The Clinic

I have a regret.

Last week Anna and I helped to run the nurse's clinic at the orphanage. The children get a physical and dewormed every 6 months. I took temperatures and weight while Anna gave eye exams. There was a visiting nurse from Uganda, Eric who came to help our compound nurse, Kara. Both Eric and Kara would be in the room where they examined the kids one at a time. But then to save time Kara recommended that they split up and examine kids separately. This meant that Eric was examining orphans, both male and female children, in a room by himself.  I didn’t think this was a good idea. I thought that the kids’ safety was in danger as was Eric’s. If one of the kids claimed that Eric touched them inappropriately he would have no witnesses to defend him.

But I didn’t say anything. And I don’t know why.

I think maybe it was because it was the end of the day and we only had a few kids left. And I trusted Eric. I saw him as a good guy. I didn’t think he could do harm. But I know I should have said something. I have to protect the kids. And I didn’t do that. I feel kind of awful. Maybe if I talk to the compound nurse to let her know my concerns it will still help as preventative measures.