Emily L's loving her internship

This past week has been our first official “free” week, meaning orientation was over and our real lives in Cape Town were to begin. I have to admit, the new independence felt great and I was so excited to have my own time to explore this beautiful city on my own. This week was also the start of our internships! I could barely sleep Sunday night, knowing Monday morning I’d be tossed into Maitland Cottage Hospital having no real idea what I was going to be doing.

Maria, Emily L, and John at their internship

Let me tell you, I did not expect the experience I got on day one in any way. I was thrilled when Sister Jackson, the acting head nurse at Maitland Cottage Hospital, asked if two of us wanted to go into theatre and observe for the day. “Theatre” is what we refer to as the operating room in the States. I think theatre sounds a lot cooler though! Anyways, I witnessed my first surgery ever, and then four more after that. I was blown away by how the surgeons and nurses worked so in tune with one another, and how easy they made the procedures seem. I won’t lie, during the first surgery I felt slightly woozy and had to step out, but was finally able to return once I cooled down. The surgeons were also very willing to allow John and I assist them in the casting process, which I wasn’t expecting. Any question I had was quickly yet thoroughly answered, so I feel as though I walked out of theatre that day knowing so much more than I expected.

           

The next two days of internship were a little slower, medically speaking. There were several medical students present so they obviously needed to get some time with the patients before we did, which I understand! However, my experience on Tuesday with the children in the ward was more rewarding than I ever imagined. My heart exploded with love for the young girls and boys, who were so excited and joyful just to see us there. They all called me “auntie,” which I was confused by at first, but grew to love the name. I must’ve gotten my hair braided two dozen times that day, and each little girl was so proud of their work on my hair. The way these children looked at us, like we were some sort of super humans, was something I’ll never forget. I look forward to more medical experience at Maitland Cottage, and even more to spending time with these wonderful, happy, and loving children!