I heard the truck before I saw it. I was sitting on the balcony, enjoying the morning breeze when a hospital vehicle trundled through the town. There was a man, standing on the back, shouting through a mega phone. He was making a public health announcement:
Dengue Fever is here! Keep your children under nets! Clear your gardens! Cover up! Use repellent!
It only takes two cases to constitute an outbreak. That’ll be the other fella, and me.
So, this wasn’t the story I was hoping to tell this week. Last week I dragged my carcass to work, only to be sent home again. Typical nurse! By Wednesday, I had developed leg cramps, back pain and bleeding gums. I thought it best to get checked out. I’ll not bore you with the details, no one likes a winger. There is no treatment for dengue but as my platelets continued to drop, the daily slog to the hospital for blood tests was trying at times. It’s not easy, being unwell in a third world country.
Two weeks later and I’m well on the mend. And do you know what? It’s been amazing. The care and support has been unbelievable. I thought about feeling isolated and alone, but I have never had the chance. The whole town seems to be concerned. My manager would have flown me straight back to Honiara in a heart beat if I’d have let her, my friends and family have called everyday. Even my insurance company has been brilliant. Jackie and Jess (the other volunteers) quickly moved me into their home so I wouldn’t be alone and I have not wanted for anything.
So here I convalesce, sitting on the balcony, staring out towards the pacific, sipping on a fresh coconut, listening to the noises drift up through the trees. I’m watching a small boy climbing a tall tree opposite. He balances on the wavy palm fronds as he hacks down coconuts with a large machete. I can’t watch. He must be only 6 years old. Thankfully he makes it down safely, waves me good morning as he collects up his haul. I know I am far from paradise, but right now, everything is ok.
So next week, back to work and I cannot wait. I came here to do a job and time is speeding on by. I hope that next week will be a more productive week and I will have a more interesting story to tell.
annamayventure 
Oh Anna I haven’t checked in with your blog for a while as we have been on holiday in Wales with no signal at all. Reading this has really shook me up. You must have been terrified and so so ill. Glad to hear you had lots of help, care and support around you and that you had calls and much needed messages of love from home. I feel guilty that I have only just learnt of your ordeal. It does sound as though you are on the right side of it now which is really good news but as you are so positive and never want to burden anyone with worry I know you will be putting an extremely brace face on everything. Well I’m sending lots of super hugs and love over and hope it helps even just a little bit.
Your stories are enlightening and mesmerising, I feel like I hang off your every word. Keep strong,keep brave, keep happy, my lovely friend and I look forward to hearing about your next chapter of life on the other side of the world xxxxxx
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Hey Emma. Great to hear from you always and thanks for such a lovely message. Please don’t feel guilty. I know you’re always there if I need you. It’s great just to know you’re following along. I really am on the mend and on reflection, it’s not been too bad. I think I’ve been lucky. Hope you enjoyed Wales, we have funny memories there. A different life time ago. Much love, keep in touch and happy Friday! Anna xxx
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Hey Anna, I’m loving hearing about your adventures. Sorry to hear you’ve been poorly though but glad you’ve been well looked after and are now on the mend! You never cease to amaze me! Looking forward to the next instalment! Much loves, Ness xxx
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Blooming heck!! Anything for a good story!!! You’ve had me worried sick and I was on tenter hooks ready to come and collect you but sounds like always… Your glass is half full (of coconut milk!) can’t wait for the next chapter!!!!
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With amazing words of wisdom from you, daily, I feel like I could get through anything. Don’t say no, say how 😂😂. Couldn’t have done it without you xx
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Hi Anna
Didn’t even know you had a blog. OMG, you do get around! Glad to hear you’ll be back to work in a jiffy and hope there’s no further pains. Please take care. An old acquaintance…
Lindsey 😘
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Oh bloody hell, glad your on the mend Anna. Love ready your stories although not this last one. Could you please take better care of yourself from now on 😉😘
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