Bitter Sweet Ending

So today was the final OR day in the "theater". All of us are excited and exhausted in the same breath. We were all saying that it is "last call for the theater" and "standing room only" in a hot, mosquito buzzing OR (a real realization of the state of medicine here in Africa and why we are here). All of the team members have hit the wall with fatigue and look forward to a celebration to finishing the last 2 cases. Dr.Sable proudly announces that we will be doing a pericardial tap on a child that will be going to Germany for a complex repair to bring the total to 12. Shortly after the start of the first case, the realization that another long day was before us with the discovery of unexpected defects in our first case. The past days have morphed into us all asking "what day of the week is it?" All of the patients have done well and are transitioning into the ward where they will have to transition from “muzanga” care to the familiar ward of nurses. Surprisingly the last OR case turned out to be the most complex post op care for the Uganda nurses and a reflection of our goal. Dr.Darren challenged the Uganda nurses with patience and a smile as dopamine and a pacemaker were utilized for the post op course. Although we are all experiencing fatigue, the Uganda nurses are being challenged both physically and mentally with all that we are teaching them. We are all are looking forward to getting a little free time off and our planned excursions. Regretfully several members of the team will be returning to their loved ones in the states both human and furry…(Dwayne) and we wish them a safe flight along with the benefits of KLM airlines. Special shouts to every team member that is a piece to this complex puzzle of care. Loud shouts to Dr.Starr and her skilled hands along with Dr.Sable aka “JaJa” and his vision for this program for without we would not have a mission. Special thanks to all of those that contributed man hours, supplies, and money for all of us to be here today. The final OR day and recovery for 12 Uganda kids not to mention the healing process for 17 kids that will be flying back with various team members throughout the world. We all hope that immigration doesn't question the large drain from her heart. All of the team members have been a blast and hopefully we will have a chance to work together again. The trip does not end here, but some well deserved rest and many celebrations along with fascinating stories about gorillas, 4 wheelers, the Nile…..not the drink, and safaris....... Mostly Amy and a bit Krista