It has been quite a fun weekend! I was able to see a little more of Lusaka, as well as get a better understanding of how many people live in this city (today is Zambia's Independence Day- the whole country is celebrating- out in the roads and across from the shopping centers, everywhere I was this afternoon!)
Yesterday Chipo took Miriam and I to the north side of town to Kalimba Reptile Farms. That's right, we went to see reptiles! By time we got there we were so hot and hungry that we sat down had lunch first -- Crocodile Burgers! Miriam and I thought we'd be adventurous and try them out, not too bad. I guess it's what, the "other, other, other, other, other white meat"? Something like that. But Chipo had fun showing us around the farm, showing us all the crazy poisonous snakes they have in cages- black mambas, cobras, etc. Fun (I say sarcastically. I mean, it was fun, as long as they stayed in their cages, far far far away from me). They had a photo by the cages of a snake biting a guy's nose, with the note, "do not annoy the snakes. be glad there is a glass." haha. As we kept walking around we found several different pits of different types of crocodiles. Some small ones, feisty. Some medium sized ones, all lazy and lying in the shade. And then we made our way to the back, to the BIG crocodiles! The only time I have seen something this size was the stuffed crocodile in the museum we went to in Manaus, Brazil at the end of our trip there- and we all took photos sticking our hands in it's mouth. HERE, however, there were no such photos and these crocs were oh so very alive! By the crocodile pits there were signs reading, "Please do not throw anything into the crocodile pits; you may be asked to retrieve it." Ha. That's one way to keep stuff out. I will be retrieving nothing, thank you. Well, as the afternoon went on Chipo (Zambian), Miriam (German), and I sat around sharing stories of our childhoods and likes/dislikes, etc. And here's the quote of yesterday... when talking about music we like sharing old school bands and then new rap artists we've all heard of, and then, Chipo says, "I really like that young guy. What's his name? Justin Bieber?" Awkward pause for a second while Miriam and I exchange looks, and then we both start laughing!! Oh my goodness, did she really just say that? Chipo, you make me miss my sweet 7th grade girls back in the States! hahaha. Justin Bieber!
Well, yesterday ended with us safe and sound in our beds exhausted from the trip and the sun and the laughing!! And today started with me checking out the results of last nights Giants/Phillys game only to tear up when I saw San Francisco is going to the World Series! Oh my goodness, that is so exciting! Considering in 2002, the last time they were in the World Series, I was in Brazil, and barely caught a glimpse of one game while passing through the US Embassy! Sad day. So I will again cheer them on from another country. But only let myself be distracted by it first thing in the morning when I check the results. :)
So today was also fun, church again. A lot of walking, cramming in buses, being very hot and sweaty... living the African life. Little kids were running all up and down the main road with faces painted and people wearing Zambia's colors. It was quite the celebration today. Happy Birthday Zambia. Miriam has gone for the rest of the long weekend to stay with another volunteer from her organization. So it is just me at the guest house for a day or so. Got some awesome study time in today- working on those Equipped Disciple 3 verses and practiced my bridge illustration, you know, to the bugs that have made their home in our front room. I was also invited to participate in the bible study that I witnessed the other night of parents here at the hospital. It so encourages me to see these people, many who speak English, most who only know their tribe's language (and there are several represented), all share and sing and translate for each other so that all are included. It is beautiful. And quote from the night... one guy is challenging the other parents, "the same way you would share your tomatoes with someone on a mini bus if they are hungry, you should also share your spiritual food with those riding next to you". He was trying to challenge them to be in the Word every day and share their knowledge by using every day examples. If that is truly an everyday example, I'm digging Zambia- sharing your tomatoes with the hungry. Love it. And as this is my second night joining them in Bible study, I have seen parents open up to me a little more. I love seeing moms smile or come to greet me as I walk by- working or not. I love how they now put forth more effort to converse, even though so many of them do not speak English. They are no longer shy. We laugh, we sit around, I hang out with their daughters - the 2 mothers/daughters I have been spending more time with are our spine patients. Both daughters had severe scoliosis and had rods placed the week I first arrived. So they are familiar faces, and I to them. We have all been around for a while now and are becoming comfortable with each other. I hope I get to see them discharged and on their way back to routine for them.
Oh, and some random fun: I love how most parents at the hospital have Christmas songs as their ring tones. I'll be working and then hear the tune, and of course I start singing, "deck the halls with boughs of holly..." haha. Second, I have a whole new appreciation for the phrase, "greatest thing since sliced bread." I have to slice every piece of bread that I want to eat. It is a crumbly mess! Thank you, whoever invented mass production of pre-sliced bread! I appreciate you!
Well, that's all for now. Thank you for your encouragement the past week or so as I have been here. Only one week of service left. I pray it is a very intentional and productive week!!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
You can't run from it
So, not really much to do with life here in Zambia, but this post is more about my heart during this time of my life. Some sweet friends bought me this book called Father Fiction- something I probably never would have searched out, let alone picked up and read. It is a book by Donald Miller (author of Blue Like Jazz) and it walks the reader through his life growing up without a father and the implications of it. The book walks through the areas of his life that he notices a difference from other guys who grew up with fathers and what he has seen and learned regarding it. It is from the perspective that boys should learn certain things from their fathers.
Now, I obviously am not a boy. And I did grow up with a father, for most of my childhood at least, but it was a relationship that has left many, many scars and continues to be a painful part of my life. But many of the thoughts he explained completely hit home, many of the situations he outlined are patterns I have seen in my own life. He even goes on to explain how it took him a while to figure out how his actions/thoughts were deeply rooted in and connected to growing up without a father.
Parents, you all have vital roles! At the very end of the book Miller thanks his mom for her part in his life and the amazing woman that she is. I, too, have a completely spectacular mother who has taught me much and continues to live her life as a role model to me. But it doesn't change or diminish the wounds that are in my life as a result of my father and the work that I have to heal them and grow from them. It is funny how the issues and struggles of my life before this trip are still completely valid and real struggles while I'm in Africa. (There's no running away). But I am thankful for some of the downtime I have here to dig in deep with the Lord and give Him maybe more of a chance to heal some of these wounds, or maybe just teach me a little something new. Angie and Vicky, thank you for the book. Thank you for being IN my life. And I seriously recommend this book to anyone who a) wants a good read, b) is trying to heal from wounds of growing up without a father, or even c) has a friend/spouse/someone important who grew up without a father and maybe wants a better understanding of what those wounds can look like.
That's it for now. It's Friday. This weekend is Zambia's independence day celebration - I am excited to see how this country celebrates and I hope to share what I learn soon. Thanks for all your notes and comments!
As I got home after blogging, I realized that I had forgotten the book as I wrote out the post, and I wanted to include a certain quote that seriously challenged me, but also opened up my mind to a new response to my father problem. Near the end of the book Miller talks about forgiveness- now this is a topic I have researched at length and have tried over and over to implement in my life. But something about these words clicked in my head. He writes, "when you forgive, you bear the burden somebody has given you without hold them accountable." And then he says, that "there was still pain, that we might still be paying the price for the wrong that was done to us. It's just that we weren't going to make the other person pay for what they'd done; we'd forgiven them." Okay. I get that. So when people flippantly say that I need to forgive my father, or be at peace with the situation, I now understand, if only a little better, what that may look like on a day-to-day basis. I need to no longer hold him accountable for what he did.
* Side note: as I walked back into the ward to add this note, I noticed a large group of the parents from the ward all sitting together, several had their Bibles out. I asked the night nurse, she said that they meet on their own most nights. As I typed I heard several people sharing Scripture and life stories, I heard them all worship together - and it was beautiful! That may be why several parents and families have shown bonds and friendship one day when the previous day I did not see them interact much. Lord, I am thankful to see a community here, in Africa, at a children's hospital, praising you in spite of and because of their situation. Continue to work in all of our lives and show yourself Lord of Lords!
Now, I obviously am not a boy. And I did grow up with a father, for most of my childhood at least, but it was a relationship that has left many, many scars and continues to be a painful part of my life. But many of the thoughts he explained completely hit home, many of the situations he outlined are patterns I have seen in my own life. He even goes on to explain how it took him a while to figure out how his actions/thoughts were deeply rooted in and connected to growing up without a father.
Parents, you all have vital roles! At the very end of the book Miller thanks his mom for her part in his life and the amazing woman that she is. I, too, have a completely spectacular mother who has taught me much and continues to live her life as a role model to me. But it doesn't change or diminish the wounds that are in my life as a result of my father and the work that I have to heal them and grow from them. It is funny how the issues and struggles of my life before this trip are still completely valid and real struggles while I'm in Africa. (There's no running away). But I am thankful for some of the downtime I have here to dig in deep with the Lord and give Him maybe more of a chance to heal some of these wounds, or maybe just teach me a little something new. Angie and Vicky, thank you for the book. Thank you for being IN my life. And I seriously recommend this book to anyone who a) wants a good read, b) is trying to heal from wounds of growing up without a father, or even c) has a friend/spouse/someone important who grew up without a father and maybe wants a better understanding of what those wounds can look like.
That's it for now. It's Friday. This weekend is Zambia's independence day celebration - I am excited to see how this country celebrates and I hope to share what I learn soon. Thanks for all your notes and comments!
As I got home after blogging, I realized that I had forgotten the book as I wrote out the post, and I wanted to include a certain quote that seriously challenged me, but also opened up my mind to a new response to my father problem. Near the end of the book Miller talks about forgiveness- now this is a topic I have researched at length and have tried over and over to implement in my life. But something about these words clicked in my head. He writes, "when you forgive, you bear the burden somebody has given you without hold them accountable." And then he says, that "there was still pain, that we might still be paying the price for the wrong that was done to us. It's just that we weren't going to make the other person pay for what they'd done; we'd forgiven them." Okay. I get that. So when people flippantly say that I need to forgive my father, or be at peace with the situation, I now understand, if only a little better, what that may look like on a day-to-day basis. I need to no longer hold him accountable for what he did.
* Side note: as I walked back into the ward to add this note, I noticed a large group of the parents from the ward all sitting together, several had their Bibles out. I asked the night nurse, she said that they meet on their own most nights. As I typed I heard several people sharing Scripture and life stories, I heard them all worship together - and it was beautiful! That may be why several parents and families have shown bonds and friendship one day when the previous day I did not see them interact much. Lord, I am thankful to see a community here, in Africa, at a children's hospital, praising you in spite of and because of their situation. Continue to work in all of our lives and show yourself Lord of Lords!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Mzungu
All of a sudden time is flying by... I cannot believe the week is half gone! I have been in full work mode this week- starting my shift at 0730 (for everyone at CURE the day starts with prayer/devotion either together in chapel or in groups by department- I love it!) and I get off at 1630. Miriam, my housemate, also works until 1630 so we have been spending some good quality time together in the evening. Monday night we watched a movie together but had to stop in the middle because of a bird-sized beast that flew into the house and most certainly was not welcomed! By the end of my time here I hope that I can peg an aunt from across the room with my shoe - I'm on my way! Last night we went into town and picked up some groceries because we have to fend for ourselves when it comes to breakfast and dinner. We are trying to eat healthy and cheap, always such a difficult combination, but we also cannot buy more than we can carry for we have to take a bus home from the store (2 actually). :) And tonight we played cards- she taught me a few common German games, as well as how to call the cards, numbers, suits, etc. I was also able to teach her a few games and we had a blast going back and forth winning at different games. It has been amazing having her to spend time with (and I know she feels the same because she has enlisted to volunteer here for 1 year, and only arrived a few weeks before me). I have also learned that she does not know Christ though she calls herself a Christian. It is a challenge each day to have this specific person in front of me to live my life out for. She is a new addition to my top 10 list. But we have had much fun hanging out, realizing as we talk through our day that we think the same things in situations throughout the day.
And then there are my sweet patients... Specifically, there are 3 girls who all have severe scoliosis and are here because CURE had spine surgeons visiting last week, so they are all now post-operative from rod placement. Each girl was at a different level of functioning before surgery, and still is after. But they have all bonded, the girls and their mothers together. They help each other get into and out of bed and changing sheets and whatever the others need. But that is also seen throughout the ward because we do not have private rooms in this ward. There are about 6 beds to a section, but no full walls separating them. (The nurses will call out from the middle when it is feeding time, or time to change the dressings and people come to them.) But the community seen here is wonderful. I was able to take all three of the spine patients, one by one, to radiology yesterday. I found that it was the perfect opportunity to talk to the girls and their mothers - all of whom spoke at least some English. In a quieter setting they all opened up more about their families and the difficulty being in the hospital. Because every girl comes from a small village, with no other person with their condition, they all mentioned that they are glad to have new friends who they can relate to and can understand them. I very much enjoy spending time in their section of the ward, sitting with them, bringing them sheets to color and draw all over, or just making them laugh at something silly the "mzungu" (white person) did. :)
Miriam has been in charge of creating a "play room" here at the hospital and set up an environment for the kids and parents to play for a couple hours each day. Obviously we have limited resources to toys, so she has become creative in making up games, drawing out Chutes and Ladders (or as they call it, around the world apparently, Snakes and Ladders)- and they don't have dice, so they pick up dominoes and move that number of spaces. One sweet 12 year old kiddo, who smiles and waves every time I walk by, Reagan, has been here for a while and most likely will not leave any time soon. He has torticollis that all surgical and treatments this far have failed to ultimately correct (which means he is with his chin to his chest, staring down at the ground permanently- though the docs are still brainstorming and trying new treatments hoping and praying to help him). Miriam and I were able to sit with him and his father today and play a game of Memory. We had so much fun flipping over cards of animals and really, I think he was just too excited to have a group to play with. So play room time will be a part of our day every day. It has opened up doors to talk with and share with the children and parents because we are all sitting on the floor of the hospital, mzungus and Zambians alike, laughing and momentarily forgetting why were are all there. Miriam said that if the only thing she accomplishes in the year is to show that not every mzungu who comes to CURE is a doctor/nurse/dignitary, that we can also sit on the dirty floor and laugh together, then she will consider the year a success. I also thought that same thing- I did not come thinking I was going to fix kids or make this hospital look more like those in the States. Instead, I want to make each day and each moment about serving and loving and sharing/showing Christ because in that I know that I will grow and be changed as I pray others will as well. It is funny, in talking about this hospital, I already call it my own, like I have stake in it here, that I want to see it succeed and grow and become more than it is now. I am thankful for the role I get to play here for my short visit.
Prayers: the list is long but based in the stories above. For the patients. For my attitude towards them and my co-workers to be that of serving and giving. For Miriam. For the work here. For the care of doctors and nurses and all health care workers.
And then there are my sweet patients... Specifically, there are 3 girls who all have severe scoliosis and are here because CURE had spine surgeons visiting last week, so they are all now post-operative from rod placement. Each girl was at a different level of functioning before surgery, and still is after. But they have all bonded, the girls and their mothers together. They help each other get into and out of bed and changing sheets and whatever the others need. But that is also seen throughout the ward because we do not have private rooms in this ward. There are about 6 beds to a section, but no full walls separating them. (The nurses will call out from the middle when it is feeding time, or time to change the dressings and people come to them.) But the community seen here is wonderful. I was able to take all three of the spine patients, one by one, to radiology yesterday. I found that it was the perfect opportunity to talk to the girls and their mothers - all of whom spoke at least some English. In a quieter setting they all opened up more about their families and the difficulty being in the hospital. Because every girl comes from a small village, with no other person with their condition, they all mentioned that they are glad to have new friends who they can relate to and can understand them. I very much enjoy spending time in their section of the ward, sitting with them, bringing them sheets to color and draw all over, or just making them laugh at something silly the "mzungu" (white person) did. :)
Miriam has been in charge of creating a "play room" here at the hospital and set up an environment for the kids and parents to play for a couple hours each day. Obviously we have limited resources to toys, so she has become creative in making up games, drawing out Chutes and Ladders (or as they call it, around the world apparently, Snakes and Ladders)- and they don't have dice, so they pick up dominoes and move that number of spaces. One sweet 12 year old kiddo, who smiles and waves every time I walk by, Reagan, has been here for a while and most likely will not leave any time soon. He has torticollis that all surgical and treatments this far have failed to ultimately correct (which means he is with his chin to his chest, staring down at the ground permanently- though the docs are still brainstorming and trying new treatments hoping and praying to help him). Miriam and I were able to sit with him and his father today and play a game of Memory. We had so much fun flipping over cards of animals and really, I think he was just too excited to have a group to play with. So play room time will be a part of our day every day. It has opened up doors to talk with and share with the children and parents because we are all sitting on the floor of the hospital, mzungus and Zambians alike, laughing and momentarily forgetting why were are all there. Miriam said that if the only thing she accomplishes in the year is to show that not every mzungu who comes to CURE is a doctor/nurse/dignitary, that we can also sit on the dirty floor and laugh together, then she will consider the year a success. I also thought that same thing- I did not come thinking I was going to fix kids or make this hospital look more like those in the States. Instead, I want to make each day and each moment about serving and loving and sharing/showing Christ because in that I know that I will grow and be changed as I pray others will as well. It is funny, in talking about this hospital, I already call it my own, like I have stake in it here, that I want to see it succeed and grow and become more than it is now. I am thankful for the role I get to play here for my short visit.
Prayers: the list is long but based in the stories above. For the patients. For my attitude towards them and my co-workers to be that of serving and giving. For Miriam. For the work here. For the care of doctors and nurses and all health care workers.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Zambian Church
Oh how I love Sundays around the world! I love being in a church with fellow believers - and it doesn't matter where in the world I am, it is always encouraging! This morning my new friend, Chipo, joined at the hospital and we traveled together (taking 2 different buses, and walking part of it) to church. She goes to church at the University, so it was mainly a young crowd, but all very energetically praising the Lord as we walked in. Most of the songs were in the Zambian dialect, but because English is the official language here (most everyone can speak it, especially here in the capital), we also sang I Stand in Awe of You. It was beautiful.
And then, the first man to get up and speak grabs the microphone and says... "If you are not on twitter..." And really, who knows if anything was said after that, I was stuck on the first part. He says, "Who is not on Facebook? ...show of hands... Really friends? This is 2010!" haha. Even in Africa they are connecting through technology! And even in church they are using Facebook and Twitter! They go on to share the announcements of Bible study groups and scheduled outreaches. And then the man ends saying, "Kindly take note, advise all you know, and please find yourself there." It took me a minute to understand that he was telling all to remember what he shared, to invite others, and to show up!
One of the announcements shared was of the upcoming graduation of students from the College of Ministry. One of the professors shared that between now and graduation (the first weekend of November), each student, as the last requirement, must "win 10 souls to the Lord". How crazy and passionate must a group be to require soul-winning as a pre-requisite for graduation! It seriously challenged me. And then it continues... after the announcements a pastor gets up and delivers the message - it is on the connection to being "soul-winners" and the Gospel. Clearly those are connected. And then he goes on to quote probably about TEN of the memory verses from the Equipped Disciple curriculum I am doing through Watermark. It was like he had Todd Wagner's sermon notes from the other week!! He may not have given the "Bridge" illustration, but he most definitely knew the scripture that went along with it! And as soon as the pastor gets to the part saying, "greater is He that is in you than is in the world..." a man in a nice suit in the front row, who was sitting just a split second ago, is now karate kicking the air high above his chair! And other people in the church stood up, waved their hands, and a flood of "Praise God" and "Hallelujahs" were heard all around! I tell you what, that pastor was so encouraged, he kept going! Church was probably more than 4 hours long! (And according to others here, it could have been longer!) But I absolutely loved the message and was so encouraged by all the smiles and handshakes this morning. Zambians truly are a very friendly people! It was a great way to kick-start this coming week of work.
And then, the first man to get up and speak grabs the microphone and says... "If you are not on twitter..." And really, who knows if anything was said after that, I was stuck on the first part. He says, "Who is not on Facebook? ...show of hands... Really friends? This is 2010!" haha. Even in Africa they are connecting through technology! And even in church they are using Facebook and Twitter! They go on to share the announcements of Bible study groups and scheduled outreaches. And then the man ends saying, "Kindly take note, advise all you know, and please find yourself there." It took me a minute to understand that he was telling all to remember what he shared, to invite others, and to show up!
One of the announcements shared was of the upcoming graduation of students from the College of Ministry. One of the professors shared that between now and graduation (the first weekend of November), each student, as the last requirement, must "win 10 souls to the Lord". How crazy and passionate must a group be to require soul-winning as a pre-requisite for graduation! It seriously challenged me. And then it continues... after the announcements a pastor gets up and delivers the message - it is on the connection to being "soul-winners" and the Gospel. Clearly those are connected. And then he goes on to quote probably about TEN of the memory verses from the Equipped Disciple curriculum I am doing through Watermark. It was like he had Todd Wagner's sermon notes from the other week!! He may not have given the "Bridge" illustration, but he most definitely knew the scripture that went along with it! And as soon as the pastor gets to the part saying, "greater is He that is in you than is in the world..." a man in a nice suit in the front row, who was sitting just a split second ago, is now karate kicking the air high above his chair! And other people in the church stood up, waved their hands, and a flood of "Praise God" and "Hallelujahs" were heard all around! I tell you what, that pastor was so encouraged, he kept going! Church was probably more than 4 hours long! (And according to others here, it could have been longer!) But I absolutely loved the message and was so encouraged by all the smiles and handshakes this morning. Zambians truly are a very friendly people! It was a great way to kick-start this coming week of work.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Lusaka!
Hello all!
I have made it to Zambia safe and sound! Of course, as I got off the plane, went through customs, got my bag (thank you Lord for getting it to me in one piece), I exited the airport not recognizing one sign being held up as one with my name or that of CURE. ha. So I dropped my suitcase, looked around, and for a half of a second the thought went through my mind: "What was I thinking coming to Africa by myself???". But just as fast as that thought came, I remembered exactly what I was thinking when I signed up for this trip -- I wanted to make a difference in a health care setting that was COMPLETELY different than what I was used to (and goodness gracious, I had no clue!). So I looked around again, eventually found a young man holding a sign saying CURE International, and I introduced myself to him. Danny, is the main driver for the hospital and he made sure I knew where to go and what to do after I arrived.
The sweet kitchen staff whipped up a light breakfast and after a short tour of the facilities, I was instructed (after minimal protest) to take a nap and shower and then stop by the hospital in the afternoon. (I like the time structure here, very much whenever you want to do something, you do it. Although that can also be frustrating in the hospital sense when trying to give medications or schedule operations). Oh, here's a few examples to start out some of the funny differences between nursing in the States and in Zambia (sorry, most of this humor is probably more for nurses...)-- OT (not occupational therapy, here it is operating theater - yeah, that means operating room). They say, "bed 16 is going for theater in the morning". I like that one. Or the fact that a guardian MUST be at the bedside at all times (it is neat to see a community stand up and fill in when the mother must take care of other kids or the father must return to work). I saw a doctor create a makeshift insentive spirometer device using IV tubing and an almost empty water bottle. Had the girl blow through the tubing making bubbles in the water. I saw a makeshift wheelchair using a white plastic chair fastened onto pipes with wheels. We had spine doctors visiting last week who created their own chest tubes after extensive surgeries using gallon water bottles and suction tubing. Oh, here's a kicker, the patients in the States we would usually give Morphine PCA's or at the very least IV narcotic pain meds, in Zambia, they are only prescribed Tylenol. Seriously?!
I am very thankful, though, for the nurse manager, Judy. She lived in the States for 15 years and worked at several good hospitals around. So she is able to a) speak my language when need be, b) laugh with me at the differences between the two worlds, and c) use my skills and knowledge base to promote stricter conditions on the unit (i.e. make sure all doctor's orders are carried out and not ignored just because the nurse didn't feel like completing it or had forgotten). We'd get yelled at or fired for that kind of work ethic. For sure! So instead, what I see is doctors doing their own dressing changes or lab draws (I guess because otherwise it may not get done).
Anyhow, it has been a very fun experience so far. I am so thankful for the wonderful staff at the hospital. Everyone makes sure that I know everyone around me. And when I meet a new person, the first thing the say to me when they find out I'm a volunteer, they say "You're welcome". It took me a couple of times hearing that to understanding that they were welcoming me here, not making a response after I said "thank you". But the friendliness makes it a little less lonely out here. I do have a housemate in the guest house, a girl from Germany (another person who speaks English, but I have an extremely difficult time understanding -- you should see me with the doctors, "please repeat", because I NEED to understand what they are saying, with other people I can smile and nod, no biggie). We are hoping to do some traveling together on our days off. Although I laughed when they told me I would only be working 4 days a week. What am I to do for the other 3? So Judy said I could work 5, but said that I must have the weekends off. I think they are just so excited to share their culture and country with me. (For instance, Judy made me eat lunch with my hands yesterday. Every day for lunch they have a white really thick mashed potato looking thing called "inshima" that they roll into their hands and then dip into a meat sauce. It was actually quite good). So I, obviously, have tons of stories already that I would just LOVE to share, and I hope in my excitement to write I haven't created a chaotic swarm of words, but my lunch break is about over. More to come-- especially now that the doctor has fixed our internet connection! Thank you!
Prayers: That my relationships with staff will be intentional and purposeful. That I do not slack in my work ethic just because the other nurses have or say that it is okay. To continue to desire God's Word each day. To pray with families.
I have made it to Zambia safe and sound! Of course, as I got off the plane, went through customs, got my bag (thank you Lord for getting it to me in one piece), I exited the airport not recognizing one sign being held up as one with my name or that of CURE. ha. So I dropped my suitcase, looked around, and for a half of a second the thought went through my mind: "What was I thinking coming to Africa by myself???". But just as fast as that thought came, I remembered exactly what I was thinking when I signed up for this trip -- I wanted to make a difference in a health care setting that was COMPLETELY different than what I was used to (and goodness gracious, I had no clue!). So I looked around again, eventually found a young man holding a sign saying CURE International, and I introduced myself to him. Danny, is the main driver for the hospital and he made sure I knew where to go and what to do after I arrived.
The sweet kitchen staff whipped up a light breakfast and after a short tour of the facilities, I was instructed (after minimal protest) to take a nap and shower and then stop by the hospital in the afternoon. (I like the time structure here, very much whenever you want to do something, you do it. Although that can also be frustrating in the hospital sense when trying to give medications or schedule operations). Oh, here's a few examples to start out some of the funny differences between nursing in the States and in Zambia (sorry, most of this humor is probably more for nurses...)-- OT (not occupational therapy, here it is operating theater - yeah, that means operating room). They say, "bed 16 is going for theater in the morning". I like that one. Or the fact that a guardian MUST be at the bedside at all times (it is neat to see a community stand up and fill in when the mother must take care of other kids or the father must return to work). I saw a doctor create a makeshift insentive spirometer device using IV tubing and an almost empty water bottle. Had the girl blow through the tubing making bubbles in the water. I saw a makeshift wheelchair using a white plastic chair fastened onto pipes with wheels. We had spine doctors visiting last week who created their own chest tubes after extensive surgeries using gallon water bottles and suction tubing. Oh, here's a kicker, the patients in the States we would usually give Morphine PCA's or at the very least IV narcotic pain meds, in Zambia, they are only prescribed Tylenol. Seriously?!
I am very thankful, though, for the nurse manager, Judy. She lived in the States for 15 years and worked at several good hospitals around. So she is able to a) speak my language when need be, b) laugh with me at the differences between the two worlds, and c) use my skills and knowledge base to promote stricter conditions on the unit (i.e. make sure all doctor's orders are carried out and not ignored just because the nurse didn't feel like completing it or had forgotten). We'd get yelled at or fired for that kind of work ethic. For sure! So instead, what I see is doctors doing their own dressing changes or lab draws (I guess because otherwise it may not get done).
Anyhow, it has been a very fun experience so far. I am so thankful for the wonderful staff at the hospital. Everyone makes sure that I know everyone around me. And when I meet a new person, the first thing the say to me when they find out I'm a volunteer, they say "You're welcome". It took me a couple of times hearing that to understanding that they were welcoming me here, not making a response after I said "thank you". But the friendliness makes it a little less lonely out here. I do have a housemate in the guest house, a girl from Germany (another person who speaks English, but I have an extremely difficult time understanding -- you should see me with the doctors, "please repeat", because I NEED to understand what they are saying, with other people I can smile and nod, no biggie). We are hoping to do some traveling together on our days off. Although I laughed when they told me I would only be working 4 days a week. What am I to do for the other 3? So Judy said I could work 5, but said that I must have the weekends off. I think they are just so excited to share their culture and country with me. (For instance, Judy made me eat lunch with my hands yesterday. Every day for lunch they have a white really thick mashed potato looking thing called "inshima" that they roll into their hands and then dip into a meat sauce. It was actually quite good). So I, obviously, have tons of stories already that I would just LOVE to share, and I hope in my excitement to write I haven't created a chaotic swarm of words, but my lunch break is about over. More to come-- especially now that the doctor has fixed our internet connection! Thank you!
Prayers: That my relationships with staff will be intentional and purposeful. That I do not slack in my work ethic just because the other nurses have or say that it is okay. To continue to desire God's Word each day. To pray with families.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
In the airport
At this moment, I am hanging out in the International Terminal at DFW... getting VERY exited. The sweet woman at the ticket counter noticed that I am going to London, though that was not my final destination. She was extremely helpful, even gave me pointers and instructions on catching the Red Bus when I get to London- since I have such a long layover. I definitely plan on seeing the sights!! But apparently London's rush hour is the same time that I should be heading back to the airport to check back in through security. Thank you, helpful ticket counter employee, for that heads up. Good to know information!
So as I sit in the terminal, two hours early, as instructed, I am spending some serious time praying for and mentally preparing myself. I think I have just been so busy making sure I have everything and that it's packed just right, that I haven't allowed the enormity of this trip to sink in. Not that I haven't travelled internationally before (I just went to Brazil in May), and it's not like I haven't gone for a big chunk of time (I left for 4 months when I was 17... twice!). It's just big. But that is God for you... BIG. And for that I am comofrted and thankful!!
So, as I board the plane here in just a few short hours my phone will be turned to wifi only. No sending or receiving of phone calls or text messages for me until I get back. But I will do my best to update this blog as much as possible. I am so thankful for y'all's support and I want to include you in all the work God has set out for me. So I guess for now prayer requests all center around getting there safely, with all my stuff (unless thats not in God's plans for this trip. lol), and in preparing my heart and mind for the work and situation I'll be stepping into. Thank you all!!!
I think it may be about time to dive into one of the books that sweet Angie and Vicky gave me last night during this unique time in my life. Thank you friends!!
So as I sit in the terminal, two hours early, as instructed, I am spending some serious time praying for and mentally preparing myself. I think I have just been so busy making sure I have everything and that it's packed just right, that I haven't allowed the enormity of this trip to sink in. Not that I haven't travelled internationally before (I just went to Brazil in May), and it's not like I haven't gone for a big chunk of time (I left for 4 months when I was 17... twice!). It's just big. But that is God for you... BIG. And for that I am comofrted and thankful!!
So, as I board the plane here in just a few short hours my phone will be turned to wifi only. No sending or receiving of phone calls or text messages for me until I get back. But I will do my best to update this blog as much as possible. I am so thankful for y'all's support and I want to include you in all the work God has set out for me. So I guess for now prayer requests all center around getting there safely, with all my stuff (unless thats not in God's plans for this trip. lol), and in preparing my heart and mind for the work and situation I'll be stepping into. Thank you all!!!
I think it may be about time to dive into one of the books that sweet Angie and Vicky gave me last night during this unique time in my life. Thank you friends!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Last things...
If there is one dominant emotion to describe how I'm feeling right now, it would be "overwhelmed". And not exactly in a negative sense (although stress isn't too far behind). Driving home from community group tonight I was overwhelmed by the love and support of each woman there, several of which I have only recently begun to know. There was honesty and openness from those hurting and struggling and then there was encouragement and support from the group who all love each other enough to speak truth and dive deeper. I also loved the hugs goodbye from each lady as I left. Can't believe I'll be going without those beautiful faces each Thursday night for the time I'm in Zambia.
And then there is my junior high small group. Words cannot express how precious these 7th grade girls are. It is probably my favorite part of my week to be ridiculously crazy with them- yes, even when we break out in song! I am challenged by their desire to be a light in their world, to know what the Bible says/what it means and to discuss exactly how they are to apply it to their daily lives. And, of course, the more time I spend with their parents, the more I understand where these rock stars get it from! With only a year together, the parents of these girls have blessed me more than I could imagine. Thank you, parents everywhere, who give of themselves and submit to God daily in how they raise their children. You teach me much!
With all that said, I am in the final stage of preparations for my trip to Zambia. My bag is mostly packed. I've got my trail mix and malaria pills, my scrubs and extra contacts. And, as of last night, I have 100% of the cost of my trip taken care of! Thank you, Lord, for providing everything I need and more to do what you have called me to do, the trip you have set before me. I cannot wait to share more!
Oh, and random tangent, I'm a little sad knowing that as the SF Giants battle it out in the post season I will be half a world away. In fact, I'm pretty sure the last time they made it to the post season, I was also in a different country! A little crazy. But I'll be cheering them on, as always, no matter where I'm at- California, Texas or even Zambia!!
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