Another day with Team Heart

 Hard work needs decompression time and we find this when we share meals together.   This picture was taken at one of our favorite pizza joints.

 sign language works well and the rise of eye brows is the Rwandan " yes" but these are a few words that are universal to surgical recovery.   As Connie stated, Amazi is like air to these patients and we learn this word very quickly.

Richard came back to visit ( he had a long journey as he lives near the Congo border) and he brought us a wall picture his sister had made.   It was beautiful and touching.   This kind of thing can make a tough day a little easier and bring you back to why we are there.

Richard ( 2011) returning with a gift to Team Heart with his caretakers .

Teaching is a  very important part of our mission.  Here Placid ( nurse from Rwanda) Paige ( graduate nurse) and I join forces to recover 16yo Alexi.  He was quite amazing watching him and his big personality come to life.   When he was told his operation was over he wanted " all this out" ( the lines and tubes) and a Fanta soda.   This was maybe 3 hrs following his surgery .