Break It Up Ladies

This morning was a busy one for me. Since most of our Sudanese staff are suspended fr three days, we were short again today. So, I did registration. For most of the morning, I was alone since Margaret was busy helping in the clinic. So, it didn't go as quickly was Friday did, but that's ok. I was able to keep up with the pace of the doctors. From 9:30-2:00, all I did was register patients. I had a few moments when Margaret and Gabriel were able to help which was great. Otherwise it was just me and 130 patients! It can get a little chaotic, especially when a fight breaks out!

I was talking to a patient when I realized there was shouting right behind me. I turn around and see two women yelling at each other. We were scooting them down to make room and they were confused at who was first in line. Dut, one of the guards, came over and separated them. With the help of a translator, I asked them for their numbers. I then showed them which was number 23 and which one was 24. 23 would be before 24. So number 23 sits down and I thought all was settled. A few minutes later they start up again. Number 23 is towering over number 24 and number 24 throws her baby to another lady and is ready to fight. Number 23 hits number 24 with her patient book. That really angers number 24. I get in between them and try to stop them from fighting. Then number 23 takes her giant hand (she was really tall!) and slaps number 24. She takes another swing and I literally miss being hit by an inch. I felt the whoosh of her hand as it passed my nose. I shouted "help, help, help!" and then the doctors, translators and guards come over to assist me. By this time, I wisely remove myself from between the two of them and am just holding number 24 my the arms, attempting to keep her away from number 23. Since number 23 was the one who hit number 24, she was sent out of the compound.

When I went to lunch, I asked the clinic staff if fights are common and they tell me this is the first one! I guess I am just lucky! Mondays are always crazy. We have the most patients and usually there are emergencies and left over patients from the weekend. Throw in a fight the craziness is complete.

Oh yeah, some guy in a suit poked me with his stick.... All in a day's work!