Albert Schweitzer Hospital

Albert Schweitzer Hospital After the river trip, we decide to spend one more night in Lambaréné instead of travelling to Libreville.  With the extra time, we visited the N'Gomo Church and Albert Schweitzer Hospital. This view from the river shows the former orphanage, infirmary, and N'Gomo Church.  From what we understood, the Protestant missionaries no longer send money to keep the orphanage open for new kids. As ramshackle as it appears, it still does make a difference to the families who remain.  They have healthcare, a place to sleep, food to eat, and a school that functions.  Life is good by local standards. The kids are happy and healthy; they even smiled for the pictures! The Schweitzer Hospital museum was a revelation.  It is remarkable that he has performed high quality medical care in the middle of the jungle since 1913.  This is the old dental chair and exam room. The operating room looks rudimentary by western standards but it got the job done.  Not bad considering the circumstances and that there were no other options at the time. In addition to people, the hospital also treats injured wildlife.  Here is a very cute pink-backed pelican waiting for his bucket of fish. I added this picture to show how much transportation really does depend on the river.  This fuel truck is probably going to a logging camp, which is only accessible by river. Tomorrow, for sure, we will be leaving for Libreville.  The nuns recommended we stay at the Catholic Mission in the city if we wanted some sanctuary. Robert J Kent Jr- robjkentjr@gmail.com Water Resource Policy Adviser www.robrasa.com Voice Mail: +1 (631) 458-1119 Skype ID: rob-rasa LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo Contact  |  Support Us  |  Home  |  Books              all content ©2006-2009 click to REMOVE your email Robert & Rasa's rubbernecking