day 4 at victoria hospital- all is going well. I haven't posted in a few days but my second day at the hospital the midwife had me do a big IV (versus the butterfly IVs that we normally do), dark skin scared me because you can't see the veins very well, but bingo!!! it was in, another first over with. i have to observe 10 births here before they allow me to catch. I saw my 7th today, 3 to go. I may go back tonight if they have some ladies laboring as I have the next 2 days off and would like to begin next week catching. I love the mamas here, and they treat me with such kindness. They told me today that they want to deliver when I am on shift so they can have a "nice nurse" :) Those are in short supply just like the beds and linens. Often when I arrive in the morning there are no more clean linens (sheets). At first I felt sorry for them being so packed into rooms, but I have learned that there is commeraderie and they help each other. As I walk by the rooms I often hear them call, "nurse, nurse" so they can speak with me or ask for help. I wish I could clone myself. To the other midwives credit they are just so overworked that there is time for business only. Did I mention that the ladies have to bring their own toilet paper to the hospital and that even the staff bathroom doesn't even have a toilet seat??

Hot water also seems to be a problem here, sometimes you get it and sometimes....its cold. I have to just smile and adapt. Thank god I didn't come with any expectations. We have adjusted to the heat even at the hospital where you jsut get light breeze through the windows.

Oh, and did I mention I did my first enema today???? Yikes, ladies be glad you didn't have to give birth here!

Life is good. One day closer to my license. Tomorrow is my anniversary....16 years!