End of Week 2.........Still Processing!!

Bonjour!

I really am having a great time, yet these last few days I started panicking a little realizing that 10 months was a long time!……….I hear from people hear that it is normal to panic at first and even in between……but then one becomes so attached they don't want to leave!

It is so amazing…………imagine a room with 20 beds all crammed together, mattresses on the floor underneath for the caregivers……everyone speaking French…translators running around trying to help us…….people coming in singing and praying all day long……..and us nurses from all over the world with our different accents………..all working together…………BEAUTIFUL, organized chaos!!  

My first day, one of the patients that had surgery the day before was sitting at the side of his bed playing the guitar and singing in French!……..We start and end all of our shifts gathered in prayer.  The nurses carry the babies around on their backs just likes their Momma's do!

My first shift at work was a little scary!........After the first hour I thought that I got myself in over my head.....these patients are fresh post-op's........i have not done that kind of nursing in years!.......By mid shift.....I was calmer, and by the end of the shift I was ready to be on my own!!  Just the simple thing that everyone writes their dates differently.....For Sept 4, 2013.........it can be written.....4.9.2013....which I would think that it is April 9, 2013.........or written 4 sept 2013......It all seems simple until you are in a strange place and trying to process everything else.....including FRENCH!

I helped in the screening tent (just like MASH)....earlier in the week......These were patients that could not be seen during the initial screening. Many had to sit for hours waiting for test results. In the meantime, we passed out bread, water and fruit a couple of times. To pass the time.....they all starting singing and clapping. I am starting to get the beat to this Congo Music!

The patients/caregivers are so thankful.......One mother offered to make me an African Dress, another has offered to pick me up and show me around the Congo.......Of course I said YES to both!

During the screening, many of the ladies had to use the bathroom. We have no bathrooms in the tent, so I escorted then into the ship......Their eyes were wide open.....I had to show/demonstrate to them how to use the toilet. Many have never seen a toilet, they are used to squatting over a bucket. It was quite a funny visual I gave them!!

Between first and second shift, we take the patients up to the top of the ship for fresh air and a place for the kids to run around. Typically the time erupts in great African/French singing and clapping!!………It is a great ending to the shift!

The downsides…………..6 girls in one room……..actually not too bad….we all get along great…….they are young and keep me young!……..I am the Momma of the room!      3 of us sat on my bunk and watched a movie and ate popcorn.....I feel like I am having the dorm life that I never had!!

                               Scheduled meal times, if you miss the meal…….there are no left overs………if you want to sleep in, you have to plan for that and stash some cereal the day before. On the weekends, their is no lunch, so at breakfast they put out cheese/turkey and bread to pack for lunch………..by the end of this…..i will never want to look and cheese, turkey and bread!

I thought I had more downsides, yet really I don't…………the rest is Good!!………..with the exception of no alcohol allowed on the ship………..Many nights I could go for a nice cold beer or a glass of wine……….We get it, yet have to walk into town to get it……..by the time we are their, our feet are black, we are hot and sweaty…….and have to walk back!…………still not a downside!

Train Station and where on the taxi buses hang out. This was on a Sunday......most everything is closed on Sundays. During the week, this area is packed with people and taxis. The beach is behind it!

Friends.........Heather, Betsy and Jen

Thank You B-night Friends and Jo ........I read these every day!
Thank you Jacob.........I read you note of encouragement everyday!!!.

Judy............I found a replacement for you!!.........Although a bummer, because Heather will be leaving me in 3 months!!......Hopefully a new roommate will have her talent and a GREAT Flat Iron!

Becky Doing an Awesome Job cleaning the cabin!
Great Teamwork........We made a weekly list of who is in charge of cleaning and what needs done!

AAHHHHH!.............After Work Beer.......Notice the Beach in the Background!!!.......AWESOME!

Every time I walk to town.......I have to come back and scrub my Feet.......I will definitely need a major pedicure and soaking when I get home!

Laundry Day........I get by on washing 2 loads a week......One of towels and One of clothes. The ship workers wash our scrubs.

From Mother Teresa.........'Do not worry about why problems exist in the world ------just love and respond to people's needs!!

That's all for tonight.....

P.S.             I found out that you can insert your email address and every time there is a new post it will alert you!!........Thanks so much for reading and for all the emails that you are sending me. Your emails help keep me connected to home and less homesick!......For those of you who don't have my email address it is..kwagz44@yahoo.com.