, or have smooth roads for a rascal scooter. One box labeled "Africa" made us all laugh. "Just send this box to the continent of Africa, someone needs it." We spent 4 hours sorting and organizing, which was actually a lot of fun!


Helen brought a solar cooker, which is a brilliant idea! Here is Helen and Will trying it out. We tried to make rice but a huge rain storm swept through and kind screwed up the process...but we will persevere!


This worm came from a patient. He vomited up a 3cm worm "round worms." I've never seen anything like this come out of another human being. It was a great scene: the guy showing up with this worm, Melino talking to him about what happened, Helen excited and getting a specimen cup to save it, and me gagging a little. haha...again- teamwork at it's best!


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The patients are wonderful, the children are my outlet, and yes I still love baby goats!



Sometimes there's just nothing else you can do and it's the worst feeling in the world. We go to school for years and devote our lives to improving the lives of others. When there are no more supplies, no more treatments, no more medications or ideas this feeling of helplessness sets in and takes over. It's definitely a part of this lifestyle but it's difficult when you know that if we were in the U.S. that person would be better in no time. When this situation occurs we keep fighting, loving, and hoping...

Life. Death. And everything in between

Mwiriwe! (Good Afternoon)

It's 2:30pm on a foggy Kigutu day, similar to recent days here. I'm settling in nicely, actually looking forward to my next batch of rice & beans!

Working at the clinic has been crazy this week. In the same week in the same room we brought a life into the world and helped another one leave. Such a surreal experience. One day was filled with anticipation and joy and the next was solemn and at times difficult. This spectrum of emotion is a part of life and a part of why I do what I do. Providing care to those in need through the difficulties of labor, the first glimpse at the world, and the last moments here...it's pretty amazing to be able to be a part of it all.

The Baby:
You may have been following the facebook updates on January 8th as I was trying to keep everyone posted on what was happening. We had a woman come in the morning with a few contractions and she was with us through the delivery. Our clinic of 2 doctors and 4 nurses is not designed to deliver babies. At first the only space we had for her was our "isolation room" where one of our HIV/TB patients is living. We had realized that this was probably not the best idea so we used a consultation room which meant we couldn't see as many outpatients. Anyway...After 6 hours of walking, deep breathing, and the infamous search for a washcloth (we REALLY need supplies) a healthy baby girl (name not yet given as I would not allow 'Brad' to be an option) was born! It was incredible to say the least.










"Why is his shirt off?" You may be asking yourself this question. The mom either didn't have or didn't bring any clothes with her and the blankets at the clinic are basically as thick as a paper towel (a cheap paper towel- not Bounty or anything). About 15-20 minutes after being delivered her little fingers and toes started turning pale and blue. I encouraged the mom to put the baby on her chest for warmth...This mom didn't want to do that. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Maybe it's a "I was just in labor for 6 hours thing." I don't know. The point is, the baby was cold and I had a shirt. I swaddled the baby in my shirt and suddenly saw a flash! Melino, one of the docs started taking pictures of me. "Oh Brad! You are crazy. I need to take picture of you!" So he went snapping away.

I handed the baby to her grandmother and she couldn't stop smiling! When we told her it was girl she was ecstatic! What a joyous experience!

Like I said before, our team is small so everyone takes on a side project. One nurse is in charge of the HIV/TB program and malnutrition, the other is in charge of family planning and vaccinations. As we sat around the table and had our meeting it became apparent that I would have to step it up and be in charge of a program. "How about the maternal/newborn health program," Bazile said. "We really need a midwife but since we don't have one...I guess you'll have to learn." So yes ladies and gentleman I am now in charge of the Maternal/Newborn Health Program. I will follow the women and babies from prenatal care through birth and newborn care. Perfect! I'm ready for the challenge.

Maybe you're thinking, "Oh how cute, birth. Are you getting anything more interesting and disgusting?" Well, YES! I give you TUNGIASIS:

This patient presented with lesions covering his feet. They were painful, itchy, and he had them for 1 year. We all thought they were just infected lesions. After closer examination it turned out to be tungiasis. Tungiasis is a rare infection caused by fleas. Basically the fleas enter the feet when people walk barefoot. If a female enters the body she drinks blood and grows to the size of bean. She also has about 200 eggs in her sac which she lays in the feet. These eggs hatch and all the little fleas release into the body and eat away at the flesh. They must each be removed by hand with a scalpel and then the infection must be treated. This disease is extremely rare but fortunately Bazile, one of our docs, is an expert in the field and has published articles about it.

Perhaps that's not bad enough...Perhaps you want more... No problem!

Thank God I paid attention during the wound care lectures (thanks Sonya).
We are not sure what this is but again, the patient had this for over 1 year before seeking treatment. These masses were covered in puss and smelled disgusting! The poor man was in so much pain that he could barely walk. There are two more smaller masses on the other side of his foot and a little baby on his left foot. We aren't exactly sure what it is because we have no lab tests that can help us identify what's going on. We are thinking it might be some sort of HPV (the virus that causes warts) that just got out of control. We are trying to get the infection under control and then we will send him to Bujumbura for surgery.

I've realized that this blog will probably turn into me showing you the most interesting things we are seeing here because to be honest it's either that or landscapes because that's all I have around me! I'll do my best to mix cute and intriguing.


These are my loves! They both came to the malnutrition ward due to severe malnutrition. They have been here for over a month and are doing great! I might add that they love me too! (which is a surprise because most babies here freak out when they see white people). The one in the front, Excel (that's his name), will probably be coming home with me so everyone get ready for a new baby to love!

This is my new Yoga spot. On the edge of a mountain.
It's pretty foggy during the rainy season but still beautiful.



Amahoro N'urukundo (peace & love)

And it begins...

...it's a little long but it's covering A LOT of info...enjoy!







December 25th. I hit the metro after time with Nora and headed to Alli's house with my duffle bag, messenger bag and backpack. I left NYC and flew for 14hrs to Johannesburg. I had an 8hr layover in Jo-burg but after working my magic and saying I was a nurse I was squeezed on the next flight! Arriving in Capetown and seeing Jay and Rachel at the gate made my heart smile! A little holiday in South Africa before heading to Burundi was perfect.



I stayed with Jay and the family who he is living with during his African adventure. He will be traveling from South Africa up to Kenya doing video and interviews for Great Guides. They were preparing to leave so it was hectic and we moved to 2 houses while visiting. Rachel (the mom) and Sarita & Lorien (the little beans) took Jay & I to the beach at Scarborough where there old house was located. We had a windy picnic with cheese, bread, avocado, tomatoes, and olive...a wonderful day that ended with marvelous frozen yogurt



The trip brought a lot of relaxing, rooibos tea, good food, and playing with the girls, who are wonderful. They reminded me how to be a kid and play. We played Safari starring Sarita the Cheetah, Loli the Monkey, and Brad the Lillypad (ya, I know). They are creative and free-spirited, a contagious combo. Rachel made delectable meals from mostly raw, natural, healthy foods- I need to learn more from her.



Jay and I hiked Table Mountain. It was 96 degrees in the sun and 70s in the shade. We reached a peak at about 2500 ft which overlooked Capetown and the botanical gardens. Breathtaking. The scene was picturesque and I really felt that highly coveted inner zen. We had lunch on a rock in a little secret garden nook. Butternut squash hummus (yum) with garlic bread, cucumber, apple, and a cheap ($2) carton of red wine.




We climbed down the mountain and went to meet up with thr family who were attending a wedding. Picture this: Jay & I sitting outside of a classy restaurant on the lawn just staring at this wedding reception in our sweaty clothes and stinky selves. Classic moment. The girls came out and visited us so we sent them on a top secret to sneak us some food. 4-5 trips occurred and they brought us bread, some random stuff, and 4 french fries. To top it off Jay & I stole leftover water & champagne from the wedding. It was a lot of fun!

I read Tuesdays with Morrie in 2 days...ya it was that good. I Highly recommend it!

Airport in Nairobi @ 3:00am

After 10days my time was over and I was headed to my next adventure- the airport in Nairobi Kenya. I arrive at 7:30pm and my flight was supposed to be at 8:30am but it got pushed back to 12:30pm. 17hrs in the Nairobi airport sleeping on a booth in a cafe and the floor- good times. It actually wasn't that bad. The design of the airport reminded me of a middle school built in the 60s. It was kinda grimy and was yellow with old toilets.

Then I arrived in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. I was greeted at the airport by Nestor, the country director for VHW. We went through the city and picked up some medical supplies, food, and random people. Being here is a whole new experience for many reasons. For one, nothing is in English and very few people speak English. French and Kirundi are spoken here. The city is small and congested, nothing elegant or fun jumped out at me. Lots of stores and people selling food. We drove from Bujumbura to Kigutu, the town where the clinic is. It took two hours (1 of which was on unpaved dirt roads with huge holes. In Lesotho they had these types of roads as well but the main difference here is that there are tons of people, animals, and children walking along the streets. Our driver was going 90kilometers/hr (about 55mph) down these roads- I had to close my eyes because I was afraid for my life, literally.
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We stopped in a town called Rumonge which has a big open air market. I got out of the car and it felt like the world froze. Everyone started staring at me, most of these people (especially the children) have never seen a white person (muzungu) before. 3 chilren cried when they saw me and the others were very intrigued. It was a new experience. I felt slightly uncomfortable but more so I was just cracking up at the crying children and the group of boys 1/2 of which were trying to touch me and the other 1/2 flinched when I went to shake their hand. Out of my comfort zone.


I arrived at the clinic around 6pm and was in awe at the beauty of the clinic and the country. Picture lush green everywhere, palm trees, mango trees, banana trees, mountains enveloping 1/2 of the country while Lake Tanganyika (the 2nd largest lake in the world) provides fresh water for to the other 1/2. It's gorgeous but deceiving. What I mean is, you look around and think everything is beautiful and dandy but it is a country plagued with malnutrition, HIV, malaria, poor education, the list goes on and on...

The grounds house an outpatient clinic, inpatient ward with 10 beds (usually overflowing with more patients), a malnutrition ward, a pharmacy, and a lab (only a few tests can be done). The residence is nice, 4 communal bathrooms and shared bedrooms (currnetly I'm with 5 people). It's hectic here now as the board of directors are in from NYC, architects and construction teams are planning the site for a women's health center while simultaneously building a community center. Apparently right before I got here an agriculture project was initiated with acres of fruits and vegetables which are being grown for the staff of VHW and the community.

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Good things are being done here. Good People. Challenging work. Lots to learn and give.
My first day of working was today. It consisted of patient rounds- malnutrition, HIV, TB, malaria, and some interesting things like a possible cancerous growth on a little kid's leg. After rounds it was time to see patients. Wednesday is OB day so there were lots of pregnant ladies wandering around. Dr. Melino (one of the 2 docs here) did a class for them about prenatal care, HIV, and general health. He is a GREAT person, very skilled, patient, and the definition of kind. He translated everything for me and kept asking for my input and suggestions, it was interesting (the next blog will have more info about it but lets just say it will talk about traditional healers and cutting off body parts).

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People seem excited to have me here and are very welcoming. I miss everyone back home already but this is part of the experience- I need to work through that. I know I will be learning LOTS and I hope I can give back to the clinic and the patients in a meaningful, innovative way.

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THEY HAVE BABY GOATS!


and sunsets.

this is going to be an incredibly, amazing, life changing experience...I can already tell.
please stay in touch.

"Everybody heals with Love"
Brad