The internet is going to kick me off before I think of a witty title. Medical supplies. Read it.

Ok, so, we finally have a full list of requested supplies for the hospital and orphanage, which is very exciting - my parents' visit is creeping closer, less than six weeks now! I hope they realize that they aren't ACTUALLY going to have space for, you know, clothes or other luxuries - too much important stuff to bring. If anyone out there has or knows someone who might have access to any of these items, please let me know as soon as possible - this is going to be a huge group effort to try to drastically increase the capacity of the hospital to provide care through a few well packed suitcases. Go team go!

General supplies

Used laptops of any description or vintage

Stethoscopes, preferably Litmanns 

Digital thermometers and disposable plastic covers (LOTS of covers)

Children's vitamins with iron and Vitamin D (My recommendation: Schiff's Multivitamins, $8.18 for 180 tabs, which will last the orphanage approx. 2 weeks)

Blood pressure cuffs, preferably digital

Medications - particularly diabetes, hypertension, and antibiotics

Braces, particularly ankle and knee

Lab supplies

Microscope

Colorimeter

Glucometer and other diabetic testing supplies

Reagents for culture and sensitivity

Water bath machine

Specialized supplies

Delivery kit

D/C kit

Dental kit

Hand drill/electric drill

Min orthopedic fragment set

Small orthopedic fragment set

Kuntcher orthopedic nail set

Sign orthopedic nail set

I know it's a lot to ask, and I know we won't get everything, but I'm really counting on help connecting with the various people and organizations who can make these things happen. Also, please look around your house and see if you have any salvageable old laptops, as they really will make a huge difference.

On an unrelated and less needy note, things are going really well here - the water has been consistently on and functional for over a week with not a single hiccup, a huge accomplishment for Tanzania! Possibly even more impressive, my immune system appears to have returned from whatever vacation it was on, and it's been a full two weeks since my last inexplicable fever - hooray for the bare minimums of basic good health! The kids are all healthy, not a single case of malaria (today), which is downright thrilling, and weight checks show that they're all gaining weight - even Z, who has almost doubled now from 4.5 kilos when I arrived to a full 8 now. Next stop: thunder thighs. Working on it.

Chickens are, um, chickeny, and Tweety appears to be roostering the hens, meaning we may have an excess rooster in the person of Yosemite Sam, meaning the kids will be snacking on drumsticks soon. Hopefully that doesn't destroy the whole, you know, compassionate and responsible vibe we've been trying to cultivate with the care of smaller creatures thing. Eh, at least they'll get protein in exchange for their trauma. As my friend Peter says, "They're not throwing rocks to hurt them, they're just trying to tenderize them!" In a month or two we'll have home grown veggies to accompany Chicken a la Childhood Trauma, as the garden is now irrigated, bedded (?), and ready for planting. There are dirty jokes to be made there but I will refrain, as I'm a responsible adult admitted to graduate school now. Or something.

Right. So. Let's go medical supplies! Woo hoo! Pretending this is exciting! Please help me not look like a total fool with empty bags in April!