July 15-16

July 15 was the 40th reunion of the EIS class of 1966 - that put together the first big small pox eradication campaign in West Africa, demonstrating against huge barriers that it was possible. Our class was invited to the morning of talks - all the "old greats" were there - people have made absolutely enormous contributions to public health, and positively impacted the health of millions, like Rafe Henderson, who led the EPI (Expanded Program on Immunizations) from 20% of world children immunized in 1978 to 80% in 1990. It was amazing and humbling. Here is one slide from the small pox eradication talk.
That evening I had dinner with my "ashram" and we watched a movie called Earth, about the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, that was deeply compelling, and it was fascinating to watch with them - 4 people from very different parts of India, and how they responded. Sapna's grandfather came back to Lahore (now in Pakistan) after being a prisoner of war of the Germans in WWII to face the events of the partition, so it was especially poignant.

On July 16, more than half of us went white water rafting on the Ocoee, back up in Tennessee. This is Doug Hamilton, director of the EIS, aka, "Oh Captain, My Captain", and he who is responsible for putting me in my dream job.

I had just bought a waterproof camera, and this was its maiden voyage - I think it performed very well!

A raft of classmates heading toward us
In the water - I have no idea what Shua is trying to do!
A couple of dragonflies on the edge of the raft - not only is my new camera waterproof, but it takes fabulous close ups!




The group of EIS officers after the rafting trip - I'm in the upper left corner.