No, I'm not talking basketball; I'm talking about the final four days that I have on the wonderful island of Roatan! Like all goodbyes, they are definitely bittersweet. While I am ready to get home, there is much around here that I will miss.
When it comes to the last days, there is no rest for the weary. Instead, clinic is full force this week! There are 2 new volunteers that started today, so this week will involved orienting them to the clinic and teaching them the ways of the clinic. In addition, I will be training the nurse that will be working in my spot for the next week/week and a half until my replacement comes- Miss Peggy, herself! Since I have been working in the clinic more or less on my own this past year, Peggy needs to be brought up to speed so people aren't completely lost when I go. With so many volunteers in the clinic (other than non-medical and med students), we saw close to 60 patients today! Haven't seen those numbers for a while. Therefore, clinic this week will probably be busy, but I will work until the end! Although I am ready to move on from working in a clinic, there are many things that I will miss about Clinica Esperanza. The staff has been wonderful getting to know and work with. The patients are so appreciative and over the course of the year, I have really gotten to know some of them well. Everyday, I was constantly learning something new! I will miss them all, but I will be back for sure! If nothing else, for vacation- I hear Roatan has one of the best reefs in the world ;)
Over the past several days, the goodbyes have started. I finally got my iguana dinner at Dr. Raymond's and man was it delicious! My final mass in West End was on Saturday after which we had cake to say farewell (it was delicious and may have left me with a little sugar high!). Sunday was service at rChurch with a very nice blessing, followed by a snorkel (not all that great....water's kind of stirred up) and some sun in West Bay. Then, last night we took a party barge sunset cruise! It was perfect- the water was calm, almost all the clinic staff was there and leaders of both churches, delicious food, another TWO cakes, and a wonderful sunset! Couldn't get much better. Oh yeah, and the TV station was there....apparently I'm THAT important that I am newsworthy. Who knew?!
These next few days are going to fly by as I wrap things up here. A few more dinners and goodbyes to say around the island, a few more tutoring sessions, 3 more days of clinic, a year's worth of stuff to pack up, and most of all, a whole clinic staff to say goodbye to. That's gonna be tough- not looking forward to that one :( My plane leaves Friday at 11:45 and almost 24 hrs later I arrive in Sioux Falls at 10:10. It'll be a long journey filled with anticipation, but so rewarding once I get home to family and friends!
Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for my journeys.
See you all on the flip side!
Laura
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Today's prayer from CMMB that I pray for each and everyone of you!
Lord, you call our children to make a journey of faith. Keep them faithful to Your Word; hold them safely in the palm of Your hand. Teach them to choose life and to choose what is right, and just and true. Help them to share with others the life You promise, in service of the poor. Open their minds and hearts to the truth of the Scriptures. Nourish them with the bread and cup of the Eucharist. Lead our young pilgrims along the way, Lord, and make safe their journey to You and the life You promise us. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Amen
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Patience is a Virtue
If it hadn't sunk in one of the hundreds of times my mom has said it to me, I have definitely been faced with it here! Patience is virtue that I seem to use on a daily basis. Having a different set of volunteers every month, if not almost every week, sure has kept me on my toes with how things are run around the clinic. Almost weekly I am orientated someone new to the ways of the clinic and I will be the first to tell you it hasn't always been easy. Volunteers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, etc... Some are residents, some med students, some college students, and others licensed professionals. Everyone comes with a different skill set and from a different background. Some learn quickly and some it takes a lit while for them to catch on. Practicing medicine in a third world clinic where you rely on donations and where not all patients can afford to buy medications at the pharmacy can be very difficult. However, in order to best serve these people, you have to use what you have at the time. So, usually just as people are starting to really get the hang of things, it is their turn to go home and others' turns to come. Here we go- teaching the same things all over again! While at times it did get quite repetative, it has been great working with so many different people. During the times that people took longer to adapt to the ways of the clinic I would just think to myself, 'be patient with them, they are new...it takes time; it's a different way of practicing then they are used to'. Or, every once and a while, the thought would pass through my mind 'if you're just patient, they will be done in x amount of days'. Luckily it was usually the prior one that passed through my mind and things all worked out with a little patience.
The most enduring thing that I had to have patience with? Obtaining the license for the upstairs. Coming down here I was expecting to work in the clinic for 2-3 months before the upstairs would be open and then I would get to split my time between the clinic and the inpatient pediatrics and birthing center. Well, that didn't quite happen. Month after month the licensing date kept getting pushed back due to one thing or another. We needed certain supplies, there always seemed to be a paper that we didn't have that we "needed", the ministry of health would cancel appts, etc. It has been a very frustrating year in respect to getting to see the upstairs opened. However, patience (and much persistance) has once again finally paid off and we received our license today!!! So now, it REALLY is just a matter of time before we open the upstairs to our first patients. Hopefully by the middle of September staffing will all be in place and we will be opened. Unfortunately, I probably won't get to see the first patients, so I guess I will be returning for sure some day.
There are so many other aspects of my life as well, that I have learned that with time, patience, and trust in God, everything will all fall into place. As much as I hate the saying "patience is a virtue", it is true. God doesn't let things happen before He feels it is time. If we are patient, faithful, and trust in His ways, He will guide us toward our answers and the paths that we are to follow. So, next time you want something like right now, and you don't get it, there is probably a reason. Be patient and it will come about the way it is meant to be.
Love to all!
Laura
The most enduring thing that I had to have patience with? Obtaining the license for the upstairs. Coming down here I was expecting to work in the clinic for 2-3 months before the upstairs would be open and then I would get to split my time between the clinic and the inpatient pediatrics and birthing center. Well, that didn't quite happen. Month after month the licensing date kept getting pushed back due to one thing or another. We needed certain supplies, there always seemed to be a paper that we didn't have that we "needed", the ministry of health would cancel appts, etc. It has been a very frustrating year in respect to getting to see the upstairs opened. However, patience (and much persistance) has once again finally paid off and we received our license today!!! So now, it REALLY is just a matter of time before we open the upstairs to our first patients. Hopefully by the middle of September staffing will all be in place and we will be opened. Unfortunately, I probably won't get to see the first patients, so I guess I will be returning for sure some day.
There are so many other aspects of my life as well, that I have learned that with time, patience, and trust in God, everything will all fall into place. As much as I hate the saying "patience is a virtue", it is true. God doesn't let things happen before He feels it is time. If we are patient, faithful, and trust in His ways, He will guide us toward our answers and the paths that we are to follow. So, next time you want something like right now, and you don't get it, there is probably a reason. Be patient and it will come about the way it is meant to be.
Love to all!
Laura
Saturday, August 6, 2011
It's the Final Countdown
1 month, 34 days, 826 hrs, or some grand amount of minutes. However you want to look at it, my time volunteering at Clinica Esperanza in Honduras is quickly coming to an end. Many people that I run into or talk to commonly ask me, "Are you ready to go home?" Of course, the only logical answer would be "YES! I am very ready to get home and see my family and friends again." With goodbyes, there are of course things that will be missed, but in taking the days as they come and with looking to what lies ahead, I have yet to really consider all that I will miss about here.
This morning while snorkeling, in addition to taking in the beauty of the underwater world, I was thinking about what lies ahead for me this fall. And then, a little bit ago, I was looking at pictures of some of my younger siblings. Over the past 5 years, I haven't constantly been home as I have been off at college and now in Honduras. Unfortunately, my siblings have not stopped growing! Instead they are all soo grown up and I feel like I have missed out on really getting to spend time with them. Throughout this year, as I have gotten to share my family with all the people I have met, I have realized that there is soo much that I don't know about some of them. This fall as I spend time at home I am going to really cherish every minute that I have to spend with them and really getting to know them.
The other day a couple of us were getting ready to go to the grocery store. There is one grocery store (Eldon's) that is just like walking into an American supermarket as it has all the brands and the selection you would find there. It's not very often that I go to this one because we have a market a lot closer. However, a new Eldon's was just opened up in front of the closer grocery store so we were pretty excited. One of the Hondurans at the clinic just laughed at us, but let me tell you, going to the grocery store is often pretty exciting for us! Going to the store at home is usually a lot more convenient as you often pass by it on the way home. Here, not so much--it can be a whole process to arrange a trip to the grocery store. The convenience of being able to run to the store whenever I want/need to will be wonderful!
Another thing that I am soo excited about?! The changing seasons. That's right, I am actually looking forward to the winter and the snow and being able to wear sweats and a sweatshirt! While I like the heat and the beach and the ocean, I definitely cannot live without the 4 seasons- I love the change all too much! Living here where throughout the year the tempurature ranges from 70-100+, it has felt like the longest summer ever! Come to think of it, maybe that's why this year has seemed soo much longer than any other year! Along with seasons, come holiday and family traditions. I was just talking with someone tonight about how one thing she is going to miss this year is picking apples. It's the little things like this that aren't here and that we are accustomed to doing that you start to miss after a while. Partaking in the traditions once again will be nice.
Other things I look forward to are seeing old friends, home cooked meals with a varied diet (more than rice, beans, chicken, and pasta- although it is pretty good), a large glass of cold milk, a room to mess up without a housekeeper cleaning it, living without pets (aside from fish), flushing toilet paper, fast internet, consistent electricity, bonfires, saving money instead of spending money, sharing this wonderful experience with others, being able to pick up the phone to call someone whenever I want, not always knowing everyone I see (although that can be just as hard at home since everyone seems to know us!), and I'm sure the list could go on.
But as I finish out my time here, my focus remains on the tasks at hand. Like I started out saying, I have 1 month, 34 days, 826 hrs, or some grand amount of minutes left on this island. However, it is that much time that I have left to finish the work that God has put in place for me to do. He's not done with me here yet, otherwise I would be headed home tomorrow. So until then, I continue on moving forward, making strides, and serving people through God.
Peace and Love!
Laura
This morning while snorkeling, in addition to taking in the beauty of the underwater world, I was thinking about what lies ahead for me this fall. And then, a little bit ago, I was looking at pictures of some of my younger siblings. Over the past 5 years, I haven't constantly been home as I have been off at college and now in Honduras. Unfortunately, my siblings have not stopped growing! Instead they are all soo grown up and I feel like I have missed out on really getting to spend time with them. Throughout this year, as I have gotten to share my family with all the people I have met, I have realized that there is soo much that I don't know about some of them. This fall as I spend time at home I am going to really cherish every minute that I have to spend with them and really getting to know them.
The other day a couple of us were getting ready to go to the grocery store. There is one grocery store (Eldon's) that is just like walking into an American supermarket as it has all the brands and the selection you would find there. It's not very often that I go to this one because we have a market a lot closer. However, a new Eldon's was just opened up in front of the closer grocery store so we were pretty excited. One of the Hondurans at the clinic just laughed at us, but let me tell you, going to the grocery store is often pretty exciting for us! Going to the store at home is usually a lot more convenient as you often pass by it on the way home. Here, not so much--it can be a whole process to arrange a trip to the grocery store. The convenience of being able to run to the store whenever I want/need to will be wonderful!
Another thing that I am soo excited about?! The changing seasons. That's right, I am actually looking forward to the winter and the snow and being able to wear sweats and a sweatshirt! While I like the heat and the beach and the ocean, I definitely cannot live without the 4 seasons- I love the change all too much! Living here where throughout the year the tempurature ranges from 70-100+, it has felt like the longest summer ever! Come to think of it, maybe that's why this year has seemed soo much longer than any other year! Along with seasons, come holiday and family traditions. I was just talking with someone tonight about how one thing she is going to miss this year is picking apples. It's the little things like this that aren't here and that we are accustomed to doing that you start to miss after a while. Partaking in the traditions once again will be nice.
Other things I look forward to are seeing old friends, home cooked meals with a varied diet (more than rice, beans, chicken, and pasta- although it is pretty good), a large glass of cold milk, a room to mess up without a housekeeper cleaning it, living without pets (aside from fish), flushing toilet paper, fast internet, consistent electricity, bonfires, saving money instead of spending money, sharing this wonderful experience with others, being able to pick up the phone to call someone whenever I want, not always knowing everyone I see (although that can be just as hard at home since everyone seems to know us!), and I'm sure the list could go on.
But as I finish out my time here, my focus remains on the tasks at hand. Like I started out saying, I have 1 month, 34 days, 826 hrs, or some grand amount of minutes left on this island. However, it is that much time that I have left to finish the work that God has put in place for me to do. He's not done with me here yet, otherwise I would be headed home tomorrow. So until then, I continue on moving forward, making strides, and serving people through God.
Peace and Love!
Laura
Friday, July 22, 2011
Take time to smell the roses!
Roses are one of my all time favorite flowers, and whenever I see them I always have to take time to smell them. However, literally, that is not what this post is about. Over the past couple weeks, I have really started to reflect on what it is that I am going to take from my time volunteering here. There have been many things that I have loved, many joys, and a few frustrations. In the end, aside from the medical knowledge that I gained, there are 2 key things that I will keep with me always.
First of all, the pace of life here is much different than life at home. After arriving here 10 and a half months ago, it took me some time to really adjust to life as I know it now. There wasn't constantly something to do, there was no need to rush from one thing to the next (aside from the times that I had 3 or 4 people all demanding my attention at once), and there is time to just sit and do nothing! During the first month here, I was a bit frazzled and at times frustrated (more with myself than anything) because I didn't feel like things were getting down. However, things were getting down; it just that I didn't have 30 things that needed to be down. They were big projects that take time to complete. Besides that, I had free time- what is one supposed to do with that!? Free time is something that I haven't had in soo long. Growing up, I was always involved in sports and music (which I loved...wouldn't change a minute of it) and in college there was always something to do- activities, papers, projects, meetings, work, etc. Throughout the course of this year, it has been nice to slow down and really have time to take in life. I have time in my day to sit and reflect on life. I can sit in the hammock and watch the people on the dock and the ocean or take a nap and not feel like I should be doing something. I have been soo fortunate to be living right on the ocean, meaning that I have access to some of the best sunsets! Don't think I could ever get sick of those and I will definitely miss them. But because of the pace of life, I can actually sit and watch the sun set...it's almost like sitting and watching the grass grow, but it's beautiful and part of God's creation! The speed of life will be an adjustment when I get back, but an adjustment I think I am ready for. However, I will never forget how nice it is to have some time when you can sit and do nothing...those days will definitely find themselves back into my days from time to time when I get home.
Another thing that I continue to notice almost on a daily basis is how magnificent God is. Not that I have ever doubted how great our God is, but here, I don't know if it's just because I have more time to think situations through or what, but God really does work in mysterious ways. Plus, things definitely happen on His time, not ours. Time and time again, there will be something that we need/want but aren't getting. Eventually, several days/weeks later that thing we wanted/needed appears and coincidentally it's right when we need it and usually at a better time than before. As much as we want things to happen on our schedule, they aren't going to. Everything happens for a reason! For instance, in preparing for my return home, I need to start looking for jobs. I kept applying to various positions at the hospital with no success. Finally I decided maybe I needed to try a different route this fall. I started looking into other options and there were soo many just waiting for me. So instead of working in the hospital, I will be working with Children's Home Society (assuming I pass the background check and drug screening...haha), a residential treatment center for abused and neglected children that also may have behavioral issues. I don't know what it will hold, but it could be something that opens a door for the future. Regardless, I am willing to try it out to see what they are all about and I am excited to be working with them a couple days a week. Aside from that, I think I will also be working with the volunteer school nurse program that the catholic school system has. Hopefully thoughout the fall, I will be able to continue seeing the great works that God has planned for me.
With all my visitors, I am continually reminded of the differences between here and the states. One of my best friends was just down visiting and again it was the same thing. However, I am soo greatful to be able to share an experience like this with each and every one of them. The disadvantaged and underserved people often get forgotten and they are part of my passion and drive for my profession. Sharing this experience with people helps me share my passion with others first hand and it gives me the opportunity to help others understand, even if just in the smallest ways, how privilaged we are. I have truly enjoyed my time down here (and will continue to), but am also looking forward to coming home to be able to share pictures, stories, and thoughts with all of you! (not that I am counting, but 7 weeks from today, I will be headed home!)
Going out to smell the roses...
Laura
First of all, the pace of life here is much different than life at home. After arriving here 10 and a half months ago, it took me some time to really adjust to life as I know it now. There wasn't constantly something to do, there was no need to rush from one thing to the next (aside from the times that I had 3 or 4 people all demanding my attention at once), and there is time to just sit and do nothing! During the first month here, I was a bit frazzled and at times frustrated (more with myself than anything) because I didn't feel like things were getting down. However, things were getting down; it just that I didn't have 30 things that needed to be down. They were big projects that take time to complete. Besides that, I had free time- what is one supposed to do with that!? Free time is something that I haven't had in soo long. Growing up, I was always involved in sports and music (which I loved...wouldn't change a minute of it) and in college there was always something to do- activities, papers, projects, meetings, work, etc. Throughout the course of this year, it has been nice to slow down and really have time to take in life. I have time in my day to sit and reflect on life. I can sit in the hammock and watch the people on the dock and the ocean or take a nap and not feel like I should be doing something. I have been soo fortunate to be living right on the ocean, meaning that I have access to some of the best sunsets! Don't think I could ever get sick of those and I will definitely miss them. But because of the pace of life, I can actually sit and watch the sun set...it's almost like sitting and watching the grass grow, but it's beautiful and part of God's creation! The speed of life will be an adjustment when I get back, but an adjustment I think I am ready for. However, I will never forget how nice it is to have some time when you can sit and do nothing...those days will definitely find themselves back into my days from time to time when I get home.
Another thing that I continue to notice almost on a daily basis is how magnificent God is. Not that I have ever doubted how great our God is, but here, I don't know if it's just because I have more time to think situations through or what, but God really does work in mysterious ways. Plus, things definitely happen on His time, not ours. Time and time again, there will be something that we need/want but aren't getting. Eventually, several days/weeks later that thing we wanted/needed appears and coincidentally it's right when we need it and usually at a better time than before. As much as we want things to happen on our schedule, they aren't going to. Everything happens for a reason! For instance, in preparing for my return home, I need to start looking for jobs. I kept applying to various positions at the hospital with no success. Finally I decided maybe I needed to try a different route this fall. I started looking into other options and there were soo many just waiting for me. So instead of working in the hospital, I will be working with Children's Home Society (assuming I pass the background check and drug screening...haha), a residential treatment center for abused and neglected children that also may have behavioral issues. I don't know what it will hold, but it could be something that opens a door for the future. Regardless, I am willing to try it out to see what they are all about and I am excited to be working with them a couple days a week. Aside from that, I think I will also be working with the volunteer school nurse program that the catholic school system has. Hopefully thoughout the fall, I will be able to continue seeing the great works that God has planned for me.
With all my visitors, I am continually reminded of the differences between here and the states. One of my best friends was just down visiting and again it was the same thing. However, I am soo greatful to be able to share an experience like this with each and every one of them. The disadvantaged and underserved people often get forgotten and they are part of my passion and drive for my profession. Sharing this experience with people helps me share my passion with others first hand and it gives me the opportunity to help others understand, even if just in the smallest ways, how privilaged we are. I have truly enjoyed my time down here (and will continue to), but am also looking forward to coming home to be able to share pictures, stories, and thoughts with all of you! (not that I am counting, but 7 weeks from today, I will be headed home!)
Going out to smell the roses...
Laura
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Turn that Frown Upside Down!
Remember the good times. Don't cry over spilled milk. Don't dwell on the past. Make the most out of everything. Get up, brush it off, and move on. As long as I can remember, these are all things that I have been told. Optimism; it's the way I like to look at life, and have learned so much more while being here.
Today, after I got back to the clinic from taking Debbie to the airport, the first things that I was asked: "Are you sad? Did you cry? Did she cry?" While it was sad to see her go, we had a great 5 days together and that's what matters- the good times! We were able to relax, enjoy the island, take in some sun, and do a little exploring. A trip to the East end, minutes after she got off the plane; a ceremony and mass celebrating the formation of the Bay Islands as a parish; kayaking, snorkeling, sun, and hiking; a dud for a firework show and a firework show well worth seeing. A weekend well spent!
Glass half empty, or half full? At times, many of us forget to look on the bright side. Things happen in our lives on a daily basis that, if we let them, could ruin our day, week, month, etc... All we can think about is how we miss that moment, or what if we did it a little different, or let's just live in that time forever. However, we can't dwell on them; if we do, we will only create more of them because we will miss creating the future. When a child falls down, often times the first thing they do is look around to see others' reactions. If you turn out your lip and say, "Poor thing" and immediately sweep them up and make a huge deal out of it, chances are they will start to cry. Try instead, brushing it off and making it game like. When my little brother was younger and would fall, we would look at him raise our hands and say "Touchdown!" (he was a lover of sports:) ) Instead of crying and dwelling on the fall, he would get up and continue on playing as if nothing had happened. It's the innocence of childhood at it's finest. I've found the same thing true over this past year. Volunteers and friends are constantly coming and going. It is rare that a volunteer stays longer than 4-6 weeks; it's part of my reality this past year. I could dwell on the fact that another volunteer has come and gone and now I am sad that they are no longer here. I could have the constant mindset of "what if so and so was here? What would we be doing?" They're not here though, someone else is; I must make the most out of the time that I have with them. Then when they are headed back to their prospective home, I must not dwell on the past, but remember the good times we had together. Because of this, I have been able to make some good friends that I am sure I will stay in contact with.
This is true of any situation that you or I find ourselves in. I can look back over the course of the past few days, months, and years and come up with many things that have left me sad and not wanting to leave the moment. But it was inevitable; I didn't have a choice. Time went on. I took the time to remember the good things about the moment that I will forever cherish and went on creating more of these moments. If we constantly dwell on the past and on the sad moments of life, I believe we will be in for one of the most miserable life's possible. Instead, remember the happy moments of life so that you can continue to create more happy moments and lasting memories.
So what will you do? Get up and brush it off, or stay down and wait for the moment to reverse? Is your glass half empty or half full? That milk that spilled- is it really worth crying over, or should you just clean it up and get a new glass?
Have a blessed week! Miss you all but loving my experiences!
Today, after I got back to the clinic from taking Debbie to the airport, the first things that I was asked: "Are you sad? Did you cry? Did she cry?" While it was sad to see her go, we had a great 5 days together and that's what matters- the good times! We were able to relax, enjoy the island, take in some sun, and do a little exploring. A trip to the East end, minutes after she got off the plane; a ceremony and mass celebrating the formation of the Bay Islands as a parish; kayaking, snorkeling, sun, and hiking; a dud for a firework show and a firework show well worth seeing. A weekend well spent!
Glass half empty, or half full? At times, many of us forget to look on the bright side. Things happen in our lives on a daily basis that, if we let them, could ruin our day, week, month, etc... All we can think about is how we miss that moment, or what if we did it a little different, or let's just live in that time forever. However, we can't dwell on them; if we do, we will only create more of them because we will miss creating the future. When a child falls down, often times the first thing they do is look around to see others' reactions. If you turn out your lip and say, "Poor thing" and immediately sweep them up and make a huge deal out of it, chances are they will start to cry. Try instead, brushing it off and making it game like. When my little brother was younger and would fall, we would look at him raise our hands and say "Touchdown!" (he was a lover of sports:) ) Instead of crying and dwelling on the fall, he would get up and continue on playing as if nothing had happened. It's the innocence of childhood at it's finest. I've found the same thing true over this past year. Volunteers and friends are constantly coming and going. It is rare that a volunteer stays longer than 4-6 weeks; it's part of my reality this past year. I could dwell on the fact that another volunteer has come and gone and now I am sad that they are no longer here. I could have the constant mindset of "what if so and so was here? What would we be doing?" They're not here though, someone else is; I must make the most out of the time that I have with them. Then when they are headed back to their prospective home, I must not dwell on the past, but remember the good times we had together. Because of this, I have been able to make some good friends that I am sure I will stay in contact with.
This is true of any situation that you or I find ourselves in. I can look back over the course of the past few days, months, and years and come up with many things that have left me sad and not wanting to leave the moment. But it was inevitable; I didn't have a choice. Time went on. I took the time to remember the good things about the moment that I will forever cherish and went on creating more of these moments. If we constantly dwell on the past and on the sad moments of life, I believe we will be in for one of the most miserable life's possible. Instead, remember the happy moments of life so that you can continue to create more happy moments and lasting memories.
So what will you do? Get up and brush it off, or stay down and wait for the moment to reverse? Is your glass half empty or half full? That milk that spilled- is it really worth crying over, or should you just clean it up and get a new glass?
Have a blessed week! Miss you all but loving my experiences!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sweet Summertime!
Well, summer is here full force! There is definitely no lack of heat here. Since I've been MIA for a bit, let me fill you in on the past month.
My golden birthday was the end of May so that brought with it several celebrations. First a celebration at the clinic, that evening a celebration with some wonderful friends on the island, the following night a delicious meal and party with another fellow birthday mate, and finally a week later, a cake from home! That's right, my mom sent me a cake via mail and it was delicious!
Following that week, Peggy returned to the states for 3 weeks of fundraising and vacation. Once again, that left me in charge of the clinic. This time around, it was much better. I was no longer new on the job (or in the profession for that matter), I knew how things ran, and people knew me. Much less stressful this way! Not only was I left with the clinic for the 3 weeks, but Peggy also left me with her phone for the 3 weeks. After a few days it didn't really ring all that much, but the times that it did it was usually someone asking for medical advice. After one of the calls I thought to myself, I almost feel like answering the phone as "Hello, ask a nurse" as my mom frequently does with us. It was also kind of nice having her phone because it is literally a phone book. Just about any number that you could possibly want for somebody on the island can be found in that phone. A common joke around the clinic was that Peggy's secret agenda was to get me accustomed to the clinic so much that I would just want to stay for another year or two. Nope, I don't think that's going to happen. I will definitely come back for a visit, but there are way to many things waiting for me at home right now.
Over the past several days I have been working on filling my passport up with stamps. I traveled to Costa Rica where I met up with Susan and Emily (2 of my roommates) and we hung out in the rainforests of Costa Rica in a town called Monteverde and then traveled to Panama and hung out in Panama City for a few more days. The rainforests were beautiful and I would have loved to stay in them longer, but time just didn't allow. One afternoon we did a tour of a coffee and sugar cane plantation and the other day we did a ziplining tour. Aside for the 12 cables that the canopy tour consisted of, there was also a superman one and a tarzan swing. The tarzan was almost like bungee jumping, but not quite (however, it was going to have to do since the others didn't think much of that). While in Costa Rica we got a little more than we bargained for by having a lost passport. This meant we got to make a trip to the Embassy to get a new one so that we could continue on our way to Panama. After the embassy we then walked around San Jose for the afternoon checking out what little there was to see. It was in San Jose that we saw the literal meaning of "living out of a box"; apparently it actually does happen! In Panama, we really took time to explore the city. Here, unlike San Jose, there was much to do in the city and it was full of history. One part is called "Panama Viejo" where all the old ruins are; another part is known as "Casco Viejo" where all the historic buildings are. And, if you didn't already know, this is also where the canal is! So of course, we went and checked out the locks, watched some boats pass through, and traveled from coast to coast- one direction by bus, the other by the Panama Railway, a nice little historic ride along the canal. We also took a nice little hike up through the nature park for a scenic overview of the city. During our final 7 hours (of 3 days) in Panama, it was also brought to our attention that they are not in the same time zone as Costa Rica. I must say, things start to make a lot more sense when you have the right time (such as places being open/closed, rush hour, etc...). From there we began our journey back to Costa Rica and from there I headed back to Honduras. All in all, our time on the buses and our time exploring equaled out to be about the same, but it was a wonderful trip and now I'm refreshed for the rest of my time here. If you would like to read more in depth about our travels, check out Susan's blog as she kept more of a daily update on our happenings! http://sasass1206.blogspot.com/
Pictures are being added to my Picasa Web account as I am typing this, so make sure to check those out. Or in the next few days they should be appearing on Facebook as well.
Today being the first day back after my vacation, brought with it a little bit of work, but for the most part things were kept quite well in order...so very exciting!! To top it all off, the joyful, excited greetings that I received as I walked in this morning from all the staff was amazing. It's great to be able to come back to work and feel the love from the people you work with- it lets you know just how much you are appreciated and that the job you are doing is where you are meant to be at that time.
My golden birthday was the end of May so that brought with it several celebrations. First a celebration at the clinic, that evening a celebration with some wonderful friends on the island, the following night a delicious meal and party with another fellow birthday mate, and finally a week later, a cake from home! That's right, my mom sent me a cake via mail and it was delicious!
Following that week, Peggy returned to the states for 3 weeks of fundraising and vacation. Once again, that left me in charge of the clinic. This time around, it was much better. I was no longer new on the job (or in the profession for that matter), I knew how things ran, and people knew me. Much less stressful this way! Not only was I left with the clinic for the 3 weeks, but Peggy also left me with her phone for the 3 weeks. After a few days it didn't really ring all that much, but the times that it did it was usually someone asking for medical advice. After one of the calls I thought to myself, I almost feel like answering the phone as "Hello, ask a nurse" as my mom frequently does with us. It was also kind of nice having her phone because it is literally a phone book. Just about any number that you could possibly want for somebody on the island can be found in that phone. A common joke around the clinic was that Peggy's secret agenda was to get me accustomed to the clinic so much that I would just want to stay for another year or two. Nope, I don't think that's going to happen. I will definitely come back for a visit, but there are way to many things waiting for me at home right now.
Over the past several days I have been working on filling my passport up with stamps. I traveled to Costa Rica where I met up with Susan and Emily (2 of my roommates) and we hung out in the rainforests of Costa Rica in a town called Monteverde and then traveled to Panama and hung out in Panama City for a few more days. The rainforests were beautiful and I would have loved to stay in them longer, but time just didn't allow. One afternoon we did a tour of a coffee and sugar cane plantation and the other day we did a ziplining tour. Aside for the 12 cables that the canopy tour consisted of, there was also a superman one and a tarzan swing. The tarzan was almost like bungee jumping, but not quite (however, it was going to have to do since the others didn't think much of that). While in Costa Rica we got a little more than we bargained for by having a lost passport. This meant we got to make a trip to the Embassy to get a new one so that we could continue on our way to Panama. After the embassy we then walked around San Jose for the afternoon checking out what little there was to see. It was in San Jose that we saw the literal meaning of "living out of a box"; apparently it actually does happen! In Panama, we really took time to explore the city. Here, unlike San Jose, there was much to do in the city and it was full of history. One part is called "Panama Viejo" where all the old ruins are; another part is known as "Casco Viejo" where all the historic buildings are. And, if you didn't already know, this is also where the canal is! So of course, we went and checked out the locks, watched some boats pass through, and traveled from coast to coast- one direction by bus, the other by the Panama Railway, a nice little historic ride along the canal. We also took a nice little hike up through the nature park for a scenic overview of the city. During our final 7 hours (of 3 days) in Panama, it was also brought to our attention that they are not in the same time zone as Costa Rica. I must say, things start to make a lot more sense when you have the right time (such as places being open/closed, rush hour, etc...). From there we began our journey back to Costa Rica and from there I headed back to Honduras. All in all, our time on the buses and our time exploring equaled out to be about the same, but it was a wonderful trip and now I'm refreshed for the rest of my time here. If you would like to read more in depth about our travels, check out Susan's blog as she kept more of a daily update on our happenings! http://sasass1206.blogspot.com/
Pictures are being added to my Picasa Web account as I am typing this, so make sure to check those out. Or in the next few days they should be appearing on Facebook as well.
Today being the first day back after my vacation, brought with it a little bit of work, but for the most part things were kept quite well in order...so very exciting!! To top it all off, the joyful, excited greetings that I received as I walked in this morning from all the staff was amazing. It's great to be able to come back to work and feel the love from the people you work with- it lets you know just how much you are appreciated and that the job you are doing is where you are meant to be at that time.
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