L'Escale

New patients arrive to the clinic on Monday and Thursdays.  The patients travel from up to 3 hours away to get their prostheses and therapy.  If they are not from the local area, the hospital provides temporary housing and food while they are here. The place is called L’Escale, a former TB sanitarium.  The shelters are simple cement block structures grouped together, and accommodations are very basic—mattresses on the floor and a few chairs make up the furniture. 

I was amazed to see how rough the terrain was—the patients have to navigate these uneven surfaces with crutches and one sound limb.  Patients usually stay for 1-2 weeks before they are discharged, and family members are welcome to accompany them.  It was nice to meet some of the family members, and see the patients in a more relaxed setting. 

We brought Nahomie’s limb to her after some adjustments.  She had the brightest, sweetest smile when she received her prosthesis.  It was great to see her practicing her walking.  We hoped that some of the older ladies would take Nahomie under their wings.