Today, I thought I would comment about the use of the tote sack - or as the natives here call it the "bilum" . There are few trucks or cars in this country, so everything is carried by hand, or in most cases in a bilum ( which in tok pisin means bag).
The bilum comes in many sizes. Small ones are used as a purse or man-bag for the essentials. Larger ones may carry fire wood, kaukau (yams), vegetables, fruit or corn. These hang on the back from a wide strap that is suspended from the forehead. I have even seen loose weave bilums used to carry babies. These bilums seem similar to a papoose board used by American Indians, but the loose weave allows air in to keep the baby cool. The forehead strap provides quick access to tend the child.
Patients coming in for surgery usually bring all their hospital supplies in a bilum. These may contain clothing, bedding supplies, food, cooking and laundry supplies. The lowly bilum seems to be an ideal carrying tool for these people. It is totally recyclable (typically crocheted from yarn), handy and a colorful symbol of this culture.
Medically speaking, things are much the same as last time. I have already performed ten major surgeries, which include three ectopic pregnancies. One of the major surgeries was for a thirty-five pound cystic ovarian teratoma.
Hospital call this time is much better. I am on one day and then off the next and am on only every other weekend. Clinic patients are still seen Monday through Friday.
Thanks for listening! God bless all you folks. Please pray for us.
Scot & Tyronza
pictures can be viewed at:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.250305375044841.59195.100001961413037&type=3&l=209e4ae86b
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