The First Days - September 23

We've been here at Gimbie a couple days now.  But there hasn't been
internet. It just came back up last night I guess. Also the internet
is dial-up and we pay by the minute. So I'm writing this e-mail
offline. Then when I get on I'll send it, with the other one's I've
written and copy the one's I've gotten onto my computer. The country
here is sooo beautiful. It's very very green. There are rolling hills
in every direction, they are dotted with trees and huts, but mostly
there are just fields. The air is clean and nice, which is very nice
compared to the constant sucking of exhaust in Addis. I just saw my
first monkey's today… They were super cool.

Life here at the hospital is good. Fletcher and I work grounds, with
some other Americans that are here. We will probably be doing that for
a while. There's a ton to do right now. Hopefully in a bit we will be
able to do some stuff in there. But right now there is not much work
in there for us…because there is no American doctor. When there is an
American doctor the people come in droves.

The people here are amazing. They are so genuinely nice. Most of them
cannot speak English that well. But the ones that can are very nice
and very fun. They are a very touchy. They are always holding on to
you, your hand, your arm, anything. Another thing I really like is
that when in conversation, if they need to say yes or uh-huh, they
suck in air and make a little sound. It's super cool.

Our first trip into town, was pretty fun. All the little kids yell out
"forangie, forangie" which means "foreigner foreigner." We also don't
stop walking, if we do we will get surrounded by kids, who all want
money. It's hard to say no, but if you give to one you have to give to
all, and we're gonna be here 6 months. Also there are many ping pong
tables. I can't wait to play the kids. I guess they play for money
though, and their tables are reminiscent of shallow bowls, so it might
be a little tricky. I hope to do it later today though.