Ceasefires and Camels

Dear Ones,

Well, it's been a calm week here. Last weekend we had our first bomb free weekend of the new year. It was wonderful to just be able to relax although I have to admit, I was still jumping when I heard a strange noise. It seems the ceasefire is mostly holding now. There have been a couple skirmishes at the border but they have not reached here. Here is a picture of one of the rockets that were fired at us.

As you an see, they aren't that big and they don't do a lot of damage if they land on something like the road. The damage comes if they land on a car or a house or on someone. Also, they are full of shrapnel that explodes outward when they hit the ground and that can also do some damage if you happen to be too close. Anyway, so far, we are enjoying the peacefulness here in Be'er Sheva. Appreciate all your words of encouragement and prayers during that stressful time.

So, what's this about camels? Well as you know, I've been working in the surgery rotation recently and part of our job is to work on call in the ER in the evenings once a week. I really enjoy the ER. I miss the atmosphere from when I was working there in Eugene. This week was really interesting because instead of having a "car vs. deer" accident, we had a "car vs. camel" accident. I'm sure you can imagine the extensive damage a camel does to a car if you've seen a deer vs. car accident. It was a miracle that the guy lived thru the accident. He had a very big head laceration and I got to help the surgeon but holding back the flap so he could clean the wound out. It was a lot of fun for me although the patient wasn't enjoying it much :) I have to admit that I kept chuckling to myself thinking, "if my co-workers from Eugene could see me now." Working in the ER was a great refreshment and reminded me why I like the field of medicine so much.

Well, that's the news from Be'er Sheva these days. I have an exam to study for. I was sick during the Internal Medicine exam so have to take it on Monday. Would appreciate your prayers. As always, thanks for your encouragement.

peggy