Oh my God.

I respect religions. I respect faith. But some things just frustrate me.

I was watching a story on Sky News today about evangelical churches in the UK who claim to cure HIV through God. People who have been diagnosed with this (scientifically incurable) disease register in these centres and are seen by pastors who guarantee a 100% success rate. How do they know if the patients are cured? Oh, it's obvious. "You will experience some pains in your body or have some diarrhoea, it means the HIV is coming out of your body."

There are so many aspects about this story that are completely outrageous. The false hopes. The fact that people are making money out this nonsense. Having patients ACTUALLY believing that prayers and holy water will cure them. But worst thing is that these pastors have the nerve to tell patients they are completely healed. "You've got to stop taking the medicine now. Once God forgives you the disease will definitely go." At least 6 people have now died because they stopped taking their HIV tablets.

There's another reason as to why I have decided to post about this topic. The other day I sat down for lunch and was joined by 2 pastors. We discussed different religious matters, one of them being spiritual healing. I couldn't believe my ears when I was being told, in a hospital setting, that a broken bone could be healed with prayers. No need for surgery, just prayers. I asked if they had done it before and they told me "I haven't managed yet, God only choses certain people to do that. But one day I will." It's a scary thought, how supposedly educated human beings in a century where science is developing every day, believe such... crap.

If you are interested in the Sky News article:

http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16117269

The Daily Times, Malawi

I thought it was pretty cool:

Music for my Ears

Another parcel, another beautiful day. This time I was pleasantly surprised with a CD with a special little mix of songs with personal favourites and the latest tunes on the radio.

I'm listening to it as I type this. Getting a CD over the post is such a clever little idea... I get to be updated on what is out there (is Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO not the latest hit??) and I get to listen to what my friend is listening to at the same time, at a different point in the world. It's like a letter in 23 tracks.

P.S. Jackson 5 and Dolly Parton are always a good bet.

Early Valentine's

I'm still trying to understand whether most men in Malawi are really nice or just plain perverts. I know a lot of people would vote for the latter, but I'm still not sure. Some people are just friendly. But then others have further intentions. It's a thin line that I'm still learning to judge.

This weekend I met a gentleman who offered me a drink and spoke to me for about 10mins. It was a pleasant conversation, but it certainly didn't sweep me off my feet.

So... is it normal that today, 2 days later, I get a flower bouquet sent to the hospital? Sweet or creepy? I'm still deciding.

One step at a time

This is my hospital. I thought I'd give you a little tour just to show you who I work with. Although I treat both adults and children, I only have pictures with the kids. But anyway, who wants to see pictures with adults when the kids are this cute?

This is Emme. When I first arrived she was bed bound and could not walk. She leaves the hospital tomorrow, walking! I will miss her.

Can you tell that I'm a happy person?

The best things come in small packages.

For those who are used to the luxurious life of having a post man come to their door to give out letters, I shall proceed to explaining how it works in Malawi. Since streets have no names and houses have no numbers, each household is designated a P.O. Box, a numbered hole on a wall in the post office. A trip to the post office is a rare thing to do, but that's where I found myself yesterday.

I had my first parcel waiting for me. A beautifully filled envelope with letters, postcards and photographs put together by a dear friend from London. I read everything over and over again with a tear in the corner of my eye and spread the photos out on the floor. Thank you everyone who wrote in the postcard and thank you especially H.B. for providing me with such a special moment.

3 reasons why you shouldn't be jealous about my lifestyle

I get a lot of people telling me how incredible it must be to be living in an African country and how much they wish they could get on a plane and do the same thing. Well here's a few reasons to dampen down those feelings:

1. Fuel shortages- It affects everything and everyone. You are forced to carefully select your life events, making you really consider whether or not you should leave the house to do certain things. You start seeing less cars on the road. Public transport fees doubling their prices. In addition, supermarket shelves start to lack in certain products- for instance, there is a serious shortage of soft drinks in town. And believe me, when it's 32ºC at 8am, people like their chilled soft drinks to cool off.

2. I'm not getting paid- Yes, it's soul fulfilling when you know that you are helping others as a volunteer without asking for anything in return. But it's financially tougher than you think! Drinking tap water is currently an excellent way to save up. Don't worry, I'll keep checking for Cholera symptoms.

3. Safety- This was essentially the trigger for this negative post. A couple of nights ago we had an unfortunate episode whereby some people tried to break into the house. Thankfully, they were unsuccesful in doing so. They did, however, manage to kill 2 of our dogs with great amonts of rat poison. It was a shocking and very sad morning.

So, still keen on joining me?