I heard from my friend, Nancy, this week. She is in Rwanda right now taking care of the children at Urukundo while Mama Arlene is in the U.S. taking care of personal business. Nancy is in need of an INR meter for a patient who was recently put on Coumadin for a blood clot. The meters are rather pricey, and the test strips are pricey, too.
I hate asking for things.....like I've said before, I'm independent to a MAJOR fault....but this is different. This patient (and yes, even in Rwanda there are confidentiality rules, so I can't give a name) is someone whom many people depend on for their well being....people who are unable to take care of themselves right now. Soooo, it's really important for them to be able to return home, and to do that they need to be able to monitor their blood values on this medication. Since Nancy will be in Rwanda for a couple of months, she has agreed to oversee the training of this patient in the use of the meter and the monitoring of the values so the doctor is comfortable with sending the patient home. The dilemma.....the meter costs about $1,000 and the test strips are an added expense on top of that. The other issue is getting the meter to Rwanda in a timely fashion. This last issue may be manageable as Mama Arlene will be returning to Rwanda in mid-January, so if I can lay my hands on the meter and test strips, she could take it back with her.
If any of you know a Phillips rep, I would love to talk to them. Phillips makes these meters, and I'm hoping (best case scenario) that they would donate one along with a year's supply of test strips. Worst case, I will buy one and the strips in the next week, but either way I need it soon so Mama can take it back with her. Any help would be great! If you know of anyone, email me at sbrown2126@kc.rr.com and put INR in the subject line. Or....if you'd like to donate toward the purchase of the meter and test strips, go to www.onegooddeedkc.org and in our project lists, choose the PayPal donate button next to $tatAid.
People helping people....that's what it's really all about isn't it? Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Gifts from the Heart.....
As promised, I am posting some pictures of my Christmas gift from my family. I love, love, love this gift.....for many reasons, but most of all because it was a gift from their hearts--which is the very best gift of all!
This mosaic table top was made by my daughter with tiles that she and my son collected from various places.
The base was from a lampost that used to be in my husband's backyard. My dad sent it off to be sandblasted and repainted. They have been working on this for awhile....and managed to keep it a secret from nosey me--although I have to say that some things that were said over the past week or so now take on new meaning! :-)
Another gift from the heart was one from my son to his two cousins' four girls. He made them a kitchen set to die for. He also made a duplicate for his girlfriend's little girl. They are some lucky little ladies!
I hope your holidays are filled with "gifts from the heart" and shared with those you love!
This mosaic table top was made by my daughter with tiles that she and my son collected from various places.
The base was from a lampost that used to be in my husband's backyard. My dad sent it off to be sandblasted and repainted. They have been working on this for awhile....and managed to keep it a secret from nosey me--although I have to say that some things that were said over the past week or so now take on new meaning! :-)
Another gift from the heart was one from my son to his two cousins' four girls. He made them a kitchen set to die for. He also made a duplicate for his girlfriend's little girl. They are some lucky little ladies!
I hope your holidays are filled with "gifts from the heart" and shared with those you love!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Simple Pleasures
My daughter is home for Christmas....well, sort of. She's working on the staff of a political campaign so has to fly back for an event on the 23rd, but will return home on the 24th. I won't say which political campaign because she gets a little fussy about me posting sassy things or being too free with my opinion lest I make her look bad in the ever-watching public eye. I think turn about is fair play for all the times she made me a little fussy with her sass and attitude as a teen, but I will try to behave and not embarrass her.....but only because I love her and want her to succeed. Anyway, we got to enjoy some simple pleasures today and do a little mom-daughter bonding. That basically means we ate foods that aren't good for the body....however, they do wonders for the soul....and we went shopping.
Our shopping was mostly about finishing up our last minute Christmas shopping before our family Christmas tonight with my parents. We had lunch at one of the places that has become our guilty little pleasure, and always reminds us of the "Will and Grace" episode where Karen takes Grace to the Mexican fast food place where all the rich women indulge in sloppy, fat-filled burritos while sharing their tacos with their shoulder bag dogs and wearing huge sunglasses to hide their shame at being "common." We, however, had no shame and walked right in sans sunglasses and shoulder bag dogs. The lack of dogs simply because neither of our dogs would fit in a shoulder bag....or any other kind of bag for that matter. We then did our shopping mostly at local small businesses because we have come to know many of the shop owners in the neighborhood and prefer to support them rather than the big chain stores. I don't mean to sound self-righteous here, I just prefer to help out a friend who pours their heart and soul into their business rather than a faceless conglomerate who makes a killing selling mass produced products that are not very unique.
After our mom-daughter day was through, we met the rest of the family for dinner and gift exchanges. I feel that I have been very blessed in my second marriage.....for many reasons, but today it was because of the sheer pleasure I get from watching my own children from my first marriage interact with their stepbrothers from Steve's first marriage. I have heard stories of the horrors and hardships of "blended" families, but our, now grown, children get along quite well. There is all of the teasing without any of the bickering. A simple pleasure, but one that I treasure.
We ended the evening with a trip to my dad's warehouse to return the car my daughter had borrowed before she leaves in the morning to visit her Dad's family for Christmas....or so I thought. The real reason for the trip to the warehouse was so I could get my Christmas gift. They surprised me with a beautiful pedestal table which was a joint project between my son, daughter, husband and father. I will post a picture tomorrow since I didn't have my camera or even my phone with me to snap a shot tonight. The pedestal part of the table is made from an old lamppost that used to be in my husband's backyard, and the table top is a mosaic tile top made by my daughter with tiles that my son found at an architectural salvage store. My dad provided the tools and finished the grout work. I was stunned....and so very pleased. They know me well....I love those gifts from the heart and made by hand! Simple pleasures....are the best.
Our shopping was mostly about finishing up our last minute Christmas shopping before our family Christmas tonight with my parents. We had lunch at one of the places that has become our guilty little pleasure, and always reminds us of the "Will and Grace" episode where Karen takes Grace to the Mexican fast food place where all the rich women indulge in sloppy, fat-filled burritos while sharing their tacos with their shoulder bag dogs and wearing huge sunglasses to hide their shame at being "common." We, however, had no shame and walked right in sans sunglasses and shoulder bag dogs. The lack of dogs simply because neither of our dogs would fit in a shoulder bag....or any other kind of bag for that matter. We then did our shopping mostly at local small businesses because we have come to know many of the shop owners in the neighborhood and prefer to support them rather than the big chain stores. I don't mean to sound self-righteous here, I just prefer to help out a friend who pours their heart and soul into their business rather than a faceless conglomerate who makes a killing selling mass produced products that are not very unique.
After our mom-daughter day was through, we met the rest of the family for dinner and gift exchanges. I feel that I have been very blessed in my second marriage.....for many reasons, but today it was because of the sheer pleasure I get from watching my own children from my first marriage interact with their stepbrothers from Steve's first marriage. I have heard stories of the horrors and hardships of "blended" families, but our, now grown, children get along quite well. There is all of the teasing without any of the bickering. A simple pleasure, but one that I treasure.
We ended the evening with a trip to my dad's warehouse to return the car my daughter had borrowed before she leaves in the morning to visit her Dad's family for Christmas....or so I thought. The real reason for the trip to the warehouse was so I could get my Christmas gift. They surprised me with a beautiful pedestal table which was a joint project between my son, daughter, husband and father. I will post a picture tomorrow since I didn't have my camera or even my phone with me to snap a shot tonight. The pedestal part of the table is made from an old lamppost that used to be in my husband's backyard, and the table top is a mosaic tile top made by my daughter with tiles that my son found at an architectural salvage store. My dad provided the tools and finished the grout work. I was stunned....and so very pleased. They know me well....I love those gifts from the heart and made by hand! Simple pleasures....are the best.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to NANN I Go!
I got an early Christmas present and it couldn't have come at a better time. My mood kind of matched the weather today.....dreary. I opened my email after dinner and found an acceptance from NANN of the abstract I submitted for presentation at the 2012 conference. At first I thought it was an acceptance for a poster presentation, but then I saw the words "concurrent session." Not many things leave me speechless, but this did. Of course, after the shock wore off, the panic set in!
The title of the presentation is "A Nurse, an Entrepreneur and a Collaborative Approach to Advancing Neonatal Care in a Developing Country." And big surprise.....it's about the projects Michael and I are working on in Rwanda. Needless to say, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I've already asked for input from Michael....after all, he's the "entrepreneur" in the title. I'm hoping my friend (and veteran NANN presenter!), Sara, will give me the benefit of her expertise as well.
Wish me luck as I work on this presentation....I'll need it! I hope this means that good things are in store for the projects we've been developing. Whatever the case, I'm looking forward to what comes next!
The title of the presentation is "A Nurse, an Entrepreneur and a Collaborative Approach to Advancing Neonatal Care in a Developing Country." And big surprise.....it's about the projects Michael and I are working on in Rwanda. Needless to say, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I've already asked for input from Michael....after all, he's the "entrepreneur" in the title. I'm hoping my friend (and veteran NANN presenter!), Sara, will give me the benefit of her expertise as well.
Wish me luck as I work on this presentation....I'll need it! I hope this means that good things are in store for the projects we've been developing. Whatever the case, I'm looking forward to what comes next!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Thoughts on Being a "Nosey Barker"
Remember complaining "when will I ever need to know this" during various classes throughout your school years? I usually had those complaints in various math classes throughout the years....and maybe with good reason, after all I'm pretty sure I've never had to come up with any information about isosceles triangles (including, until now, how to spell it!). So now in my "middle age" years I find that some lessons learned can have benefits I never would have imagined.
When I first started traveling internationally on various nursing missions, I was interested in learning everything I could about the different cultures I visited. I've told you before that I'm basically nosey, so it should come as no surprise that I want to know all about why people do the things they do. I was the one on those trips who was always asking "why?"
In China, I wanted to know why women who've just had a baby eat only warm foods and dress in warm clothing....even when it's hot outside. Just being nosey.....until that info came in handy a couple of years later when we had a Chinese family in the unit I worked in at the time, and the mom/baby nurses were complaining about the "stinky" soups the grandmother brought the mom, and mom kept the thermostat cranked up to about 85 even though she was
already wearing a fleece robe and slippers. That "trivia" I had gleaned from being nosey came rushing to the forefront of my brain, and I was able to tell them that in China they believe
that a woman loses "chi," or life force, after birth so they need to replenish it by staying
warm and eating warm soups. They also stay in bed for a month after they deliver.....AND they
get 18 months of PAID maternity leave....this may be due to the whole "one child" rule thing,
but still....
On that same trip we were talking to a doctor at one of the hospitals in Beijing about whether they had health insurance (they do, of sorts anyway), and I asked what happened when their coverage ran out (we were talking about long, chronic illnesses). The doctor told us the patient was then turned over to the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and everybody laughed......but, being the Nosey Barker that I am, I wanted to know what happened to them then. The doctor paused for a few seconds and then said, "they tend to get better." This really was just a side note for your amusement (especially for any of you wholistic types who might have happened on to this blog...). Seriously, though, this exchange led me to an interest in natural alternatives to traditional Western medicine, and I think it is something that warrants further study.
But I digress.....a few nights ago I had another experience where lessons learned served me well...I can't share the details of the situation due to HIPAA regulations, but I will share information on some customs in Africa. In some places of Africa (maybe all, I don't know) it is thought that if you give someone something, you no longer have it. Makes sense, right? After all, you GAVE it to them.....Unfortunately, they apply this thinking to HIV/AIDS as well. Healthcare workers in clinics told us that it is very important to phrase training carefully so the wrong message isn't received....frightening to think that all that teaching we do as nurses, well-meaning and evidence-based as it is, may be received differently than intended depending on cultural beliefs. It is frustrating for healthcare workers in some of these African HIV/AIDS clinics to try to get people to use condoms for prevention if they think that all they have to do is "give" the disease to another in order to no longer have it themselves. Another thing I have observed is women who are afraid of having their babies in the hospitals or clinics....in part because not all are very good and you may die in the process, but also because Africa is an interesting blend of traditional healing and more modern influence. Women who visit traditional healers as well as going to healthcare clinics are often chastised by the healthcare workers for their traditional beliefs. When you know you're going to be yelled at, it's kind of hard to choose to put yourself in that situation. Think about this if you ever find yourself caring for someone from another culture....don't just assume they don't care about themselves or their babies. Tradition is a strong influence, and the fact that they show up at a hospital is a HUGE step for some. (sorry I couldn't tell you the whole story so this might make more sense, but just get this message: don't be so quick to assume and judge!)
So.....being a "Nosey Barker" has its benefits at times.....the challenge is using the tendency for good and not evil.... :)
When I first started traveling internationally on various nursing missions, I was interested in learning everything I could about the different cultures I visited. I've told you before that I'm basically nosey, so it should come as no surprise that I want to know all about why people do the things they do. I was the one on those trips who was always asking "why?"
In China, I wanted to know why women who've just had a baby eat only warm foods and dress in warm clothing....even when it's hot outside. Just being nosey.....until that info came in handy a couple of years later when we had a Chinese family in the unit I worked in at the time, and the mom/baby nurses were complaining about the "stinky" soups the grandmother brought the mom, and mom kept the thermostat cranked up to about 85 even though she was
already wearing a fleece robe and slippers. That "trivia" I had gleaned from being nosey came rushing to the forefront of my brain, and I was able to tell them that in China they believe
that a woman loses "chi," or life force, after birth so they need to replenish it by staying
warm and eating warm soups. They also stay in bed for a month after they deliver.....AND they
get 18 months of PAID maternity leave....this may be due to the whole "one child" rule thing,
but still....
On that same trip we were talking to a doctor at one of the hospitals in Beijing about whether they had health insurance (they do, of sorts anyway), and I asked what happened when their coverage ran out (we were talking about long, chronic illnesses). The doctor told us the patient was then turned over to the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and everybody laughed......but, being the Nosey Barker that I am, I wanted to know what happened to them then. The doctor paused for a few seconds and then said, "they tend to get better." This really was just a side note for your amusement (especially for any of you wholistic types who might have happened on to this blog...). Seriously, though, this exchange led me to an interest in natural alternatives to traditional Western medicine, and I think it is something that warrants further study.
But I digress.....a few nights ago I had another experience where lessons learned served me well...I can't share the details of the situation due to HIPAA regulations, but I will share information on some customs in Africa. In some places of Africa (maybe all, I don't know) it is thought that if you give someone something, you no longer have it. Makes sense, right? After all, you GAVE it to them.....Unfortunately, they apply this thinking to HIV/AIDS as well. Healthcare workers in clinics told us that it is very important to phrase training carefully so the wrong message isn't received....frightening to think that all that teaching we do as nurses, well-meaning and evidence-based as it is, may be received differently than intended depending on cultural beliefs. It is frustrating for healthcare workers in some of these African HIV/AIDS clinics to try to get people to use condoms for prevention if they think that all they have to do is "give" the disease to another in order to no longer have it themselves. Another thing I have observed is women who are afraid of having their babies in the hospitals or clinics....in part because not all are very good and you may die in the process, but also because Africa is an interesting blend of traditional healing and more modern influence. Women who visit traditional healers as well as going to healthcare clinics are often chastised by the healthcare workers for their traditional beliefs. When you know you're going to be yelled at, it's kind of hard to choose to put yourself in that situation. Think about this if you ever find yourself caring for someone from another culture....don't just assume they don't care about themselves or their babies. Tradition is a strong influence, and the fact that they show up at a hospital is a HUGE step for some. (sorry I couldn't tell you the whole story so this might make more sense, but just get this message: don't be so quick to assume and judge!)
So.....being a "Nosey Barker" has its benefits at times.....the challenge is using the tendency for good and not evil.... :)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Turning My Heart Toward "Home"
Today my dear friend leaves for Rwanda on a mission of the heart. She has asked me not to give details of her trip to honor the privacy of another, and I will....but I just wanted her to know I am thinking of them both and sending much love their way. I am also a little teary, partly I'm sure because I am tired.....coming off a three night stretch at work....and partly because news of her impromptu travel has had the effect of turning my own heart toward Rwanda.
My friend and I both fell in love with Rwanda on the same trip back in March 2008....in fact, it's where we met as well and have been fast friends ever since. I think of her as a sister....the one I never had.
As I think of her today, and reflect on the reason for this journey, I am reminded of why she holds a dear place in my heart. It's all about friendship....real friendship. The kind that travels half way around the world at a moment's notice because you need me friendship. That kind of friendship is rare, and certainly to be treasured. I soooo wish I could be traveling with her....we have so much to discuss, and I am concerned. Our paths came together in this country, and our hearts have kept us returning here. Each of us on a different path in this place we love, but always intersecting at places we both are drawn to...places that have also become "home" to us.
So, as I sit here today thinking of her and of our friends and "family" in Rwanda, I say this: "Godspeed, my sister/friend. Take care of those we love....and take care of yourself because you are dear to me and we are linked in places in our hearts that are vital to our very existence. Much love and prayers go with you....and remember I am only a phone call or email away!"
My friend and I both fell in love with Rwanda on the same trip back in March 2008....in fact, it's where we met as well and have been fast friends ever since. I think of her as a sister....the one I never had.
As I think of her today, and reflect on the reason for this journey, I am reminded of why she holds a dear place in my heart. It's all about friendship....real friendship. The kind that travels half way around the world at a moment's notice because you need me friendship. That kind of friendship is rare, and certainly to be treasured. I soooo wish I could be traveling with her....we have so much to discuss, and I am concerned. Our paths came together in this country, and our hearts have kept us returning here. Each of us on a different path in this place we love, but always intersecting at places we both are drawn to...places that have also become "home" to us.
So, as I sit here today thinking of her and of our friends and "family" in Rwanda, I say this: "Godspeed, my sister/friend. Take care of those we love....and take care of yourself because you are dear to me and we are linked in places in our hearts that are vital to our very existence. Much love and prayers go with you....and remember I am only a phone call or email away!"
Friday, December 2, 2011
Anna's Oven
Today my husband, Steve, and I had lunch at a little cafe in Westport called Anna's Oven. Great food.....they have a lot of what I consider "comfort foods" like Mac 'n cheese and meatloaf, and pumpkin bread pudding. They also play Pandora....but, of course, me being me and prone to odd encounters, I heard "Twilight Zone." That's because the owners of Anna's Oven give 50% of their proceeds to an all-girls' school in Kenya called St. Anne's. Just another out of Africa experience.....and a great opportunity for us to support local business, small shops, AND Africa all at the same time! So......if you're ever in Westport by the University of Kansas Hospital on 39th street in the first block east of State Line Road, check out Anna's Oven. I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.....whatever your politics or social consciousness!
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