Weekend Fun!

Saturday we had slower day in clinic but saw some very interesting patients. We saw two patients with multiple disabilities and complex medical histories. The first was a young boy named Clifford who had I diagnosed cerebral palsy with stability issues, no speech, and a range of illnesses including malaria, impetigo and epilepsy. He was really difficult to test, but in the end we thought we had reliable results. However, we then used DPOAEs to cross check out results and had very contradictory results. We think he may have auditory neuropathy but are limited because the ABR/ASSR equipment is currently not working and we can't quite figure it out. 

The next patient we saw was a young girl named Evelyn who had some interesting craniofacial abnormalities. She was extremely sleepy so it was difficult to test her. She also had an ear infection in one ear and would not let us come near that ear. After getting some reliable results in the soundfield she began to fall asleep so we gave her a break and retested her several hours later. We were unable to obtain ear specific information so we were hoping to do ASSR on her this morning, however the equipment still won't work. It's so frustrating! 

After a full day of clinic we went out to dinner with the abc students and Peter. It was great to relax and have a good time with each other and eat some delicious food! It always such a hassle to go out to dinner with such a  large group, but oh well!

Oh, I almost forgot! We had the fantastic opportunity of attending a wedding reception of some abc alumni. It was an amazing cultural experience! There are so many interesting traditions like throwing money at the bride and groom while they dance with you, and auctioning off pieces of the cake to guests! It was beautiful and we are lucky to have the opportunity to see that. 

On Sunday we had a relaxing and fun day with the students and Peter. Many of us slept in and then went to church at a modern Christian church. There was a live band and fun songs to sing I'm English and Chichewa. We heard a funny and honest sermon from a young pastor who is also an abc graduate. 

After church we went into town for some shopping at a traveling market and lunch at Papaya. Many of us bought small souvenirs and enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

We hen traveled to Mt. Bunda, a very steep, short mountain outside Lilongwe. It was easily one of the most difficult hikes many of us have ever completed. It took about 30 minutes to the top, but was smooth, steep rock the whole way up. The view and weather at the top was wonderful! We took pictures and enjoyed the view, and then headed home for bed.

Today we had another busy day in clinic, following up with patients and seeing some new patients. Laura taught the students about Aural Rehab and counseling. We leave tomorrow for Karonga, which is almost to the northern tip of Malawi. We will work at a school for the Deaf and hospital, and then make our way back towards Lilongwe stopping at Embengweni and Nkhata Bay. 

Talk to you soon!