First Weekend in Country

Mealtime at Camp PC

Saturday, 18 February 2023 (6)

I hit the pillow each evening and fall almost instantly asleep. I awake early each day without alarm or the need for further rest.

There is a hallway light that shines through our bedroom entryway falling directly on my face if the door isn't pulled shut. Both nights I've awoke to this light. Perhaps it is a good omen, shedding a heavenly inspiration and watchfull spirit upon me as I sleep. 

Still I awoke at 2:30 and figured there would be no better time to get online and work on my training with no one else online in the dining room. Also, to perhaps text or call Natalie. Matt Ozark had texted me and I responded back that he was part of the reason I was here.

I finally emptied my bowels after four days. And realized that I've only been suffering from small issues all combined to appear to be something substantial when they are all only small issues. I cannot suppose that I would not face some of these issues and more. Handling these small concerns are likely crucial as I build up some experience and stamina should or perhaps I should say, when the larger issues occur.

We had the first of many medical classes. We were given an overview of issues we needed to be aware of for our safety. The medical staff is literally our personal concierge medical doctors and nurses. We have 24/7 access for emergencies though there was much emphasis on understanding that the medical people have lives too and our direct lines to the staff should be respected and we should only call when there are genuine emergencies. Otherwise, there is always an on duty staff member ready and available to hear of our medical emergencies. Office hours are available otherwise and preferable.

This afternoon I had my medical evaluation. Doctor A and I went over my records and the issue of not bringing that medication came up. They are going to try and come up with something and I should wait and see before having the meds sent from the US. It is a little worrisome about my condition for them. Already they have programmed me to have a site location within 6 hours of Tana. Perhaps they are not telling me that this is because of my age and presumed possibiulity of having more issues related to age. Some posts are as far as two days away and they worry that emergency care needs to be much closer for myself and a few others that I have talked with.

Doctor A is also a little intimidating. He scares me and I try not to divulge too much information as I am afraid it will only work against me. Some of this I will not be able to post online as I am afraid it may get back to staff now that the secret is out that I am out on social media.

The bottom line was that we would be doing another set of blood tests later or near the end of PST (Pre-Service Training). Scary. Then he also did my blood pressure and O2 levels. O2 was at 95 which I already knew was not great and borderline. Blood pressure was high at 142/80, and he thinks more water would help. We both think losing weight would be helpful and watching my diet. Currently I am at 225, more than I can remember. I'd like to get closer to under 200. I will be eating a little better. I'll be skipping much of the rice and bread, and taking smaller portions. I'll also try and eat more vegatables or at least start by trying them.

I tried getting out this afternoon and running which is a joke. I don't have any running shoes, so I'm using the steel toes boots, I have no shorts so I am using the pants that zip to shorts. I have no t-shirts so using my one and only one sweatshirt.  Ran a little but I know it's not going to happen. Perhaps I can do more walking.

This afternoon we were to get our new sim cards. It literally took half a dozen of the phone company people 3 hours to get 23 or us sim cards and working on their system. Part of the problem was the very bad internet.

Started doing a few interviews with staff and other volunteers. I'm hoping I've gained a little more trust.

There is so much I need to do here. Keep up on the training, involve myself with the other volunteers and their lives, and learn all the things we need to learn. Shooting and journaling, although very important seems to eat into my time and takes away from quality spent with them. Last night I was asked to play a card game, even though I had my laptop out and was hoping to start downloading footage and pre-edit. Instead, I said absolutely as it was exactly one of those times I had earlier thought about when I'd have to avoid segregating myself away in my own bubble.

To bed by 11:00.