Day 10 - Poop :)

Today (Monday - 7/27/15) was quite an adventure! :) I went out to some local farms with Dan and 2 veterinary students who were taking blood and milk samples and doing TB testing on the cows. I got to wear scrubs, which I've missed because they are the most comfortable clothes EVER. Since Dan and I both don't have backgrounds in large animal medicine, we were in charge of data entry on the iPads, prepping syringes/tubes for collection, and photography (mostly Dan, the journalism major). Two Ethiopian veterinarians, Mulugeta and Sadam, are going with us to the farms and they are AMAZING. They both know English and have been invaluable translating our questions and surveys for the farmers. They are both really good at collecting samples, too. 

Sharon getting a blood sample

Using the portable somatic cell count tester and recording the results

Mulugeta performing a PPD test on a cow

We went to several farms, some cleaner than others. In general, there was SO MUCH POOP at all of them lol. At one farm, I thought all of the brown stuff on the ground was just solid dirt, so I started walking towards the barn, not bothering to step on the stones like Sharon was doing. Guess what: it definitely was not all solid dirt. I'm very glad I had my boots. :) It was amazing to see Sharon, Sarah, and the other veterinarians in action, taking blood samples from all of these fidgeting/sometimes aggressive cows. It was definitely a nice change of pace, being outside the classroom. :). There was a lot of hiking to the various farms (my knees were protesting lol), but well worth it. Also, as we were walking between farms, there was always a train of kids following us, wanting to shake our hands or just giggling and pointing at us. It was entertaining. :)

Cute dog "guarding" a farm and some of our train of kids :)

PUPPY!! The only dog I will get near enough to pet in Ethiopia :)

Jackpot! A huge farm that allowed us to test/collect samples from all of their cows!

All in all, a great day! :) Can't wait to go out to the farms again tomorrow. 

Much love,

Joslyn :)

P.S. "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 :) GREAT reminder :)