The Things That Matter Most.....

I had dinner tonight with those I love most in this world....my parents, my husband and my kids. Tomorrow Cait and I will be leaving once again for Rwanda in east central Africa. It will be my sixth trip and her third. My home looks like a tornado went through from the front door all the way to Cait's room. Luggage and clothing are in piles everywhere. I lost count of how many times I have packed and repacked my bags. How can the same things weigh different amounts every time?!? Cait is making fun of me, but in my defense I am using my one free checked bag for all of our training materials which leaves me with my one carry on of 13 lbs or less for my clothes etc. I must say I'm rather proud of the fact that I have clothes, shoes and personal items in one backpack....enough for 10 in-country days and two travel days! Sigh...but it weighs 15 lbs. I'm hoping it won't get weighed! The training materials are a bit over the 50 lb mark, too, but I think we can add some learner manuals to Cait's checked bag to even things out.

Amidst the angst of packing, I have discovered the things that matter most. Not the training materials but the knowledge we bring. Knowing that the actions we teach in that "Golden Minute" after an infant's birth can mean the difference between life and death....can impact the world's infant mortality rates! Not the letter of endorsement I bring with me from the president of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses for the Rwandan Ministry of Health to lend credibility to our efforts, but the generous act of taking the time out of her busy schedule to write the letter and make sure it reached me before my departure....and her support along the way.

The other thing that has meant a lot to me in the days before our departure is the excitement of my friends and colleagues. Not just of those traveling with me, but our entire unit. We have been given so much encouragement and so many well-wishes from all of our colleagues. It is very gratifying to know how much support there is in our NICU family, and we are a "family"...warts and all! Celebrating highs, commiserating lows...always there to lend an ear, a shoulder, or a willing pair of hands. When the day is done, what more could you ask for than that?

Another Lesson at the School of Hard Knocks

So, here we are just one week from our departure for Rwanda to start trainings in the Helping Babies Breathe program, and I receive an email from Michael whose subject line is : Gisenyi situation serious. Uh-oh. This can't be good, right?!? Right. Apparently there is a prevailing expectation among some Rwandans that when free trainings are offered they will receive payment for their travel expenses (aka taxi or bus fare, lunch, and perhaps even a per diem). Who knew?!? Not me! AND the Gisenyi hospital doesn't have a suitable space for trainings, so a local hotel will cost $1700 for a conference room. Look up dumbfounded in the dictionary....got it? Yeah, the picture is me.

Yet another lesson at the School of Hard Knocks. You'd think I would have learned by now....after all, I AM in the Master's program there! Apparently I am entering the PhD phase. Well, we obviously can't afford that. Have I mentioned that we're (One Good Deed) a grassroots organization (translated "dirt poor") that is all volunteer (translated no pay and you pay your own travel expenses), and now that I cancelled the business phone a few months ago, we truly give 100% of our donations to the projects we support? I have been committed to this from the beginning because I never want to be one of those non-profits who find themselves plastered all over the news due to "questionable use of funds." Sigh. My commitment has not wavered. I will not, cannot justify the expense! So....what to do?

God bless Michael and the Eos Visions team in Rwanda! They are already on it and have already composed a list of possibilities for me to consider. (because Michael already has a PhD--from a real school, and most likely one from the school of hard knocks as well!) So, I will go forward...a little wiser, a bit disappointed, still committed, and I will live to fight another day! It isn't the education I might have had from a "real" school, but you know, I kind of think the School of Hard Knocks provides me with an invaluable education that, at times can be costly, but is worth more in "real" life than any degree from any institution on earth!

The Land of a Thousand Hills

As my next trip to Rwanda approaches, my thoughts, as usual, turn more and more toward the places and people I have missed these past few months. Never far from my thoughts and my heart, I can be taken back in a moment simply by smelling an open fire or seeing people working in a field. I've missed my friends and I think about them, going about their daily lives, and wonder if they have missed me, too.

One of my favorite sites is in Gisenyi near the border of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The volcano above, when gracing us with its majesty, is one of the sites I will never forget. I always marvel at how the people of Gisenyi and Goma go about their daily lives seemingly oblivious to this steaming mountain in their midst. It is such an exotic site to me, yet so mundane to them. This volcano rarely presents itself when I am there, choosing instead to hide behind the clouds. Maybe this time she will show herself again!

I'm also looking forward to seeing my friends at the Kanembwe community near Gisenyi. These friends always welcome us with ready smiles and gentle coaxing to come dance with them. Relocated due to deforestation and flooding, they have found new homes and continue to celebrate their heritage. Visiting them is always a highlight of my time in Rwanda.

I'll begin trainings in the Helping Babies Breathe Program by training my colleagues who are traveling with me. Michael has chosen the exotic location of the Akagera National Game Lodge for us to seclude ourselves for two days in order to prepare for the trainings of Rwandan birth attendants and healthcare workers over the rest of our trip. Luckily, those traveling with me are quick studies because I think the Game Park is going to be a bit of a distraction!

We'll find time to tour the King Faisal Hospital NICU......

and hopefully sneak in a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda at the U.S. Embassy.......

and while it's unlikely I'll get to see the Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, this time, we may be meeting with Dr. Ngabo from her office.

We will also visit the Gisenyi District Hospital NICU.....

and the Kigali Memorial Center. All in all it's going to be a pretty busy trip. The only thing missing this time will be a few of the people I hold in my heart.....

Mama Arlene and the children at Urukundo....

Rafiki and the boys at Les Enfants de Dieu....

and dear, sweet Nancy! But there's always next time, my friends! And, God willing, there will be many more next times! Until then, here's to Helping Babies Breathe in Rwanda!