Black Tongue

Here is just an example of odd sicknesses that I've had here. It started with strep throat. I had it for about 4 days, then one morning I wake up to a black tongue and a mountain range of bumps on the back of my throat. This picture was taken after 3 days of having a black tongue. Before, my entire tongue was covered with warts and lesions. DISGUSTING! I'm still alive, though, so I can't complain.
The doctors never figured out what caused it. I didn't expect them to.

The Sanctuary

Here is the hospital at which I work. I have mixed emotions about working as a Health volunteer. Sometimes I find it difficult to fulfill my Peace Corps duty. I understand that I have a vague commitment of contributing something to the bigger picture of humanity but I still can't figure out what that is. What exactly is the nature of my role? I work in a hospital and I have zero medical experience. So what exactly am I supposed to do? If my joining Peace Corps. was simply a matter of patriotism, I should have stayed in the States. That realization further convoluted my understanding of a Peace Corps. volunteer. I was and am confused about the nature of my duty. On the other hand, I am grateful to work in such a unique environment, learning a new language and gaining incomparable experience. Just the other day, I found someone in Harlem who is from region where I live. We spoke in his local language for over an hour. My volunteership was finally validated and my training and hard work had materialized. That brief interaction helped me to realize that Peace Corps. is paying off...I guess.