Diary - Saturday, Aug 26, 2006 

Greetings to you all and we hope this latest update finds you well and enjoying your lives to the max!!! Pat and I are presently in Victoria but only for the next two weeks before we head back to Zanzibar. Our schedule has been mostly busy although we have had a few days of R and R, enjoying some time with family and friends. Below, you will find Dr Carolyn Wood's contribution to this ongoing series of updates. Pat and I and as always, each and every person who has had the privilege of being helped by her, would like to thank Carolyn and her family for their selfless service to our community. They have had more than their share of challenges during their stay on Zanzibar and yet they have not lost their sense of purpose or commitment to helping those in need. We are very grateful for all that you have done to help. You have been a source of inspiration and encouragement for us all.

Alastair and Pat

Well, where do I begin! This journey to HABS Jambiani started over four years ago for me. There was a short article in the 'CCA News' followed by the 'Canadian Chiropractor' which also had a couple of articles. They both talked about the wonderful work that Dr. Alastair Pirie and his wife Pat Elias were doing in Zanzibar. I was fascinated to know more about the clinic and started to correspond with Alastair and Pat aka Ali Baba and Mama Pat. By September 2004, I had made the decision to go with my family to Jambiani in August 2006.

We are now into our final week of our just over four week stay. It is hard to put on paper what an amazing experience this has been for Mark, Christina, Kate and me. I have learned so much, not only working within a third world country but as a family we have had the opportunity of living within this community together. This little African island of beauty is filled with people that have so very little but are so friendly and happy.

It has been very interesting clinically. It is great that HABS is able to offer ongoing chiropractic care to the people in the community. Chiropractic care is what we are mainly doing along with a little first aid too. Ali Baba and Mama Pat have such a good reputation within the community, people come to the clinic or on your doorstep with just about everything. There was a little girl whose arm was broken when she had disturbed a sleeping cow. Not only are the chickens free range here but so are many of the goats and cows. It was quite interesting taking her to the Stonetown hospital (1 1/2 hour away) to experience the long cues of people waiting a whole day to be looked after. From strains and sprains to scraps and deep gashes. The deep gashes should really be stitched but there's no facility or it's too expensive, so we tape things together the best we can. There is never a day without an exciting case of some sort.

Alastair and Pat have found a group of wonderful helpers for the clinic and school. Chai is indispensable within the clinic, not only does he help me communicate to the patients but he has helped explain to us a lot of the local customs and traditions. It was exciting that we were invited into his home, to see his day old son, who was born on August 8th. I will miss these little talks with Chai.

It has truly been an honour to be allowed the opportunity to come and help serve in this amazing little community. I will have many memories of Jambiani, from the roaring sound of the surf, the warm breezes, the beautiful sunrises, Rama's open window van with the wind blowing and the country and western music blasting, from the sweet little babies to the elders all with big smiles and a friendly 'Jambo' and wave. I knew four years ago I had to come here and now I know why.

I would encourage any of you that are thinking of coming to help, you won't regret it. If you don't feel you're able to make the journey, I can assure you that your financial contributions will be put to a very good cause. We are watching the beginning of the construction for a new school that HABS is building beside their existing clinic/school. This is a huge undertaking for HABS but shows Alastair and Pat's commitment in serving through healthcare and education, this remarkable little community.

Sincerely,
Carolyn 'Bi Waridi' Wood