Goodbye to Malawi...the last post

This photo shows us working in the skills lab. It is very difficult on the wards to spend quality time with each student and I found a morning had gone by and I had only worked with two of the students...I had 14 on the ward but luckily the four post basic students I was working with were also on the ward so the students had quality input from them...
Even so with OSCIES the practical exams looming anxiety was running high and we spent some time on procedures in skills lab.

Luckily for these students wound cleansing actually came up in OSCIES.
The team of Community and Med/Surg had to observe the skills of each

of the 154 first year students making sure that skills for the day were completed and the students were kept segregated after their exam, each day there were 4 skills with 4 stations for each and we worked 7.30-20.00hrs both days to ensure each student had their exam. It was real team effort and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience....

From top Innocent, Me Frank, Daza & Stella my lovely post basic students

What a great team these students studying to upgrade their status were a great help to me and the students helping to give them a great start to their careers.

A great group photo thanks to Kerry (sadly my camera gone too now!)

So I am coming home next week. For many reasons mainly personal.
The project has been given an extension so there is a another year that I could not commit to. The students I have been working with finish semester next week and will be away for three months.

Today I received an outstanding reference from my line manager which made me feel both proud and sad.
Tomorrow I am going to talk to new volunteers about working in a resource stricken environment and relationship building

I have seen and been part of both heart wrenching and truly uplifting experiences.....
I have learnt the most important job for me is that of being a mother, have been enriched by my time in Malawi and made great new friends. I have a global address book and will take back with me more than I leave behind not materially but through personal growth.

Thank You to all of you for your support .....so it is tionana Malawi may you rise from poverty to be the country you deserve to be. Xxx