Camping in the cyclone was a new experience - we moved our tents indoors and managed to keep dry. The wind and rain were pretty loud all of last monday night and the rain continued through Tuesday. It seems we were pretty sheltered in Sahakevo. The cyclone was stronger in Tana, knocking out power and internet connection - not such a problem in Sahakevo as it didn't exist in the first place.
Last Thursday I was due to leave Sahakevo and go to visit the work of SIL but the flight was cancelled as sadly the daughter of one of the SIL team members died in childbirth. Pray for this family.
Madagascar is truly a beautiful country. But look further than the usual tourist pictures and you will see such great needs. Many people who we met in Sahakevo have sickness caused mainly by malnutrition, dirty water and poor sanitation. That's why it's invaluable too that a community health worker joins the team to teach good hygiene practice and nutrition in the local schools and churches.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Camping in the Cyclone
Back online after 10 days away visiting work in other parts of Madagascar.
I spent last week camping in Sahakevo - a 45 minute flight from Tana (Antananarivo) but a 4 day journey - first one day in bush taxi until the road ends then a 3 day walk over hills and mountains. We had the added 'interest' of being there as a cyclone was approaching the island....
I spent the week on the Madagascar Medical Safari (MMS) with a team of 3 doctors and a community health worker. They treated over 300 patients, performed 18 operations and saw 120+ dental patients. Dr Fernand who was leading the team is an amazing man. He is incredibly funny and even made the patients laugh as he was pulling out their teeth.
The MMS is an MAF project, also working with HoverAid. It was amazing to join this team and see their work. There will be 15 MMS teams this year, going into isolated villages where is no or little healthcare to bring medical help as well as bringing along a pastor to preach, encourage and teach the local population.
I spent last week camping in Sahakevo - a 45 minute flight from Tana (Antananarivo) but a 4 day journey - first one day in bush taxi until the road ends then a 3 day walk over hills and mountains. We had the added 'interest' of being there as a cyclone was approaching the island....
I spent the week on the Madagascar Medical Safari (MMS) with a team of 3 doctors and a community health worker. They treated over 300 patients, performed 18 operations and saw 120+ dental patients. Dr Fernand who was leading the team is an amazing man. He is incredibly funny and even made the patients laugh as he was pulling out their teeth.
The MMS is an MAF project, also working with HoverAid. It was amazing to join this team and see their work. There will be 15 MMS teams this year, going into isolated villages where is no or little healthcare to bring medical help as well as bringing along a pastor to preach, encourage and teach the local population.
Monday, 13 February 2012
I’m in Madagascar...and a cyclone approaches
I’m in Madagascar – a dream come true! Home to 4 MAF International families, lemurs, tropical flowers and also my future in-laws! It’s pretty great to be here and get to meet the Malagasy people and see all that MAF is doing.
Madagascar is like nowhere else I have ever been with MAF.
This island nation of about 20 million people is more like Indonesia than Africa. It’s hot but in a good way, there is lots of green and because it was the weekend when I arrived, the traffic was pretty good.
The main focus this weekend is the bad news that a big cyclone is on its way - due to hit this (Monday) evening so huge storms and rain are expected and potentially a great deal of damage, most of which will be in the north. MAF has been asked to be available for flights after the cyclone hits to the damaged areas.
Madagascar is prone to cyclones and unfortunately they usually hit the island in the same area each time, causing great damage and making life even harder for people who already have a hard existence. (Recently Madagascar was reported as being the 5th poorest country in the world.)
We’re praying it changes direction and loses its power… more to come…
Madagascar is like nowhere else I have ever been with MAF.
This island nation of about 20 million people is more like Indonesia than Africa. It’s hot but in a good way, there is lots of green and because it was the weekend when I arrived, the traffic was pretty good.
The main focus this weekend is the bad news that a big cyclone is on its way - due to hit this (Monday) evening so huge storms and rain are expected and potentially a great deal of damage, most of which will be in the north. MAF has been asked to be available for flights after the cyclone hits to the damaged areas.
Madagascar is prone to cyclones and unfortunately they usually hit the island in the same area each time, causing great damage and making life even harder for people who already have a hard existence. (Recently Madagascar was reported as being the 5th poorest country in the world.)
We’re praying it changes direction and loses its power… more to come…
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