Hiatus and Illness

The blog has been quiet for a while. There are two causes. First of all, when we just shuttle back and forth between the house and the training center. there isn't much to write about. Secondly, we just spent a week traveling to various towns and cities, and we were told to leave laptops at home. That trip has provided us with lots of material, so I expect to begin posting again soon with all of our sights and stories.

Next topic. The Thursday before last, Marguerite woke up with a sore throat and some other symptoms. In the past, one day of rest would usually let her body fight it off. On Friday, she felt no better, and possibly worse. Friday night/Saturday morning she got much sicker. I won't describe all of her ailments in polite company, but at one time she had no fewer that three afflictions simultaneously. A (nonprescription) prescription from our medical office had her feeling somewhat improved on Sunday, and she was fortunately well enough on Tuesday to go on our trip.

Last night, I started coming down with one of her three problems, and so today was a sick day, and I expect tomorrow to be, also.

We are really bummed about this. The reason is, Tumbaco and the house we are staying in is as benign a situation one is likely to have in this country. When we go to our site, wherever that might be, the situation is almost certain to be worse. We are really concerned that our immune systems are not equal to the challenges that surround us. Many of the challenges come from unclean water and organisms to which you don't build up a tolerance. Certain problems could recur time and time again.

Let me hasten to add that it's not just the old goobers that are getting sick. Plenty of young, intelligent, responsible volunteers are suffering, too. So, we will see.