Standing by

Today has been slower than usual. I am running out of things to do and I'm not sure how much longer I can take the smell in the hospital. They are painting my corridor! There are no windows for the fumes to escape. I have either been hiding in my room or the xray room where I can actually breathe through my nose. The smell causes headaches. This experience has been hard but I know I must not forget why I am here. Patients' new lives are our purposes. We watched the film "Dawn of a New Day" by one of the doctors serving with us. The film brings tears to my eyes but it is always at a cost. I am standing by not only because I'm on call but also because I'm one of the four type B donours on board. Apparently 75% of Sierra Leonnes have type B (more Asians need to volunteer here) and without a donour standing by, they cannot receive the surgery. Hurray for fresh blood bank. I hope it doesn't hurt.