So far Geneva can best be described as a colour, and that colour is grey…gorgeous, but grey. It has been cloudy and rainy ever since I arrived on Sunday morning. But on the bright side, it took me less than 30 minutes to find [and devour] the best Gruyere cheese I’ve ever had in my life. They serve it with breakfast. Genius. If you know me at all, you know that that alone made for the perfect first day in Switzerland …and a great nap. I also had a meal entirely of cheese and bread last night…just hot, bubbling, delicious cheese for dinner. Again. Genius. Needless to say, I’m eating very well, and doing my best to run it off. I’m sorry to report that it’s been a losing battle so far.
Other highlights so far include accidentally stumbling across the IFRC headquarters while out on my first run in the city, which means that I knew exactly where to go for my first day of IFRC training this morning…the real reason I’m in Geneva (not to eat all their cheese). The training is intended to prepare Red Cross and MSF delegates to deploy to Ebola affected countries, with special attention to how to safely use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the field (you know, those strange looking suits you’ve probably seen in the news). They are a mandatory safety measure for all those working in direct contact with confirmed or suspected cases of the Ebola virus. We took turns learning to put on the equipment properly and in the right order, and more importantly, how to safely remove it. It is during the undressing stage that there is a high risk of contamination, so one must go very…very…. slowly and cautiously. To add an extra layer of safety, the buddy system is in place, so you always someone to watch your back…and your front. On the right was my buddy. Day 1 was extremely interesting; looking forward to Day 2.
Before I sign out, I just want to say how extremely honoured I am to be deploying to Sierra Leone with the Canadian Red Cross. I feel that I have been given a once in a life time opportunity to do something meaningful in this world, and I plan to give it everything I’ve got. I started this blog as a means to share some of my personal experiences from the field with friends, family and curious others, and I welcome any questions or feedback along the way. I am not certain of what kind of internet access we'll have in Kenema, but I will do my best to keep in touch.
Thanks for reading.
LJ
ps. My niece and nephew want to know when I leave for 'Sarah Leonna". Soon kiddos...soon. :)