Worlds colliding

When I arrived at work today, one of the social workers employed by our office was back after a day of absence. I commented on how nice it was to see him and asked what he had been up to. He told me that he was "bereaved," as his sister had died unexpectedly yesterday morning. She was eight months pregnant and had started to feel ill. Apparently the family members that she was staying with took her to see a doctor, although it sounds like it may have been more of a traditional healer or village doctor because she wasn't taken to a hospital. Whatever transpired, she did not make it. Sadly, she actually lived in the same section of the city where JFK hospital is, and while basic, they do have a functioning maternity hospital.

The social worker only stayed a couple of hours today, explaining he had to go to a family meeting. He called me later to tell me that it was decided that each family member had to make a monetary contribution to his sister's mother (I don't think they have the same mother), and asked if I could provide some financial support. It's not an uncommon request; I was stopped at work a couple of weeks ago by a man who told me his wife had just had twins and he needed $20 from me. He assured me he would provide me with a receipt and would pay me back the next day. Having been advised that this would happen frequently, and unable to help all of the people who might make similar requests, I had to gently explain that I could not help him (I had never met this man before). However, knowing how little can make a difference to someone here, it's an uncomfortable exchange.

I haven't been great at commenting back on the posts that are made to the blog, but I love reading them and really appreciate hearing back from you all. As for answers to questions related to the JFK posting, I know that MSF/DWB currently operates a maternity clinic and I think they may run others too. I actually don't know the most effective way to donate to a direct service provider here, but will ask around. Oh, and there are 30 doctors for upwards of 3.5 million Liberians.

On the Presidential visit front, it's true...W. and Laura are visiting Liberia next Thursday. I'm told world leaders rarely stay here, so their visit will be considered a "flyover." They will land in Monrovia and make some official announcements but will spend the night elsewhere (perhaps in the next country they're visiting). Considering there is only one road to and from the airport, traffic on Thursday is expected to be a nightmare.