Latest update on diseases and the like

So, I'm trying to decide if this is all information that everyone is going to want to hear...and I'm also wondering if I should call mom first and tell her all this information so she doesn't just happen across it when she's reading the blog.
OK...so an update on the diseases...we've had a few in the house, mostly because of the area we are living in, so many people being together and some of the places we get to work. I won't share everyone's diseases because I guess that's their own personal business... but are you ready for the list that I got today? I'll try not to be TOO graphic, but if you don't want to know, go ahead and skip down to the next break.

Well, first and most embarrassing...and yet not my fault, is scabies. "What is scabies exactly?" some may be asking, and basically it's a microscopic parasite, bug, mite thing (when you look it up to read about it, it's in the same category of lice...insert a blush here) that burrows into your skin, lays eggs and your body has an allergic reaction to the eggs and the toxins that are released with those. You get a bunch of raised bumps that are red and TERRIBLY itchy. But, scratching them can break open the skin and cause infection and possibly spreading of the disease (which I'm sure NO ONE in the house is interested in having). Someone gets it because of unsanitary living conditions or from being in contact with someone that is infected (say a little kid that has been living on the streets up to that point...possible culprit). SO, I'm on allergy medication, got some "kill all parasites" pill that is making my stomach a little queasy and the demand to wash ALL my clothes, towels, bedding, etc that I have used or have come in contact with since a week before I started itching, so...it's been a little more than a week of itching...so yeah, that's a lot of stuff to wash. I was trying to decide if I should spoil myself and bring some of my clothing to a laundromat for a good washing and drying for my birthday and was going back and forth because it was a little expensive, but I guess this made my decision for me.
The most concerning disease that I have is anemia. My hematocrit is 33 (for you med people) which is quite low. So, I'm on iron and multi-vitamin and the command to eat meat at least one time a day. I've had low iron for a long time, but it's official now. But I was told to keep a better eye on what I eat (mom, you've got someone else plugging with you, even down here) and that I need to eat lots of beans (remind me to tell you about our Chef situation and how that is a hinderment at this point) and rest a lot. That sounds exactly what I do every day already doesn't it? ;) I know, I need to do better.
The next one is a bacterial infection. Nothing to be too concerned about, I'm going back into the doctor tomorrow for the results of some additional tests she took so we can be sure of what bacteria it is exactly and what we should do to resolve the issue.
The last is an interesting one, but my doctor thinks I had dengue. I had an infection and she could tell by my white blood cell count that it was a "big one" that my body fought off. I told her my symptoms and she's like "you had dengue" but I don't remember my body aching other than just Saturday night and a headache for a couple of days, but nothing like the intensity I've heard dengue described as, just being tired. SO, I'm going to say I didn't have the dengue so we can keep with our goal of "no dengue in 2007!"
SO, that's my diagnoses. The interesting thing is that I feel fine. I'm tired, but that's in the nature of what we're doing here...

OK, those of you that didn't want to know about the diseases...no more talk of them. Things are going well here. We've got a new group of volunteers and the dynamic has definitely changed. Instead of one boy to 11 girls, we have 5 boys and 7 girls. I don't know if Gregan likes that a lot more or a lot less ;) Actually, I'm pretty sure he likes having guys he can spend time with. You know, burping and grunting and stuff like that ;)
Well, the Chef situation. Gregan and I actually have an on-going argument about this. The country directors from last year found this guy in the neighborhood that is a trained chef and has gotten awards and has even had the board of health of New York give him a "passing grade" which is HUGE here in El Salvador. He cooks really good food, the only problem is that there is so little of it...and it's pretty expensive compared to the rest of the country of El Salvador. I'm always hungry after dinner and with it being the principle meal...so I keep talking about "walking" and Gregan is so hesitant because the group from last year had such a good relationship with him and the food is good and he insists that he's not that hungry at night...as I sit and watch him eat 2...3...4...bowls of cereal. SO, that's what makes having a lot of beans hard. We've compromised though and have come to the conclusion that we're just going to ask for a big container of extra rice and beans so people are full at night. It's just funny now because it was a long standing/running argument between Gregan and I. I will say that if nothing else, I am DEFINITELY learning a lot about my communication habits, abilities, struggles, strengths, weaknesses etc while I'm here. I'm learning it's a lot better/easier to address things when they're small issues, rather than venting to someone else...or blowing up about it one day. We're working on it. It's sometimes hard to approach the issues, but I'm sure it will help me, not only here, but for the rest of my life.
It's really interesting, because I love being here, and I love the work that we do here, but it is also DIFFICULT every day. Living life here is just more difficult period. Everything takes more time to get accomplished and all those types of issues, but it's just harder. Also, in the role that I'm in, I find that a lot of my weaknesses are brought GLARINGLY to light...