6/20/08

"Mom, I've got the throat."

0 comments
I’m sorry to those that have been following and not getting any posts from me, but as you’ve come to learn I write when I think there is something worth writing about that I also have pictures to go with. This time, I’ve got no pictures, instead strep throat. Before joining the Peace Corps I read about so many illnesses and threats that I would face. I read a quote, “Don’t worry about any of the diseases you can get, because you’ll get three of them during your services.” I like the thought and what it means. It in no way is trying to tell anyone that they shouldn’t be cautious, but that you can be as cautious as you want, but the chances are high that you’re going to get sick/injured during Peace Corps. Since arriving to country, volunteers in my group have scratched, punctured and bruised their bodies, the common cold has become all too common and fevers run high. Volunteers have had bouts with food poisoning and Dengue Fever, homesickness and motion sickness. I now have Strep Throat, not a sickness I was worried about here in the Kingdom, but sure enough, I’ve been out of commission for a week. I finally got on Amoxicillin (at first the doc thought it was a viral infection; common) and am slowly starting to feel better. My neighbors and a lot of the Peace Corps have been super this week, checking on me and getting me things that I need. Steve picked up an enormous jug of Tropicana orange juice, which is such a luxury here.

All is well here in Vava’u. The weather has turned and we’ve had a string of rather sunny days and the rain has been minimal, mostly in the mornings. Suppose to go on our monthly sailing adventure, but might have to opt out unless I’m feeling a lot better. Steve and I head down to the capital next week for a night to fill out passport paperwork in front of the consulate visiting from Fiji.

Thanks to all of you who keep stocked with DVDs and goodies and messages from home. I love hearing from you and would love to continue to hear from you.

J