Most of the other interns and I left home for Malawi yesterday, and we are currently sitting in Heathrow Airport during a six hour layover.  Our next flight is eleven hours to Johannesburg, and our final flight is just two more hours to Blantyre.  It’s my first time overseas, and I have to say it’s all very surreal.  After orientations and countless conversations about Malawi, I know there are still several things that will catch me by surprise, but I am feeling very open and excited.

          The past few weeks, we have been in the OEDK assembling devices to bring to Malawi for feedback.  These include (but are not limited to) a low-cost oxygen sensor called the OxyCal, a Kangaroo Mother Care monitor, a 3D printed foot with changeable wound inserts to educate diabetic patients about wound care, a CPAP heating sleeve, a pneumatic compression device, and a mechanical breast pump.  Below are some pictures of the prototyping process:

 

The specific wound insert I painted for each foot

Learning to solder for the OxyCal prototype

         In addition to prototyping, I’ve been learning a pinch of Chichewa.  Although most people in Malawi speak English, I would love to learn as much Chichewa as possible.  So far I’ve mastered the typical greeting:

Hi – Moni

How are you?- Muli bwanji?

I’m fine, and you? – Ndili bwino, kaya inu?

I’m fine, thanks- Ndili bwino, zikomo.

Goodbye- Zikomo, ndapita

          I’m really looking forward to the next two months and I’d like express my gratitude to my sponsors, Hunter and Kerry Armistead, as well as all of the OEDK and Rice 360 staff for their help and support in making this trip possible.  It’s going to be an awesome summer!  Feel free to comment any questions you have along the way.