A gift for two
Monday, 6 September 2010 Three days ago a team of four clinic staff members departed on a mission deep into the high mountains of central East Timor. Climbing through the mist of Ailiu then enjoying the natural beauty of Maubisse they continued on to the Same turn-off only to wind their way for another hour before reaching the district capital. There the road degenerated into dirt, holes and rock giving the car's heavy duty shock absorbers a testy workout. At noon the coffee rich village of Letefoho came into appearance. Now smart money said going by horseback was the best option but seeing a break in the misty weather they decided to go on with 4-wheel drive. After crossing a 2-foot deep river they soon reached their destination, Rotuto. Immediately the lay midwife Atina came running to greet them. “Come see the twins,” she blurted out. Ducking into the door of the nearby hut the team encountered the beaming mother on the dirt floor, a fire nearby, and two newborn baby girls by her side on a blanket.
Photo: Sidalia Dorego / BPC“The second one came feet first” offered Atina “but I did exactly as I learned at the clinic and she popped out and cried right away. I did have to work the head a little but everything was fine.” All I can say is “That is an amazing story.”
Later on the return trip, events turned more perilous as several kilometers out of Rotuto heavy rain began. The river was impassible and after a two hour delay they made it through only to immediately sink up to the axle in mud. Thinking they would have to spend the night they settled in the best they could when a nearby farmer greeted them and invited them to spend the night at his humble thatched abode. Late the following day the bedraggled team returned to the clinic filled with stories to share. And the health of Timorleste has taken a small step forward.
Dr Dan Murphy is the head physician at Bairo Pite Clinic