Jim get's to fly

May 22 2008

Today has been another lazy day on the Savanna. The heat arrived early and stayed late. Soon after breakfast, Jim was on his way to meet Terrance at the airport. A pregnant woman who required a C-section was overdue and in need. Jim was excited and prepared to deliver if necessary. I knew it would not be necessary, but I always encourage the worst-case scenario mindset.

Jim should have returned by lunch, and when sunset was just a few hours away, it was time to make a call to find out what was happening. Jim and Terrance were getting a meal and relaxing after recently returning from the flight. The flight was delayed for hours due to poor weather at the pick up site. But the plan was also changing.

Before launching the flight, there were now two pregnant women requiring aeromedical evacuation. Then there was a call for a 4-year-old boy who had fallen from a tree and broken his arm. It was getting busy for this remote location. Jim was anxious to get flying.

In the end, the pregnant woman who required a c-section was found to have delivered the day before. The other pregnant woman refused transport. The boy with the broken arm was taken to Aishelton District Hospital and Terrance and Jim then flew a student nurse from Aishelton to Letham. The 17 year old woman was leaving for her first time and all the family was there to say good-by and Jim said they were all crying.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the kitchen was completed early in the day. I found time for a nap and for some reading (I am reading Three Cups of Tea.).

Additionally, Ricki has suffered some sort of allergic reaction and has been suffering angio-edema. This is an allergic reaction that is not as severe as anaphylaxis, but is still a significant problem. She has swelling over her eyes, face and lips. She has rashes on her torso and is generally uncomfortable. I have given her multiple doses of Benedryl and there has been little response. If she is not better tomorrow, I will give her an injection of epinephrine.

The evening ended with us all crossing the border to Brazil for dinner. Bo Vista is a Brazilian border town of about 8000 people. They have paved roads and streetlights. The people are friendly and the town is safe. Our cook, Zelda, is from Bo Vista and wanted to show us around the town.

Tomorrow, we will start making some screens to keep insects out of the rooms. There are no other projects planned. Saturday we will pack and Sunday we start the long journey home.