The time to departure is beginning to move quickly. I've been in touch with the people in Tanzania which in itself is not an easy process. Without making judgments I can report that the culture of East Africa is not really amenable to modern technology. Broadband web access is surprisingly available and relatively low cost computers are becoming ubiquitous in developed areas. In spite of that there is a cultural disconnect when it comes to reliably checking and answering email. The easy going, laid back lifestyle simply refuses to generate the sense of urgency necessary for instant communication to work. Though that is probably a good thing for them it poses some challenges for me.
After some phone calls to Sumbawanga I managed to confirm that my presence there is anticipated. I continue to accumulate supplies. The Ethicon corporation, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, filled an order for sutures that are unavailable in Africa. The $4000 order was custom assembled for free. Kudos to them. Now I have to get it there. Fortunately I can ship some of it to one of our team members to hand- carry. I cannot ship anything. Even if it got there unmolested it would take weeks to negotiate it out of customs. I also have an assortment of disposable surgical staplers donated by the Autosuture company. These, also worth thousands, will need to be hand carried. Using such devices advances the level of intestinal surgery by 75 years.
Meanwhile I am faithfully attending my physical therapy sessions 3 times a week and working the shoulder at home. It won't be fully functional by the time I leave but if the present level of progress continues I should be able to do what needs to be done with minimal discomfort.
Now it's about paying attention to the details of being away for 6 weeks. Getting bills paid, arranging home maintenance, arranging coverage for business obligations, assembling a meager travel wardrobe and a generous photographic toolbox, updating immunizations and the list just goes on. Yeah, I am beginning to get excited about this.