Acclimatization

Acclimatization of Mseleni Culture:

The pace of the world seems to move slower in Mseleni. This may not seem like a profound statement, as many know, in the most general of terms, about the slower pace of life in Africa. I think its partly because the focus is on the present or on the persons in your presence. This is in stark contrast to the pace of my life in Minnesota where my focus is on the future, racing towards the next goal, the next deadline, leaving little room for family and friends. Sadly, at times I focus on the past, the things I wished I’d accomplished, the paths I’ve chosen, or mistakes I’ve made. However in South Africa, and particularly in Durban, many are fully existing in the present. Conversations take hours and usually start late. As far as I can calculate, one needs to add 1-2 hours to a start time and 2-3 hours to the set “ending” time, (that is if there is one).

So many people I’ve met here have made the effort to become friends without the requirement of having met before. By living in the moment, conversations are seldom superficial. One feels heard and gives time to listen. I may be biased, given I am also trying to meet friends, perhaps back home I am complacent with the friends I have. But my new friends here have happily included me in the circle. The two commercial phrases of the 2010 FIFA world cup are “Can you feel it, it is here” and “Make the circle bigger.” Which I think both sum up life here… Live in the present, feel the present, make now important… and the latter, make friends… because we are all here in this circle of earth together.

This same aspect of “African” culture has led me to be frustrated at times. In the clinical setting patients in critical condition receive the same amount of attention and perceived effort as those who are not any acute danger. Nurses (“sisters”) move at their own pace and march to their own drum. Arranging medications, IV fluids, and bloods when they have time. Seeming not to predict the next logical step… why? Possibly because living in the present is so engrained into life that rushing, moving fast, looking to the future is very difficult. It is short sighted of me to expect a certain type of behavior, from a culture that is not my own and is as far from Minnesota as possible. And given the limited resources and the very isolated and rural setting within this hospital’s catchment area, the hospital does amazing things, and is truly a God send to those who live here. The challenges and frustration are more my own acclimatization to life here. Of course, there are things that can and should be improved. However, patients have access to a wide spectrum of care that is provided for free, which is so important given many live on less than $2 dollars a day. I have a lot to learn from this seemingly inefficient way of life, even though at times it is very frustrating.