Monday was our last full day in Achham at Bayalpata hospital. It was a week of goodbyes, first to our hospital director, Dr Cam Bopp, who left for Liberia to set up a hospital in the Ebola zone, and now us.
The acting hospital director, Dr Sampurna, informed the staff that there would be a program in the afternoon. We gathered together after a really hectic day trying to complete last minute tasks in the operating theater and the inpatient ward, and were surprised to find Dr Sampurna in a speech making mood. He very kindly and movingly spoke of our time in Achham, how we had become friends, and how helpful the work we had done was. Jess Kribbs from the US, who leads finance and HR functions, thanked us for making her life easier, and integrating into the operations of the hospital. Dr. Deependra, surgical head, thought the staff should take a lesson from the fact that we didn't have a boss here to look over our shoulder, but got good work done anyway (hint!). We impressed on the group how very talented and capable they are, and that carrying on the improvements and recommendations we've made is now in their hands.
The final good-bye ceremony was the application of tikka to the foreheads of each of the three of us, by about 40 members of the staff. By the end of it our faces and much of our clothes were covered!
We ended the day with chicken momos (Nepali steamed dumplings), some chalk drawing and a bit of football (Nepali style).
Tuesday morning we said goodbye to our home and friends of three months. Thula, 13 years old, pictured below, got a lot of hand me down used clothing and gear from the three Merck fellows. While I feel like a part of me remains in Achham, and I already miss the place, I am SO looking forward to coming home! We passed through Dhangadhi and are in Kathmandu, leaving for home or next destination at the end of the week.
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The acting hospital director, Dr Sampurna, informed the staff that there would be a program in the afternoon. We gathered together after a really hectic day trying to complete last minute tasks in the operating theater and the inpatient ward, and were surprised to find Dr Sampurna in a speech making mood. He very kindly and movingly spoke of our time in Achham, how we had become friends, and how helpful the work we had done was. Jess Kribbs from the US, who leads finance and HR functions, thanked us for making her life easier, and integrating into the operations of the hospital. Dr. Deependra, surgical head, thought the staff should take a lesson from the fact that we didn't have a boss here to look over our shoulder, but got good work done anyway (hint!). We impressed on the group how very talented and capable they are, and that carrying on the improvements and recommendations we've made is now in their hands.
The final good-bye ceremony was the application of tikka to the foreheads of each of the three of us, by about 40 members of the staff. By the end of it our faces and much of our clothes were covered!
We ended the day with chicken momos (Nepali steamed dumplings), some chalk drawing and a bit of football (Nepali style).
Tuesday morning we said goodbye to our home and friends of three months. Thula, 13 years old, pictured below, got a lot of hand me down used clothing and gear from the three Merck fellows. While I feel like a part of me remains in Achham, and I already miss the place, I am SO looking forward to coming home! We passed through Dhangadhi and are in Kathmandu, leaving for home or next destination at the end of the week.
Dr Sampurna applies tikka to my forehead during the going away program
Thula (right)
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