Dream Centre - Week One

Ive been putting off writing an entry, it's really hard to put into words what i've seen just in the first week and everything that's happened! I dont really know how to describe it, the entire experience seemed ok for the first couple of days then it really hit me that these people are so so ill. Some wet themselves and wear nappies, some are so thin they cant support their own weight and literally look like skeletons. Theyre in a lot of pain but somehow they still manage to smile a huge smile everytime they see you. Sounds cheesy, but being here really does make you appreciate being able to leave, walk around freely, being able to eat/drink unaided and being able to see friends and family as you choose.

On Tuesday we had a game of Pass the Parcel in the garden (forgot to mention, the weather is around 26 C and it's winter!! woo!) When helping the patients outside, I tell one woman my name, and immediately she sings “jingle bells, jingle bells!” - one of my favourite memories so far. I'm not remotely religious but being in the chapel when the nurses and the pastor are belting out amazing voices is pretty overwhelming, the patients who can stand are dancing, even the ones in wheelchairs move their arms to the music.

One of the saddest moments was when we went around the 6th floor women's ward. Nomusa has problems remembering, so when the physio went over to unclench her fist, she says to him “who are you?”, to which he replies “I'm Saul, you know me, I see you every day.” Then she asks the most heartbreaking question to which he doesnt really reply - “my son died didn't he?”. How do you respond to that?

Great quote from the physio though - “physiotherapist – physical terrorist!” Sums up the atmosphere here, it's tough, it's awful to see, but it's not a depressing place, in fact, a lot of the time it's the opposite - however bad the jokes get!

Bingo night on Wednesday was a lot of fun, had about 60 patients down (half! us volunteers are amazing!) bought them little prizes for bingo, they really like juice and socks it seems! They are always given a cup of squash and some kind of snack after activities, some are quite cheeky though, they hide theirs in pockets etc and try and get more (I am now wisened up to this – they cant trick me!!!!!) At then end, I waited with one man with the coolest name ever – Innocent Boy Zuma – to take him upstairs in his wheelchair. He was teaching me Zulu but I only remember a few words! The clicks are impossible to learn!

On Thursday evening was when I found it really difficult to deal with. We had a movie night so went around all the floors getting patients downstairs. As I helped take the sheet off, I couldn't believe how thin she was, it really really shocked me. I had to call Imogen over so that I didn't have to describe it to her afterwards, there is no way I can describe the sight, nor will I ever forget it. You know that she will die, and soon.

About 10 minutes later, I was watching over the patients downstairs, when one suddenly started pointing frantically to his throat. He had thrown up but was trying so so hard to keep it in his mouth, I have to say I was panicking, I didn't know how to deal with it and ground floor bathrooms are locked! Had to try to get him upstairs but it took so long that he just threw up in reception.But then there was noone around to clean it up! Took him upstairs to get a nurse to help me, but being 6pm, the day nurses had just finished their shift. They were sitting waiting to go home in a large group, but when I asked for help all they said was that they had finished for the day, but the evening nurses hadn't arrived yet! I found this attitude hard to deal with, but then when I thought about it afterwards, they see it so often that it ceases to be a big deal. Even so, I was annoyed that they didn't care about this patient. Eventually about an hour later, the vomit on the floor was cleaned up!

On the same night (I know, what else can happen right?) Imogen and I were trying to help a man, Linda, into bed, but because we were not taught how to lift them etc, we found it impossible! He was so so heavy, had just wet himself and we werent wearing gloves (for which we were told off by another patient!) It didnt help that he couldnt talk. We only managed with the help of two patients – because we couldnt find a nurse for that ward.

A LOT happened in such a short amount of time (I confess, I cried). I have to say, I drank a lot of wine that night! Talking about it with the other volunteers really helped though. I'm trying to explain to you guys but you havent seen it, and it's just not the same.

Really lucky that the other volunteers are lovely! On a happier note, we went to Karaoke on Tuesday night, my first time!! So much fun, sang and danced to every cheesy song going – yes, YMCA did play a huge part! Although, my favourite song was S Club 7, if you say you don't know all the words you are lying! Every night we have done something, even if its just been a few bottles of wine in the garden (alcohol – very cheap – that's for you Ruthiepoos!)

Saturday, Bart, Malou, Imo and I went into Durban to see the surfing championship and the festival. The weather could not have been more perfect. Walking on the warm sand was heaven!! Went to Ushaka Seaworld, Bart is sitting the lounge as I am typing and he says to include that I sat on his back (because he's strong like a model from Men's Health) to watch the sharks feeding. LOL! Was v cool though, can't wait to go cage diving with Great Whites!

Then, and I know alcohol is making a regular appearance in my blog entry, we went to a v relaxed cocktail place on the beach and had cocktails all night! Paddled in the sea watching the sunset and got extremely wet as we underestimated just how big the waves were! Went to Club 54 in Pinetown in the evening (known to the locals as “54 dirty whore”) Had a really good night though, it was packed!! And yes the club did live up to it's name lol.

Yesterday went back to the beach and lazed around, good times (:-p). Went swimming in the sea (the sea lauren, the sea!!!!!!!!!!!) sunbathed and got picked up and thrown in the sand a lot.

I apologise for the length of this entry, I was worried I wouldnt know what to write but obviously this has not been a problem! I love it here, I already know that it's going to be hard to leave.

Hope you guys are all well, I'm not getting enough updates about London though, shame on all of you!

Lots of love,

Jingyi bells

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