Boring day gets filled

We began the day with a walk back to the charcoal making place in the woods.  Jonathan and Joe had never seen it.  We took pictures back in the huge trees on the way to the cutting field.  I think they enjoyed the hike.  I did.  The jungle was absolutely alive with noise.  I wish I knew more about the creatures here.  

Next was out breakfast of Oatie cookies and fruit- bananas, papaya, and pineapple.  All fresh from the nearby trees.  I learned that pineapple grows close to the ground.  Never knew that before.  All three were as sweet as they could be.  

Internet was next-  mooching off the Germans this time.  It was no better than the other NGO so I couldn't get the blog going or get my email or send pictures.  Poor Jean was awakened early and consented to text chat for a while at 430am.  That was heroic.  

We met the Department of Defense as they landed their Black Hawk on the helipad.  Apparently they are here to train the local staff for 5 days in the end of December.  Good to know.  Terry is trying to swing a deal where they can stay in our camp which theoretically will be open by then.  With a commitment to the Army I think it makes it more likely we will get up there sooner.   

We checked out training sites- two local schools.  With great paintings on the walls.  They are available since school is closed due to the epidemic.  I hesitate to post pics I case just words might upload with the weak wifi we have here.  We then went to the ETU.  Jonathan and I had a great talk with an army guy who was quite frank about life in the Army.

Next stop was the CCC owned by Samaritans Purse.  We were welcomed to tour since they have not had a patient yet.  It is a sweet little mini ETU.  I thought it made a ton of sense.  This afternoon they had a suspect case who was too scared to go in.  Her husband took her away and the thought is she went back into the community.  Jonathan. Went back up to follow up on the patient to try to trace her and found out she has been treated here at the health center and that the PA was going to follow up on her tomorrow.  She seemingly met the screening criteria for ebola.  Hopefully she is not our index case.

We met at the usual place for dinner.  Our own cooks make the meals now and tonight's was fantastic.  Spicy spaghetti and chicken with real meat on the bones.  Bananas for produce.  Tomorrow is market day in fish town so they will be looking for some fresh fish for dinner.  I will go scope out the nutrition of the market offerings to see what is available to the residents.  But I jump ahead.  Maybe someone will someday get to read this again.  I hope so.  I miss you guys.