6 months in, and still happy
Today marks my 6 month anniversary of my arrival in Rwanda. I can’t believe it has already been 6 months! Here are some general thoughts thus far:
- I can honestly say that I still love my job. I feel fullfilled. I feel like I am making a difference, somehow. The frustrations are many, and there are days when I just want to yell and scream, and just give up, that no matter how much I repeat myself, the same things keep occurring. I have to continue to remind myself that this is a natural response to working in this setting. I also must remind myself that real change is not quick, it takes time, constant repetition, and attention to detail.
- I have learned that I have a lot to learn. Everyday I learn something new. I came here to facilitate medical education for medical students and the pediatric residents, but I think their fundamental knowledge of medicine is actually pretty strong. So what I am really here to do? To teach them to think logically, to think with an open mind, to think critically, to think outside the box, to help them organize, to help get things done, to show them that complacency with how things are should not be the norm. Basically, to think differently.
- I have learned to live with frustration. Something frustrates me everyday, many of which I have no control over. Back in the US, I lived with frustration, but it is different here. It is hard to describe; it just is. I am learning to just forget about it, and move on.
- When I first arrived, I received a bit of advice from a colleague of mine that has stuck with me. We were talking that as Americans, (really, as driven medical professionals), we want to fix the medical system, the people, the politics; basically, we want to fix everything. We feel we can fix it. However, the more we experience it, the more we realize that we cannot change it, and our hands are tied. For example, I had all of these grand ideas about getting equipment donated to help the NICU. When I told my colleague my plan, she paused, looked right at me, and said: “Craig, you cannot fix the system, no matter what you do. That is a good idea in theory, but think about what that will mean in the long run; we are doing for them what they think they cannot do for themselves, when they actually can. If you focus on the fact that you are here to teach, and to help these residents and students become the best doctors they can be, then your efforts will go a lot further than obtaining some equipment.” I have never forgotten that, and continue to remind myself of that everyday.
- Lastly, I have learned that the Rwandan people have overcome so much in the past 21 years, and they have so much potential. There is a palpable energy I feel among the young people here. They have seen what is possible, and think they can do great things. I am so glad to be a small part of it.
I thank God everyday for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to see what the next 6 months has to offer.
Love life, Enjoy liberty, and Be happy,
Craig
