Safe and Sound

I have arrived safe and sound in Liberia. The internet has been super spotty, so emailing and blogging has been tough.
The travel here went remarkably well- no delays on any of my flights, which is almost unheard of. As the plane was flying over Liberia, I was reminded what a beautiful and lush country it is. It is the rainy season so everything is green and blooming. I arrived in Monrovia to see all sorts of new changes. The airport has had a makeover, complete with shiny new tile, paint and airconditioning! I also almost fell off my seat when the road from the airport was paved. Lots of good stuff happening here.
I was so excited to start on the Wards yesterday. Emmanuel is a wonderful teacher. One of my interns was a third year medical student on Pediatrics my first trip. And one of my fourth year medical students was a 3rd year with me last year, so it was a great first day. It is so nice to be able to come back to the same site and see all the staff and nurses again. I was greeted everywhere with smiles, hugs, welcomes, and thank yous.
The Pedi Wards and NICU are not much changed. I wrote my first chemotherapy for a little girl with retinoblastoma, a tumor of the eye. We have 2 patients with retinoblastoma currently. It is quite heartbreaking to see them suffering from this disease. No matter how many times I come here, I am never less saddened by the injustice of the suffering of these children.
I am working hard and trying to get ready to cover Emmanuel when he goes, at which point I will be the only pediatrician in the country. Luckily there are some great emergency medicine folks here to keep me company. I am off to the hospital for now.