DAY FOUR: JOBS

After a short delay, the continuation of our Eight Days of Gratitude...
Part four of our Eight Days of Gratitude: Jobs

USA: Even though we are going through some very tough times with unemployment over 10%, still there are many social programs (government and private) helping most people. We can be thankful for all of that support.

ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Hospital employees are very thankful for their jobs, even though the pay is so very poor. Currently, the lowest paid employee is making on about US $30 per month, and the highest paid nurse is making about US $150 per month.

SURROUNDING AREA: Unemployment in Zimbabwe is “around” 95%. The country has great potential, and I guess that is what the people would be thankful for, although they would like to see some real progress with the “Government of National Unity.” (Very little “unity.”)

DAY THREE: FOOD

Part three of our Eight Days of Gratitude: Food

USA: Plentiful Food in our grocery stores. Nearly everyone in the US will have either Turkey or Ham for Thanksgiving.

ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Local shopping provides few items, but at a distance of one hour drive over very bad roads, “most” items are available, although at least 20 to 30% more expensive than in the U.S.

SURROUNDING AREA: The very poor do not have the funds for any shopping, and rely on the staple food “sadza” (corn-meal mush) plus some vegetables. Meat and milk and even bread is a rarity.

DAY TWO: ELECTRICITY

Part two of our Eight Days of Gratitude: Electricity

USA: Lights, electricity at the touch of a fingertip.

ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Main-line electricity for “maybe” eight hours per day. Special Thanks for the people in Germany who donated a new generator for the hospital several years ago, allowing electricity “when urgently needed.”

SURROUNDING AREA: 95% of the rural homes do not have any electricity. Still, they are thankful for a hospital nearby that does have electricity, and the ability to use a generator for laboratory tests, x-rays, emergency surgery, etc.

Eight Days of Gratitude

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the start of the Advent Season in the US, it gives me a chance to compare what WE might give thanks for and what the people around St. Theresa Hospital might give thanks for.

This post will be the first of eight reflecting on gratitude.

DAY ONE: WATER

USA: Clean, safe water from the tap “every time.”

ST. THERESA HOSPITAL: Clean, safe water “every time” – “as long as bore-holes function. “ Special Thanks to Shawano, WI Rotary Club for their efforts to help with a new borehole in 2010.

SURROUNDING AREA: Clean water at a pump borehole within one to 1½ mile of our home. Many have to use river water and then there is very high risk of water borne diseases (e.g. cholera) IF the water is not boiled.