Update from the middle of nowhere

Hi all,

Sorry for the 1) long time in between notes and 2) the brevity of this one. I'm at an internet cafe in Wolayita which is in SNNP Ethiopia to monitor some of the partners who do nutrition for us. The situation is varied--in some places good and in others not so much. I can't say much in this forum, but if you want the 411, let me know and I'll email you.

Basically we've been looking at the great work the health extension workers are doing at the community health posts in treating severe acute malnutrition. It's definitely good to see such intelligent young woman making a difference in their community. I've got a few more projects to see in the coming days and then back to Addis.

The really exciting (personal) news is that it looks like I can move into my house this weekend!! YEAH!! No more Sheraton/Sidama...but my own home!! And it sounds as though my personal effects (sent from the US by my office) will be arriving soon as well. Double yeah!! And my car may soon get here after it clears customs of the port in DJibouti! Triple yeah. I'm hoping for the May trifecta!!

Other than that, not much new. Things have been really busy. I've been working on planning for an H1N1 outbreak here---where we anticipate the situation would be much worse than in the US due to crowding, health care availability and underlying illness and malnutrition rates. So I've been working long days and collapsing into bed (with the Twilight Saga series) for the last week or two.

Anyway--things are calmer now. More soon with pictures of this trip and my new house coming soon. I hope you're all well!!!

Love,
Jane