Mad Medicine and Official Oath

Today we started the day off in the hotel clinic where a second physician had a look at Enyi's face and the bumps that are coming and going around his mouth. When we picked him up, it was one of the first things I noticed and the orphanage gave us a topical antibiotic to apply 3 times a day. In a couple of days, it seemed to improve, then Sunday morning, it was much worse (1st visit to the doctor). They ruled out a couple of things, said it was viral and switched his medication to a topical antiviral. Today, again, much worse, and back to the clinic. This doctor contacted a colleague of hers at the Children's Hospital and asked that we take him over there to be seen. Three words sum up my visit there: GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! I only thought the local clinic was dirty. This place was like a mall at Christmas, only much dirtier and smellier. I thought, if we weren't sick when we entered, we might be by the time we leave. Of note, the healthcare workers do not wash their hands between patients. There is one or two doctors sitting at a square desk with patients and family members standing around looking over each other's shoulders. When it was our turn to sit down, there was another lady standing by ready to take my seat as soon as I could get up...NO PRIVACY....bottom line, they said, keep using the antiviral cream. I would like to insert my political opinions at this point but will refrain from doing so...but it was scary!
I just emailed my friend Kim, in Iraq (Army Dermatologist) to see if she can provide some telemedicine services...I'll keep you posted.
While getting a cab to the hospital was quick and easy, getting one for the return trip home was impossible, so we walked...and I carried Enyi the entire way, as he pretty much had an emotional shut-down as soon as we walked in to the hospital. In case you are wondering where Jay was...he was battling his own gastro-intestinal demons back here at the hotel. Meanwhile, back to the street, we were drenched with sweat by the time Anyi Peggy and I got back to the hotel. She was nice enough to go with me and our interpreter to the hospital...again, very eye-opening.
So, when I returned to the room, Jay was holding his own (and his cookies) so we suited up and headed to the ice pool...today it felt good (for about 2 seconds on my feet only). After cooling off, we came back to the room to get ready for our visit to the US Consulate and the oath taking ceremony. Basically, this is an oath that the parents take on behalf of their ALMOST American children. It is the final step in getting Enyi's visa, which we pick up late tomorrow afternoon, before we fly back to Beijing.
BTW, another reason to love our country: We have enjoyed watching the Discovery Channel in the evenings when we are setting down for bed. But today is a national day of mourning in China for the victims of the earthquake last week. So, unless the TV stations are broadcasting the mourning ceremony, they are blocked...While we are sympathetic to the national tragedy, we just were starkly reminded of the differences in state run television and that of the free market. I had to get a picture of the black screen with the words as to why the station is blocked. Another picture is of Enyi and our friends' daughter, Maddie...Enyi loves her. Every time she comes around, he breaks out in a huge smile and says, "Ni Hao, Hello"...every time! It's pretty cute.
So this was our last full day in GZ and while it has been pleasant, we are ready to get home! I'm not sure if I will get a chance to post again from here, but hopefully a quick note from Beijing before we come home. Thanks, again for all your prayers and comments. We can't wait to see you all, soon!