tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71675764260335465762024-03-13T00:29:03.796-04:00Notes from the FieldFollow along on the journey of a small group of nursing students from Robert Morris University as they travel to Managua, Nicaragua, providing nursing care to some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere.
We're in for an adventure, and it's great to have you along for the ride!David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-50957844483241223342010-12-06T13:10:00.002-05:002010-12-06T13:14:06.056-05:00What Happens Next<div class="MsoNormal">I certainly did not miss the beeping. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s my first night back at work after being in Nicaragua for ten days. Of all the things that stick out to me most upon my return to Ruby Memorial, I think the constant beeping takes the cake.<br />
<br />
Something on 7East is <i>always </i>beeping. There is quite a variety of beeps, actually. There’s the empty IV bag beep, the downward occlusion beep, the air-in-line beep, the sequential compression device beep, the fall prevention beep, the call light beep, the bathroom beep….the list goes on and on. Some of the beeps are sharp and urgent. Some are softer, fading into the background soundtrack of the night. All of them get annoying. All of them have to be addressed. But tonight I’m just amazed that we have so many at all. Despite all of their efforts to keep me focused on my patient assignment, my mind keeps floating away from Ruby Memorial Hospital, and back to the soft sands of Pochomil on the Pacific coast.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx4Y0k_ebI/AAAAAAAAAQU/cBVwhlAeMVU/s1600/IMG_7866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx4Y0k_ebI/AAAAAAAAAQU/cBVwhlAeMVU/s320/IMG_7866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm sure you can see why. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Regardless of where my mind is, though, my body is home. And it's back at work. Alas, I've had to turn in my photojournalist hat, pick up my stethoscope again, and return to my duties as a nurse. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
There’s this post-Nicaragua sense of appreciation that descends on most of the RMU group by the end of every trip, a sense of fresh perspective. Anyone who has been on the trip before understands it well. For me, stepping back into an American hospital nearly makes my head spin, seeing hand sanitizer and elevators and medical equipment and computers and medication scanners and all of the other modern-day healthcare amenities that we simply expect to find when we walk through the door. Because this is America. And Americans have it all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Robin, my charge nurse, apologized tonight for assigning me six patients on my first night back. But I certainly wouldn't dare complain. Not tonight. As I wrote down my assignment, I shared with Robin that Nicaraguan nurses are sometimes responsible for 45 to 50 patients at time on a medical-surgical floor like mine. And they don’t have a computer to tell them what their patient’s orders are or which medications need to be administered. They don’t have those luxuries that I do right at my fingertips. Sometimes I can't even imagine doing my work without a computer. But they do, every day.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Around this time of the night, between three and four in the morning, I start to catch up on my charting. My thoughts usually start to catch up with me too. I think about the undergraduates who were on this trip, most of whom I had never met before last Thursday. Often times I wonder, does it <i>really </i>change these college kids’ lives? Or is it just one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that eventually get tucked away in a box of fine memories? In a broader sense, with our ChangeALife campaign winding down in the next couple weeks, I wonder what real impact that we’ve had on the Pittsburgh community. After all the billboards get taken down and the commercials go off the air, will all of that hard work just be another phase of Robert Morris’ development as a local university? Or will it really have some sort of lasting impact? <br />
<br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember a conversation I had with Larkin Werner back on the beach at Montelumar Resort after we wrapped on the commercial in July. Being one of the top advertising gurus in Pittsburgh, I asked Larkin how he would define success for a campaign like this one. He responded in a way I expected. The results would take time, he said. But they would eventually be looking for success through increased admission numbers, in student surveys and community involvement. Larkin’s father, Ray, was our art director for the commercial, and he was the visionary behind the whole idea. I remember Ray telling me about a conversation with RMU’s president, Greg Dell’Omo. “I asked him what he wanted most out of a campaign of this size,” Ray told me on the flight home. “And he said, ‘This university has yet to make a <i>real </i>connection with the surrounding community. I want RMU to finally connect with people. The essence has to be about changing lives.’” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, for President Dell’Omo and all the fine folks who work for the University, I hope we accomplished that. I hope we do see more student involvement in community service. I hope we do attract high school students who want to be a part of the ChangeALife team. I hope the campaign does all it was supposed to do. But for me, the success of this campaign will be defined a bit differently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
For me, our success will be defined by what happens next. Success will happen when these RMU students become RMU graduates and wade out into this nation of pushovers and cynics and stand up for what’s right when the world tells them it’s wrong. For me, the success lies in DJ Smith when he doesn’t forget about that kid in Nicaragua who wants to be a doctor someday because of him. The success lies in MaryKate O'Hear when she raises her kids one day to appreciate the food on their dinner plates. The success lies in Brianne McLaughlin when she takes the time to talk to kids about working hard and taking pride in their country. The success lies in each and every RMU student who not only cherishes the college education they’re gaining, but then uses it as a tool to enrich the lives of those around them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For once, I wish we’d take the focus off of changing the world. Honestly, the world will just keep getting worse. Sadly, that’s a given. In the meantime, though, we do have a chance to reach out and make a difference in the lives around us. We can focus on looking out for others as much as we look out for ourselves. We can try our hardest to do the right thing, even when it’s the hardest thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a heartbreaking realization to look into the eyes of an impoverished Nicaraguan teen, knowing full well that they would give <i>anything</i> to get on board that plane home to America with you. It’s even more heartbreaking to know that millions of the blessed recipients of America’s bounty have no idea what they really have. There’s something we can change right there, one life at a time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But it takes guts to do that. An attitude of general thankfulness is definitely not the status quo in our society today. On the contrary, we live in a country that now promotes a self-centered and materialistic approach to everything, one that leap-frogs right over the Thanksgiving holiday to get right to the commercial-driven chaos of Christmas. I’ve tried to go against it, and believe me, I’ve failed on plenty of occasions. But I want to keep trying. And I believe the rest of these RMU students want to as well.<br />
<br />
So the potential is certainly there. What happens next remains to be seen. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx4u8ScQFI/AAAAAAAAAQY/G_Tg15Fb7ZQ/s1600/IMG_6663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx4u8ScQFI/AAAAAAAAAQY/G_Tg15Fb7ZQ/s320/IMG_6663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The lights on 7East are coming on now. A new day will be beginning soon. Thanksgiving Day is here, but as we all know, hospitals are never closed on holidays. The doctors will start arriving before the sun peaks up with fresh orders for the nursing staff. Patients will start waking up, needing pain pills and breakfast trays and many other things. So before I conclude this final blog on this Thanksgiving morning, I want wrap all these random thoughts up with a little tradition of mine. Like many of you, I like to take a few minutes every year to jot down just some of my many blessings. Here's what's on my list this year...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm thankful for my job at this amazing medical facility…<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx3XO9DXiI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/BKg-9SwsXMc/s1600/wvua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx3XO9DXiI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/BKg-9SwsXMc/s320/wvua.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
...because there is not a hospital that comes close to it anywhere in Nicaragua.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm thankful for my beautiful mansion of a house…<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TP0crj7haCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/BefkRSECZng/s1600/17873_104128719606704_100000287292342_102496_190966_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TP0crj7haCI/AAAAAAAAAQc/BefkRSECZng/s320/17873_104128719606704_100000287292342_102496_190966_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
...because many people have just sheet metal roof to live under and nothing else.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPxyP5F2YdI/AAAAAAAAAP0/-UZjmvHzWFs/s1600/IMG_6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPxyP5F2YdI/AAAAAAAAAP0/-UZjmvHzWFs/s320/IMG_6970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m thankful for that big front door on my house that opens wide...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPxyXan9K7I/AAAAAAAAAP4/R1NeQzIUL4c/s1600/IMG_6967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPxyXan9K7I/AAAAAAAAAP4/R1NeQzIUL4c/s320/IMG_6967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">…because some people just have the back end of crib. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m thankful for the bottomless stores of our pantry...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPxygxM6-9I/AAAAAAAAAP8/AxPDKuhYRiY/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPxygxM6-9I/AAAAAAAAAP8/AxPDKuhYRiY/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">...because many people are down to the bottom of their last bag of rice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m thankful for my family at home….<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx0gLntSUI/AAAAAAAAAQA/u2-vSpILih0/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx0gLntSUI/AAAAAAAAAQA/u2-vSpILih0/s320/IMG_2798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">…and my family abroad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx0ti9-dxI/AAAAAAAAAQE/OQhWMU40Eys/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx0ti9-dxI/AAAAAAAAAQE/OQhWMU40Eys/s320/IMG_7037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m thankful for people in my life like this man...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx1CbBew5I/AAAAAAAAAQI/VxxQa0Uvtjc/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx1CbBew5I/AAAAAAAAAQI/VxxQa0Uvtjc/s320/IMG_1000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">…a man who has given his life to teaching in the hope that his students will use what they learn to go make a difference, one life at a time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And most of all, more than anything, I’m thankful to the Lord, the Father of lights and Giver of all good things, who does not forsake the hope of even the least among us. I know this to be true, for I’ve met some of these least. And of all the fascinating things I’ve seen in that endless sea of tired faces, there is one thing that surprises me most. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They hold fast to their faith.<br />
<br />
Like David wrote in the Psalms, they continue to call out to the God who gave them life. For some, that's the only hope that they have. But it is enough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx1Rb6es3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/J4mXMs4sI64/s1600/IMG_6934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPx1Rb6es3I/AAAAAAAAAQM/J4mXMs4sI64/s320/IMG_6934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>"I will lift my eyes to the mountains, from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So with that as our prayer, let each of us be thankful, for everything that we have, both today and always.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">God bless you all on this Thanksgiving Day.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">- Lee</div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-34725106960233702172010-11-26T14:36:00.000-05:002010-11-26T14:36:34.594-05:00A Passion for Pajamas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do <i>you </i>remember your favorite pair of pajamas?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t be embarrassed. It’s a fair question. Most of us had favorite PJ's. Let’s just admit it. I'll tell you about mine. My favorite pajamas were bright yellow. They had footsies and white cuffs and a really long zipper that had to be carefully zipped. And they were <i>awesome. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i> </i>No surprise that my grandmother called me her little banana boy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO_-4sWZseI/AAAAAAAAAPM/sKZeg6lzC0M/s1600/ScannedImage001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO_-4sWZseI/AAAAAAAAAPM/sKZeg6lzC0M/s320/ScannedImage001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Awe. Yeah, those were the days... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The truth is, when you’re a kid (and even if you’re not) there are few things more comforting than pulling out those favorite PJ’s from your drawer before bedtime. It’s your ticket to sweet dreams. A guaranteed good night’s sleep. Just part of being a kid in America. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But there are millions of kids all over the world who have never had a pair of PJ’s to call their own. Actually, millions live without clothes at all. When it comes down to it, there probably aren’t any lives being lost because of a worldwide pajama shortage. But that's certainly no reason to keep a simple childhood joy to ourselves. And there are some little lives that are much happier this morning, thanks to two RMU students and their passion for PJ’s. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here's one of them. Meet MaryKate O’Hear. We call her MK. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAB1zxPFmI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/XBC3o1a9rJo/s1600/IMG_7739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAB1zxPFmI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/XBC3o1a9rJo/s320/IMG_7739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">MK has one of those smiles that’s always on the verge of laughter. I have to tell you, throughout our week here in Nicaragua, there’s never been any doubt in anyone’s mind that this girl is having the time of her life. But for all the life-changing moments she’s lived on this trip, the one she says she’ll cherish most happened on this final morning in Nicaragua. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The whole project started with a simple idea from MaryKate’s roommate and best friend, Amanda Musser. Amanda was watching <i>Oprah </i>one day and saw a feature on the non-profit organization called the Pajama Program. For ten years, this charity has been providing warm pajamas and bedtime storybooks for kids who don’t have them. Upon seeing the impact that these simple gifts had on young children, Amanda was instantly inspired and set out on a mission to collect as many sets of pajamas as she could. Working in tandem with the Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, this RMU business major was able to hand out 100 sets of pajamas and over 200 books to abused and neglected children on Christmas Eve. Her work with these children, along with her devotion to several other charitable causes, made Amanda Musser one of the stars of the RMU ChangeALife campaign. You can watch her inspiring story on our website <a href="http://1964.dev.walltowall.com/stories/2010/06/04/comis-zelus-dolore-et-volutpat-refero-aliquip-ventosus/">here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When Amanda found out that her roommate MaryKate would be traveling to Nicaragua, she decided to take the Pajama Program abroad. For three weeks before our group left, Amanda and MK put the pedal to the metal with their collections, hanging signs around campus, placing collection boxes and asking for donations. They teamed up with Spanish classes at Cornell School District to write special messages for the kids in Spanish to be packaged with the pajamas. They made each high school student responsible for writing twenty personalized notes. <span></span>In the end, the two RMU seniors collected 150 sets of PJs and over 600 children’s books. It took them four days to wrap them up with ribbons and pack them away in suitcases.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPADNJ31CzI/AAAAAAAAAPY/xIb2tBTpyr0/s1600/IMG_7707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPADNJ31CzI/AAAAAAAAAPY/xIb2tBTpyr0/s320/IMG_7707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And today is the big day to give them all away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are at the pediatric hospital in Managua this Sunday morning. Our last day in the country will be spent relaxing on the beach at Pochomil, but this was a mission we had to complete before we left for the coast. We’ve all tossed on our dirty nursing scrubs overtop our swim trunks to go into Hospital Infantil, the pediatric medical center in Managua. MK is even more excited than usual. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It just seemed like such a nonchalant thing when we were packaging them back home,” she tells me excitedly. “But to actually be here, to be passing them out today in the hospital….I can’t believe how excited I am.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are greeted in the lobby by the head nurse. After introducing us to some of her staff, she walks us down a long sunlit hallway that leads to one of the pediatric units. Amanda leads the way, smiling as always.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPADyKyI2xI/AAAAAAAAAPk/pLoikqC1D5M/s1600/IMG_7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPADyKyI2xI/AAAAAAAAAPk/pLoikqC1D5M/s320/IMG_7692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we reach the nurse’s station, we lay the suitcases down and open them up. For the next half hour, the group dispenses the PJs to the little patients along the hallway. The first few moments are awkward, as they always are. American college students entering your room, complete strangers to you and your child, would probably unnerve you too, if you were a Nicaraguan parent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But when they see what the students have for their children, and those shy little faces start to widen with smiles, the international barriers don't last very long. After ten days of being immersed in the culture, most of us have rekindled a good portion of our high school Spanish vocabulary. We can speak a few sentences back and forth, but mostly, all of what needs to be said is passed along just fine in the flash of a smile or the clasp of a hand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAFWI8wZPI/AAAAAAAAAPo/ltmtrCkG1Ug/s1600/IMG_7698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAFWI8wZPI/AAAAAAAAAPo/ltmtrCkG1Ug/s320/IMG_7698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Out in the hallway, Dr. Ross and Edgar open up the suitcases full of books. They are written in English, but that's all right. Most of the kids here love to learn new English words, and regardless of the language, all of them will enjoy the pictures. Dr. Ross teases Edgar at his selection of books for one of the young boys. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAF-HvFOqI/AAAAAAAAAPs/ngVCgXIM-bo/s1600/IMG_7723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAF-HvFOqI/AAAAAAAAAPs/ngVCgXIM-bo/s320/IMG_7723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"You really think a little boy wants to read about princesses, Edgar? Come on now! Give him a <i>real </i>book!"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are plenty more pajamas and books to hand out, but we only have time to pass them out to this particular unit. The rest will be distributed throughout the hospital. We've also left clothes and books at the UPOLI clinic for the Christmas party they are planning for the children. All in all, the Pajama Project for Nicaragua has been a tremendous success. MK and Amanda can be proud of the work that went into that special suitcase. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAGlzsfcaI/AAAAAAAAAPw/GKePAQt8nmI/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPAGlzsfcaI/AAAAAAAAAPw/GKePAQt8nmI/s320/IMG_7729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So this winter, we hope you’ll think about that special feeling the next time you feel it, slipping into your PJs after a long day. It takes you back to childhood for a moment, doesn't it? Fortunately, it’s a feeling that’s very easy to share with those less fortunate, whether they live in Nicaragua or right next door. <a href="http://www.pajamaprogram.org/">Just click here</a> if you're interested in learning more about the Pajama Program. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe you share Amanda and MK’s passion for pajamas. Maybe <i>your </i>help can give a little kid like this one...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPADnybgCRI/AAAAAAAAAPg/-1OJS_gqNWw/s1600/IMG_7716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TPADnybgCRI/AAAAAAAAAPg/-1OJS_gqNWw/s320/IMG_7716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> ...a little something special to call their own. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-19085361837033841042010-11-24T13:17:00.000-05:002010-11-24T13:17:56.744-05:00The Perfect Cast Party<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">I never told David I was coming to visit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We chatted online every so often over the past couple months, and if he mentioned the subject of me visiting, I would simply tell him that I hoped to see him soon. So I knew I wanted to surprise him. I just didn’t know how. When we arrived in Managua on Thursday night, I still didn’t have a plan. But a spur-of-the-moment on Monday afternoon took care of that. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Stop the van!” Dr. Ross yelled that day from the front seat. We were headed home from our first full day in the barrio, a bus full of worn-out workers. “Stop the van! Hey Lee, look out the window!” I looked across the street to see what Doc was yelling about. The only thing I could see were three ladies walking down the sidewalk. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then I recognized who it was. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Let’s surprise them!” I shouted up to Doc. “Can we get out here?” The crew was looking out the side of the van now, trying to see who it was we were shouting about. I was in the back seat, so I climbed over arms and legs to get to the front. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Who’s out there, man?” Mike asked as I passed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It’s David's mom and sisters! We’ll be right back!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Doc and I hopped to the curb and walked around the front of the bus. We were going to try and sneak up on the girls, but David’s sister Judith was much quicker. The gig was up before we even crossed the street. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It’s Lee!” Judith yelled from their side of the street, pointing and waving. David’s mother Carmen and his other sister Louia looked and started to wave frantically too. By the time we dodged through Managua rush hour to reach them, they were in full celebration mode. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1DIvzsOAI/AAAAAAAAAOI/1Rxjn1T4a2k/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1DIvzsOAI/AAAAAAAAAOI/1Rxjn1T4a2k/s320/IMG_6833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We couldn’t talk for very long, but I promised that I would stop by the next day at the house to visit. The following morning, they swung the door open for me and I was once again guest of the ever-smiling Morales Espinoza family. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1DP2KlgaI/AAAAAAAAAOM/Xgd7KhYnT2k/s1600/IMG_7037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1DP2KlgaI/AAAAAAAAAOM/Xgd7KhYnT2k/s320/IMG_7037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was more thankful than ever not to have a family assignment on this trip, since I ended up going back to David’s house every day that week to spend time with the family. My arrival tended to start quite a ruckus at David's house. The woman who calls herself my Nicaraguan mother ran to the door every morning as if I were a long lost son returning home from war. The girls would dash around the kitchen, fixing drinks and snacks, as David and I caught up on what we’d missed since I left in July. I learned he was getting over a rough breakup with a girl that he really liked, and we spent some time laughing over the international mysteries of the female kind. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“She says that she does not want to go out with me anymore, but then why do I keep getting messages from her!” he would say, his head in his hands. “What does this mean?!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Listen, David,” I told him. “As a friend of mine always says, cut her loose and set her free. If she comes back, it was meant to be.” David stroked his chin, nodding.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Yes, I think I see what you mean, my friend. Ahhh, girls. They are not worth the trouble!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And David’s mother, though unable to speak English, would just refill our drinks and chuckle, probably assuming through motherly intuition that we were speaking of such things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had brought many things with me to show David involving the ChangeALife campaign back home. The family marveled over his appearance on the front page of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1DVwWz5WI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/LLj-y2ytrzc/s1600/IMG_7032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1DVwWz5WI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/LLj-y2ytrzc/s320/IMG_7032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">…and the girls loved our billboard so much, they made David and I recreate it for them there in the front room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Dfb3Q3hI/AAAAAAAAAOU/zqpe8x7kaFQ/s1600/IMG_7087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Dfb3Q3hI/AAAAAAAAAOU/zqpe8x7kaFQ/s320/IMG_7087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Later in the week, Carmen presented me with a present from her. It was a collection of childhood photos of her kids, mixed in with photos of my visits to their house. On the front, it said ‘bragbook’. She is quite the proud mother of her kids…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Djq29-JI/AAAAAAAAAOY/bcdoJhsY6vo/s1600/IMG_7083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Djq29-JI/AAAAAAAAAOY/bcdoJhsY6vo/s320/IMG_7083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">….which reminded me of my own mother, who had sent Christmas presents with me for everyone in the family. Carmen loved her new nightgown, and insisted that I bring my mother with me on my next trip. Did you hear that mom? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1FDesLc9I/AAAAAAAAAO4/_H6F7rrrQG4/s1600/IMG_5755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1FDesLc9I/AAAAAAAAAO4/_H6F7rrrQG4/s320/IMG_5755.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Next time, I’m not allowed to leave you at the gate. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So somehow, it’s the end of the week. In some weird paradox of time, the incredibly long days that crawl by with a seemingly endless agenda have all disappeared in a flash, and just like that, it’s Friday afternoon, and thus the hardest part of all. The part where we say goodbye. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve told David and the family that this will be my last visit for a while. So when I knock on the door for the last time Friday morning, I’m taken back by what I find. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The house is completely decked out. There are streamers strung across the ceiling, with balloons all over and a Spongebob Squarepants piñata hanging from the roof. At first glance, it would appear as if one of David’s sisters is having a birthday party. But on one wall of the home, there is a dry erase board, and today it spells out the reason for the decorations. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1D8YkczXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/WKEVfzPMuVw/s1600/IMG_7347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1D8YkczXI/AAAAAAAAAOc/WKEVfzPMuVw/s320/IMG_7347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>“My friend, we have a farewell fiesta today!” David says in greeting me. “My mother says you must bring all your friends here!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am speechless. The day before, his mother had asked how many people were with me in my group. She had been planning this all along. I felt horrible at first, knowing this was not on our group's agenda. Friday is already a very tightly scheduled day for us, and we are already behind schedule. But I promised them we'd be there anyway. We would <i>make </i>it work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After inviting them to the health fair, I run down to the clinic and find Doc in the exam room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Doc, we have a problem.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Why? What’s the matter?” he asks. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“We have to go David’s house before we leave.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“What? Why? I don’t think we will have time with the health fair and all.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I know, but I just came from there. They have their whole place decorated for a party. For our entire group.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You’re <i>kidding</i>.” Doc scratches his head. “All right, we’ll figure something out. But we can’t stay long.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thankfully, the health fair goes smoothly, followed by the piñata for the children. During the presentations, we usher David and his family into the back room to debut the ChangeALife commercial for them on Dr. Ross' laptop. They watch it in silence, all of them with huge smiles on their faces. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1VXHMQBUI/AAAAAAAAAPI/vmTSQFExkr8/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1VXHMQBUI/AAAAAAAAAPI/vmTSQFExkr8/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">To Ray, Kyle, Larkin and everyone else who made this moment happen - I'm proud to tell you that they <i>loved </i>it.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Outside, the students made their way through the crowd on the veranda, giving final hugs and leaving addresses, promising to return....</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Fo1F_YtI/AAAAAAAAAO8/aLSxNvwAKfs/s1600/IMG_7343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Fo1F_YtI/AAAAAAAAAO8/aLSxNvwAKfs/s320/IMG_7343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Before long, </span>Dr. Ross encourages everyone to move toward the bus, but once we’re all outside the clinic, he announces a swift change in plans. There’s a party at David’s and we’re all invited, he tells the group. For just about everyone except me and Doc, this will be the first time everyone has even met David. In a terrific show of exhausted teamwork, they trudge up the street toward the house, where they are welcomed as honored guests.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Somehow, there are chairs for everyone. There are cold drinks for everyone. There are club crackers for everyone. Carmen is in her element as a mom, directing people to sit and relax and feel at home. Dr. Ross and I are blindfolded and made to dance while striking at the tiny piñata….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EBUipqCI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EKswnvxPhvc/s1600/IMG_7383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EBUipqCI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EKswnvxPhvc/s320/IMG_7383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And of course, everyone wants to hear the trumpet that they’ve heard so much about. My commercial co-star is more than happy to oblige.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EFOjo2VI/AAAAAAAAAOk/RF0-47-FVao/s1600/IMG_7357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EFOjo2VI/AAAAAAAAAOk/RF0-47-FVao/s320/IMG_7357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thunder starts to roll through the air outside. But it doesn’t matter. Inside, there are Christmas gifts to be opened. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EVpvMRyI/AAAAAAAAAOo/EiwyEdeJ4hQ/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EVpvMRyI/AAAAAAAAAOo/EiwyEdeJ4hQ/s320/IMG_7393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For me, Carmen has picked out a beautiful traditional Nicaraguan camisa. David laughs at the color, but I don’t care if purple is my color or not – it’s a wonderful gift. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EYnrRJAI/AAAAAAAAAOs/BxiLCXSy4SA/s1600/IMG_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EYnrRJAI/AAAAAAAAAOs/BxiLCXSy4SA/s320/IMG_7397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Outside the rain starts to fall, just like it did on the last day of the ChangeALife shoot in July. But we are safe under the solid roof here in David’s house, and thanks to their hospitality, the only one left out in the downpour is…well…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EeaMrc8I/AAAAAAAAAOw/whAn248NRTg/s1600/IMG_7390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1EeaMrc8I/AAAAAAAAAOw/whAn248NRTg/s320/IMG_7390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">….poor Megabus. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, we have to say our goodbyes here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In one last beautiful display of entertainment, David’s sister Judith twirls through a classical Latin American dance in her finest dress. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Enpb3_KI/AAAAAAAAAO0/13CQsmKXzHs/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TO1Enpb3_KI/AAAAAAAAAO0/13CQsmKXzHs/s320/IMG_7429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As she spins around and around, a bright red blur in the center of the room, the trip strikes me as such: a beautiful blur that ends all too soon. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Watching Judith dance, I remember there being talk of having a cast party for everyone on the ChangeALife team back in Pittsburgh. But this is so much better. I lean over to Dr. Ross. “I don’t think we could’ve planned a better cast party if we tried.” He nods.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You’re absolutely right. This was perfect.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We pile into the bus a few moments later. <span> </span>I take my seat in the back corner of the bus, all of us waving profusely at the Espinoza family. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All four of them stand in the rain, crying, and watch us go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The bus starts down the bumpy road through the barrio on its way toward the market. I put in my ear buds to distract myself from thinking too much about what just happened, and everything that happened before it. But wouldn't you know, Carrie Underwood pops up in the shuffle, singing her song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxwuucOada4">Change</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There’s simply no better song that could bring this whole wild ride full circle. For me and everyone else who has stepped foot in this barrio, the words of this chorus are an anthem of hope that will stay with us forever...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The smallest thing can make all the difference</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Love is alive, don’t you listen to them when they say</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>You’re just a fool, just a fool to believe</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>You can change the world. </i></div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-67079448174571660152010-11-23T16:12:00.002-05:002010-11-23T23:25:48.860-05:00The Football's Friend<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Who has the football? </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It's the most common question we hear from Dr. Ross while in Nicaragua. And if no one knows the answer, we're pretty much doomed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The football is our code name for the bag that contains every important document we need in order stay afloat while abroad. Our passports, our reservations, our credit cards, our cash - it all stays in one central location and under constant supervision by at least one member of the group. So when Dr. Ross says, "Who has the football?", there had better be a quick response from <i>someone. </i> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I'm happy to say that, unlike the Steelers, our RMU group has never once fumbled the football. Here is the infamous bag, being closely supervised by yours truly, at Bush International in Houston....</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwbbAUCZyI/AAAAAAAAANA/d4NMmeVq8Xw/s1600/IMG_7881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwbbAUCZyI/AAAAAAAAANA/d4NMmeVq8Xw/s320/IMG_7881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And this trip, the football has a friend. It's a bit more colorful than the football, packing a lot more personality than that black bag of importance. In a surge of creativity, we've nicknamed this new guy.....drum roll please....the softball. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone, say hi to the softball….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwbjkXJ99I/AAAAAAAAANE/N9FYczlzW7k/s1600/IMG_6677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwbjkXJ99I/AAAAAAAAANE/N9FYczlzW7k/s320/IMG_6677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hi Softball!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From the beginning of the trip, the softball has been guarded <i>almost </i>as closely as the football, perhaps at the same ratio at which the Secret Service protects the Vice-President in comparison to the Commander-In-Chief. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We put our Olympic goalie in charge of its security when we passed through Houston...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwcQYQooGI/AAAAAAAAANI/T80jSFT6qAQ/s1600/IMG_5776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwcQYQooGI/AAAAAAAAANI/T80jSFT6qAQ/s320/IMG_5776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">...as you can see, she took her job very seriously. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before we entered Central America, though, we made an executive decision to double security…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwcT8Pz2aI/AAAAAAAAANM/hewxAYwcDag/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwcT8Pz2aI/AAAAAAAAANM/hewxAYwcDag/s320/IMG_5778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We didn't want anyone messing with the valuable contents of the softball. So by now, you're probably wondering, <i>What's in this bag that would require such close supervision?</i> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Allow me to show you…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwdPLttVkI/AAAAAAAAANQ/VdGjTgyAt-8/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwdPLttVkI/AAAAAAAAANQ/VdGjTgyAt-8/s320/IMG_6662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">350 pairs of reading glasses. All of them donated. All of them en route to needy people in Nicaragua. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, so a few pairs were used to play around with... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwdcQiMZTI/AAAAAAAAANU/_gNZ0pz14lc/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwdcQiMZTI/AAAAAAAAANU/_gNZ0pz14lc/s320/IMG_6598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">...but you get the picture. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The story behind the softball started back in Pittsburgh several months ago. Dr. Ross had been invited to the annual Roberto Clemente Museum fundraiser, an event organized by Duane Reider, our incredible photographer for the ChangeALife campaign. Let's all say hola to Duane...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwlvbeP73I/AAAAAAAAANs/24tVxofKIMM/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwlvbeP73I/AAAAAAAAANs/24tVxofKIMM/s320/IMG_9537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Hola Duane!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, after speaking to the crowd at Duane's museum about RMU's program in Nicaragua, Dr. Ross and one of our nursing students, Nicole Spellman, were approached by a woman named Susan Henault, the Pittsburgh director for a charitable organization called Mission Vision. This non-profit provides prescription reading glasses for inner city youths who have trouble reading due to poor vision. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mrs. Henault had a big idea. She wanted to provide us with eyeglasses for our next trip. <i>Lots </i>of eyeglasses. All Dr. Ross would need to do was provide two students to receive training on how to perform eye screenings. Twin sisters, Dana and Nicole Spellman, both senior nursing students at RMU, immediately volunteered. And so, when we departed for Managua last week, our football had a friend. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the Matalgalpa, Dana and Nicole went right to work screening kids, which allowed them to determine what strength of eye correction they would need in order to read without strain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwgOX3CHAI/AAAAAAAAANg/TfNdISsl47c/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwgOX3CHAI/AAAAAAAAANg/TfNdISsl47c/s320/IMG_6672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the process, they taught the simple screening method to fellow nursing students, both from RMU and our sister university, UPOLI. For the Spellmans, the visual impact of Mission Vision here in Nicaragua was immediately crystal clear. During one of our many bus rides around the country, they shared their reactions with me. </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt;">“At first, a lot of the people we screen don't realize that we are <i>giving </i>them the glasses, not just letting them try them out.” Nicole tells me. “When it hits them that they can take them home to keep, their faces just light up.” Her sister Dana nods. “It's so exciting to see the kids reading the letters. They just grin and want their pictures taken with their new glasses on. I'm so thankful we're able to do this.”</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m also personally thankful for Mission Vision. Because of this organization, I am able to fulfill a promise to a dear friend of mine, named Alvero. Let's say hey to Alvero...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwgfSpeDqI/AAAAAAAAANk/AiQ8X45MZ8I/s1600/IMG_7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwgfSpeDqI/AAAAAAAAANk/AiQ8X45MZ8I/s320/IMG_7308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hey Alvero! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I first met this man last November while in Nicaragua as a student with my class. He was the father in the family assigned to me and my teammate Ashlee. Here we are all together in the barrio last November.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwfuht3H0I/AAAAAAAAANY/wq34bfGyxt4/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwfuht3H0I/AAAAAAAAANY/wq34bfGyxt4/s320/IMG_2020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Throughout that week of working with his family, it became clear to Ashlee and me that Alvero was stuck in a pretty desperate situation. After losing his electrical shop to financial failure, he was forced to move his family into the barrio where they struggled to find enough money to feed their four children. Alvero also had issues with his eyesight, having a very lazy left eye. A pair of eyeglasses would not fix this issue, but they would make it easier for him to continue his freelance electrical work. Ashlee and I did find him a pair before we left, but when I returned to shoot the RMU commercial in July, Alvero brought sad news. His glasses had been broken when he was chased home by a gang soon after we left. He was back to square one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I promised him we’d figure something out. And today, I'm happy to tell you that Alvero walked to the clinic with me to be properly screened for his vision. He walked home with a new pair of glasses, and a spare pair, just in case. He's just one of the nearly 200 people in Nicaragua who are seeing much better tonight, thanks to the wonderful work of the Spelllman twins and Mission Vision. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwgncCqnNI/AAAAAAAAANo/Vv8eec7XuIA/s1600/IMG_7150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOwgncCqnNI/AAAAAAAAANo/Vv8eec7XuIA/s320/IMG_7150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">To learn more about how <i>you </i>can change a life like this little guy through Mission Vision, <a href="http://www.mission-vision.org/">please click here.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You'll be glad you did. </div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-89387191543255731372010-11-22T03:32:00.000-05:002010-11-22T03:32:59.477-05:00Once More Into the Breach<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">We’re late. Again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dr. Ross makes it a common joke in the van, the fact that we are always running on “Nicaragua time." This means we’re chronically late for everything, usually by at least an hour. For Americans who are used to getting where they need to be exactly when they need to be there, this can quickly grow frustrating. Flexibility is the name of the game in developing countries. Today, it’s the visit to UPOLI that holds us up. There’s a lecture for us this Monday morning that gives us a general synopsis of the current state of Nicaraguan healthcare. It’s interesting, but time-consuming nonetheless. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tardiness, however, works to my advantage this morning. It allows for an unforeseen reunion with a good friend of mine and many others. As I walk out to the bus for the ride to the barrio, his familiar face pops out from behind his white van. It’s our faithful UPOLI driver, Don Pedro!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOon7nuCplI/AAAAAAAAAM8/6WQ15c_rhc0/s1600/IMG_6734-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOon7nuCplI/AAAAAAAAAM8/6WQ15c_rhc0/s320/IMG_6734-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I begin relaying the half dozen messages that I've been instructed to pass along to him by my classmates from my last trip. He asks about the RMU nursing students, particular Megan, who rode in the front seat with Don Pedro last year. For ten days, the two of them had attempted to cross the language barrier by coming up with some sort of code language. Don Pedro still knows all their catch phrases. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Finally we are under way toward our adopted neighborhood, the Anexo Villa Libertad barrio. The van stops outside the clinic and after brief instructions, we head out on foot. The streets of the barrio are already well baked by the sun when we begin our hike. We are going to be working in an area of the barrio that I haven't been in before. After walking a few blocks from the clinic, we have to cut off the dirt road onto a path to reach our family's homes.</span><span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoYEVrxz4I/AAAAAAAAAMU/O6frj1H13KE/s1600/IMG_6888-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoYEVrxz4I/AAAAAAAAAMU/O6frj1H13KE/s320/IMG_6888-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span><span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>The path takes us along the edge of a small ravine, overgrown with weeds and filed with the ever-present stench of rotting garbage. It's a dirty area, but there's a silver lining to be found in the abundance of foliage that blocks the sun's harsh rays. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>When the students arrive at their families' homes, there is that general sense of first-day apprehension. Some are better at hiding it than others, but every nursing student knows that feeling. You're about to enter someone else's life. You're on the verge of inviting yourself into a stranger's privacy. It's your job, yes, but it's also a privilege. From time to time, it makes all of us antsy. Today's nervousness is particularly acute, considering our patients today don't speak our language and their lives play out in tiny houses smaller than our bedrooms at home. Just looking around can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed in a foreign world...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoYfIniPPI/AAAAAAAAAMc/u9DOar3D_M4/s1600/IMG_7094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoYfIniPPI/AAAAAAAAAMc/u9DOar3D_M4/s320/IMG_7094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>But knowing all this, each one of them bravely stretches out their hands with a greeting and press once more into the breach. They have a job to do. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>The students had the opportunities to meet their families on Friday before we left for the mountains, but it was only for a brief introduction. Today they will be spending the morning in their families' home doing assessments, conducting interviews, and providing as much education as they can. Fortunately for the nine undergraduates on this trip, we also have the </span><span><span></span>added resource of six DNP students from the RMU doctorate program. On a typical trip, Dr. Ross is needed in a dozen places at once to answer questions, but this time, with these DNP students, his job is a little easier. All of them have clinical experience already, so they are able to team up with the undergrads and assess families together. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoZodE3LEI/AAAAAAAAAMs/8IHZ_d8P85A/s1600/IMG_6796-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoZodE3LEI/AAAAAAAAAMs/8IHZ_d8P85A/s320/IMG_6796-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>So everyone has their family assignment for the week. Everyone except me, that is. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>I'm not really functioning as a nurse this time around. For my fourth trip, the RMU ChangeALife team has tasked me with my dream job. This time, I get to be a photojournalist. My primary task is the creation of this blog you're reading. So as the students begin to delve into their family assessments, I wander from house to house with my camera, listening and watching, sometimes jotting down notes to remember later. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>In some homes, there are babies with very young mothers. In others, there are environmental hazards. As always, there are problems just about everywhere for us to address. But regardless of their issues, all of the families react the same way to our arrival. Always to my amazement, instead of hiding away suspiciously in the shadows, they take the students by the hand and lead them into their yards. They pull what furniture they have out from their dwelling so that we may all sit. They usher us into their homes in a fashion that is sadly lost on our American culture, in ways that we frankly don't deserve. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>One elderly gentleman, a grandfather, catches my attention. He not only welcomes these complete strangers into his home, but also insists on cutting up oranges for his new guests. We are all too touched by his generosity to refuse them. These oranges are from his own food supply, which is already scant to begin with. His hands, worn with age, are as beautifully crafted as the ripe fruit in his hands. In an attempt to thank him for his generosity, I ask him to pose for my camera. The old man grins and stands perfectly still for me, his hands open and welcoming. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoYM0-gkKI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wkWIX6ImaSg/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoYM0-gkKI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wkWIX6ImaSg/s320/IMG_7108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>It's the sweetest orange I've ever tasted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span>I have a bit of a unique perspective, being an alumnus of this experience, and I have to smile as it all begins again for a fresh group of students. They don't quite know it yet, but for these college kids, the change is already happening.<span> </span>Right under their noses, little pieces of their hearts are being stolen away by the looks of children who spy on us from the gates of small shacks. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOom052lG_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/DSOmYiXY_PQ/s1600/IMG_5863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOom052lG_I/AAAAAAAAAM4/DSOmYiXY_PQ/s320/IMG_5863.JPG" width="205" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span></span><span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>It probably won't hit the students for a while yet. It may not be until the end of the week, or maybe not until they return home to their own families for Thanksgiving holiday. Or perhaps it won't happen until years down the road.<span> </span>But sooner or later, they are going to look back on these first few moments on that hot Monday morning they spent in Managua. And that's when they will realize something special... </span><span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoY1iRnBfI/AAAAAAAAAMk/TRkxzcf4o6M/s1600/IMG_6778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOoY1iRnBfI/AAAAAAAAAMk/TRkxzcf4o6M/s320/IMG_6778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>...that they were in love with the people from the start.<span> </span></span><span></span></div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-27933350433674325862010-11-19T03:54:00.001-05:002010-11-19T08:37:42.433-05:00Harmony in Hammonia<div class="MsoNormal">"Okay, listen up everybody, here's the deal…"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A collective groan spreads throughout the group. The first time Dr. Ross got our attention with his "here's the deal" line, it was to announce that we were going to have to trek a mile up the mountain in the dark. The next time he used it, it was to tell us that we had run out of gas five minutes after leaving the cabin at El Quetzel. Fortunately for all of us, both of these situations were quickly mended. But still, announcements beginning with "here's the deal" have not meant good things so far. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Here's the deal," he says. "The bus has a flat tire." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another collective groan. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It's only the third full day of the trip, and Megabus has failed us again. We are supposed to be in the village of Hammonia by noon today. We are doing our second health fair there, the second half of our doubleheader weekend in the Matalgalpa. But at the moment, no one knows if we will ever make it there alive, let alone on time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Dr. Ross and Edgar quickly come up with a plan to get us there on time. Juan, Edgar's right-hand man, will pick us up where we are stuck, a few miles outside Jinotega. We will have to smash twenty bodies into a van that is half the size of Megabus, but it's only for a short ride. As Doc would say, it's just another day in third-world nursing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we arrive at the Hammonia clinic a short time later, the preparations for the fair are well under way. Unlike the El Quetzal fair, this one is being sponsored by a local hotel. It will be held in the square where there are vendors selling arts and crafts. A DJ is already set up to blast salsa music through the street. The clinic is at the far end of the square, perched at the top of a long slope overlooking the roofs of the small village. Nearby, there is a rundown set of playground equipment, and the students greet the children waiting there on the seesaws. Before we get down to business, we all deserve a little recess. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYq7ZabK3I/AAAAAAAAALw/617kYQ1_uL4/s1600/IMG_6616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYq7ZabK3I/AAAAAAAAALw/617kYQ1_uL4/s320/IMG_6616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the activity around the little clinic grows, I notice several <i>gringos </i>like us wandering through the crowd. One of them, a man with thinning hair and a quick smile, walks up to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I’m Mike,” he says, sticking out his hand. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Nice to meet you, Mike. I’m Lee.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You and your group all from the States?” he asks. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Yes sir.” His American accent gives him away, too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I figured. What part of the States exactly?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Little town in Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh called Canonsburg.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">“Ah, Perry Como’s home town,” Mike replies quickly. I start to laugh out loud. He looks at me, puzzled. “What? Isn’t that where he was from?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Oh no, you’re right." I tell him. "I just laughed because I’m standing on the side of a mountain in Nicaragua and somehow, Perry Como <i>still </i>manages to find me.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Well, he <i>was </i>a pretty well-known guy. Way back when, anyway.” As I soon find out, Mike is a pretty well-known guy himself. When Dr. Ross walks over a moment later, he and Mike reunite like old friends. I’m no longer surprised that Doc seems to every single person in this country by name. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Lee, you remember the Gran Pacifica resort we went to on the coast a couple trips ago?” Doc asks. I would never forget that place. It's one of the most gorgeous places I've ever seen. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Yeah, of course. Why?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Well, this is the guy who owns it.” Mike shrugs off the comment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Ah, that old money pit,” he smiles. Mike Cobb, though unassuming in his t-shirt and jeans, is actually the CEO of a corporation called ECI Development. After spending time with a college friend in Belize more than a decade ago, this entrepreneur decided to launch a mortgage firm to help negotiate contracts between Central American banks and United States customers looking to buy condos and resort properties. He moved to Nicaragua without knowing a word of Spanish. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> He and his wife and two girls now live in Managua, and they love it. They are in Hammonia for the weekend to sightsee. We bring him up to speed on our involvement with the fair. “You guys headed back to the capital tonight, Carl?” he asks. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, we will probably head to Hippo’s for the Steelers game.” Even in Managua, Dr. Ross has found a way to keep up with our team. Mike promises to meet us there for the game. It's good to find fellow fans so far from home...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYrnPfOC9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/TdM9k7-mXl0/s1600/IMG_6614-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYrnPfOC9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/TdM9k7-mXl0/s320/IMG_6614-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The clinic doors open and rooms quickly fill up. I've noticed something interesting during our open clinics in Nicaragua. Our patients are so…well…. <i>patient</i>. They show up at the clinic, give their chief complaint, have their vital signs taken, and then they wait. Never do they appear to be anything less than grateful. And they are so interesting to watch as they wait. Most of them have this distant look in their eyes<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span>, and I often wonder what they must be thinking….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYr9zifwQI/AAAAAAAAAL4/cm01D2ydJUw/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYr9zifwQI/AAAAAAAAAL4/cm01D2ydJUw/s320/IMG_6724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can take a guess at what these particular ladies might be thinking today. They are probably wondering why they are standing in line to preserve their health while their husbands are gathering around a wooden pole in the yard, determined to injure theirs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is some sort of traditional male activity about to take place around a greased pole. As part of the fair's festivities, a long tree trunk, about three stories high, has been sunk into the ground, then greased heavily, just to make it harder for these men to prove their machismo. Their goal will be to climb on each other's shoulders, one after another, until there is enough of them standing on each other to reach a ribbon that is tied to the top of the pole. To break it down into simpler man talk…..</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Man take off shirt. Man climb pole. Man win ribbon. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before they begin the first climb, the men spend a great deal of time huddled around each other, discussing the best way to potentially break their necks. Then, in a flurry of motion, the first group prepares to attempt the climb.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYsjzzUNfI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Dqy7lyJyjmY/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYsjzzUNfI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Dqy7lyJyjmY/s320/IMG_6707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These hombres fail miserably. The third man of the group goes up and doesn't make it very far.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The second group does well, but as the fourth man takes his place on the shoulders of the third man, he places his foot at a pressure point, accidentally blocking off his amigo's blood supply to the head. The man's eyes roll up into his head and he loses consciousness while hugging the pole. Down comes the whole operation, to the jeers of a gawking crowd. Luckily, all of them keep their arms wrapped around the pole as they fall. If someone falls backward off this pole, our little community clinic will quickly have to morph into a trauma center. And we certainly aren't prepared for that today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, a third group learns from the mistakes of their competition and makes progress up the pole. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYtLAEP48I/AAAAAAAAAMA/kX8KV8ndEfg/s1600/IMG_6719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYtLAEP48I/AAAAAAAAAMA/kX8KV8ndEfg/s320/IMG_6719.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The ribbon is untied and tossed to the ground. I'm not sure what the prize is for these men, but I'm sure it's not worth all the danger. Boys will be boys, I suppose. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a race against daylight, we pack up the clinic before embarking on the long journey home to Managua. But there's still one thing left to do before we leave. The music is calling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have to dance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The last hour of our day in Hammonia wasn't planned. It just happened. The entire village filled the square. The rhythm of the techno music seemed to accomplish the rest. If you ever wanted to tap the pulse of Latin America, this was the moment to do so. Old ladies and young boys pulled at our shirts, drawing us into center of the crowd. After a long day of work, the urge to cut loose and join the harmony catches on like wildfire. Either we jump in or we miss out on something spectacular. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So we jump.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I would love to insert a photograph for all of you to illustrate this poetic juncture, but unfortunately, a weekend of picture-taking had exhausted my batteries. So you will just have to imagine the final scene of a movie we could make about this adventurous weekend, a movie in which the whole village celebrates over something as insignificant as a group of nursing students coming to visit them. That's certainly what it felt like. I know I've ever lived any moment quite like it. It's amazing to me that the Matalgalpa is full of these tiny villages, little enclaves of civilization that rely simply on God's Creation and the hand that brought it into being. I wish I could stay longer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But then, in a heartbeat, it’s over. The dust settles. The greased pole stands lonely in the middle of an empty square. And as the bus of tired Americans pulls away, the village of Hammonia lies quiet once again, upwind and tucked away from the mess of a crowded world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYtb2zIlFI/AAAAAAAAAME/wsnBl0iYPFo/s1600/IMG_6631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOYtb2zIlFI/AAAAAAAAAME/wsnBl0iYPFo/s320/IMG_6631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And I do hope it stays that way forever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-11662534964199314152010-11-17T02:43:00.005-05:002010-11-17T03:06:05.557-05:00Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The crew looks exhausted this morning. I’m sure I look that way too, as I’m still stuck in my don’t-speak-to-me-until-there-is-coffee mode. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last night, the second half of our journey into the Madalgalpa had made more than a few of us uncomfortable. A bit scared, even. No cars. No signs. No lights. Nothing but a long, narrow road made of loose rocks and small boulders, carved into the dense forest. At one point, we had to get out and walk alongside our weighed-down MegaBus as it spun its wheels up the slope. Dr. Ross muttered to me under his breath as we walked. “Midnight hiking through Contra territory – well, there’s a first time for everything.” I would have been nervous too, but by then, most of us were just glad to be breathing fresh air, free from the nauseating confines of the van. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The accommodations that awaited us at the end of this barren road were much more comfortable than we anticipated. At that point, we would have slept in a tent and not cared, but instead we found a large wooden cabin, furnished with bunks and cots for our whole group. I could tell by the number of exotic sounds leaking in through the window panes that we were very far from home. Unfortunately, we were just going to have to wait until daylight for the unveiling of our new clinical setting. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are all still squinting and stretching as we gather in the common room for a pre-breakfast meeting. Dr. Ross wants to let us know what to expect for the day’s activities. The first item on the agenda is a tour of the plantation. Two security guards are standing in the doorway, ready to accompany us into the fields. As we follow them out into the brisk morning air, the temperature takes everyone by surprise. The sun is not fully risen yet, but it’s still very odd to be needing a sweatshirt outdoors here. The views that surround us are spectacular, just like those majestic vistas that you’d see in an edition of <i>National</i> <i>Geographic</i>. It's pretty clear to all of us by now...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON1nAp5-zI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/wd9n8kC7zNo/s1600/IMG_6561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON1nAp5-zI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/wd9n8kC7zNo/s320/IMG_6561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
...that we are somewhere in the middle of nowhere.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The guards lead us further into the plantation, the domain of which extends up both walls of the valley. The path through the rows of coffee plants winds back and forth through tall trees that sway in the mountain breeze. It’s far from the organized Midwestern style crop fields that I had expected to find up here. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Edgar leads the way, single file, stopping every few moments to explain another portion of the harvest process. He points across the ridge at small moving shapes moving through the crop. The workers are out there already, filling baskets with the ripe fruit of the Arabica plant. The berries must turn red before they can be taken from the plant, and the workers only receive their seven dollar daily wage if their baskets are ripe. It’s November, early in the picking season, so most clusters are still green. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON135XwvGI/AAAAAAAAAKU/FcTIzUxsgUo/s1600/IMG_6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON135XwvGI/AAAAAAAAAKU/FcTIzUxsgUo/s320/IMG_6034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we walk along, Edgar and the guards tell us about the farm. We are walking on the finest coffee-growing soil in all of Nicaragua. As it is explained to me, there are two major forms of the coffee plant: the <i>Robusta </i>and the <i>Arabica. </i>Robusta is grown throughout South America and Asia at much lower altitudes, about 600 meters on average. It’s far more durable, inexpensive, and easier to grow than its sister plant. The fickle Arabica, on the other hand, is susceptible to disease, must be tended carefully, and raised in shade at high altitudes of 1200 meters or more. After being picked, the berries are laid out in the sun to dry...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON-S2blIlI/AAAAAAAAALo/D9AV8D8_S7M/s1600/IMG_6076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON-S2blIlI/AAAAAAAAALo/D9AV8D8_S7M/s320/IMG_6076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">...then they are taken to a giant pavilion to be washed and separated, then sent down a long channel for further sorting. At the end, just before they are bagged and shipped off to Texas for roasting, the beans are finally beginning to resemble what you and I would find at the local Starbucks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON2GjlD0SI/AAAAAAAAAKY/gXhruk_A9u0/s1600/IMG_6099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON2GjlD0SI/AAAAAAAAAKY/gXhruk_A9u0/s320/IMG_6099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Quality takes precedence over quantity here at El Quetzel. These beans are renowned as the best you can buy in this country. And they certainly have a mighty colorful logo to market them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON2Ykx3Q_I/AAAAAAAAAKc/aYsbaQdt5J4/s1600/IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON2Ykx3Q_I/AAAAAAAAAKc/aYsbaQdt5J4/s320/IMG_6064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The farm has been owned and operated by the Bendana McEwan family for three generations. The family had the land taken away when the revolution broke out. They were exiled to the United States, but after the war, the newly elected president, Violeta Chamorro, returned the farm to its owners. Frank Bendana McEwan brought his family back and went to work turning his father’s farm into the finest coffee-growing environment possible. Senor McEwan planted trees in mountain fields where there were none, and over time, the Arabica plant thrived. When he passed away, his daughter Lillian took over the farm with her older brother. She and her husband and son have driven up from Managua today to help us with the health fair. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are told there about eighty families who work this farm year-round. That number swells to over six hundred during the peak harvest times. Lillian’s family have built a school and a clinic for their workers, but with only one doctor visiting every other week, there is a great need for community health education. This is where Edgar’s non-for-profit organization, InterChange Works, comes into the picture. He and his team create partnerships on farms like this one to create funding for health fairs so the people can receive free treatment and education. Though we have received very little preparation for this fair, Dr. Ross and the Robert Morris group will be the backbone of the operation today. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After our tour of the fields, we gather back at the cabin for breakfast. More rice. More beans. But at least today, the coffee is exceptional. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON2rmCSk-I/AAAAAAAAAKg/OhBkjjIbVRA/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON2rmCSk-I/AAAAAAAAAKg/OhBkjjIbVRA/s320/IMG_6127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a good thing that we have unlimited access to caffeine, because today is going to be a very long day. The agenda for the fair includes clinic time, educational sessions, and recreational activities for the children. But after eating, the crew seems energized for the day’s events, and by mid-morning, we have our supplies set up at the clinic. With a piñata overseeing the festivities, we are ready to go. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOOG-RtjyEI/AAAAAAAAALs/D0YwKGExrmc/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOOG-RtjyEI/AAAAAAAAALs/D0YwKGExrmc/s320/IMG_6484.JPG" width="226" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The community turns out in droves. Before long, there are kids running everywhere in the yard between the clinic and the school. Our translators, in testament to their amazing commitment to these secluded communities, change into ridiculous costumes to portray today’s educational topics. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON8x3-XzvI/AAAAAAAAALc/pFEJfVtTIj0/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON8x3-XzvI/AAAAAAAAALc/pFEJfVtTIj0/s320/IMG_6419.JPG" width="307" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s Juan as the Learn to Lead Lion on the right. Edgar, the Super Safety Dog, is on the left. Juan jokes with me later, “We were expecting Superman too, but he bailed on us.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The RMU team hits the ground running and doesn’t stop. For six hours, there is endless activity at all stations. Dr. Ross educates the men on common health issues…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON24V5BV6I/AAAAAAAAAKk/SUoTFhn6hiI/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON4svhDrII/AAAAAAAAAKw/deKgre_iGNs/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON4svhDrII/AAAAAAAAAKw/deKgre_iGNs/s320/IMG_6473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">…while inside, the DNP students staff the exam rooms, treating patients of all ages for ailments ranging from moles to macular degeneration.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON8LCk635I/AAAAAAAAALY/cGBTWNn5iUI/s1600/IMG_6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON8LCk635I/AAAAAAAAALY/cGBTWNn5iUI/s320/IMG_6383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The undergrads stay busy delivering presentations…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON5nl8zzJI/AAAAAAAAAK4/A36UBmQDy5s/s1600/IMG_6359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON5nl8zzJI/AAAAAAAAAK4/A36UBmQDy5s/s320/IMG_6359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">…and triaging patients on the veranda.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON6NF5qQaI/AAAAAAAAAK8/KcLKIFjokp8/s1600/IMG_6395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON6NF5qQaI/AAAAAAAAAK8/KcLKIFjokp8/s320/IMG_6395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, outside the clinic, the children’s boundless enthusiasm is so infectious, they threaten to run our young Olympian ragged in the yard with their cat-and-mouse games of chase.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON6XulwevI/AAAAAAAAALA/E9OsFelmclc/s1600/IMG_6210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON6XulwevI/AAAAAAAAALA/E9OsFelmclc/s320/IMG_6210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The lesson’s from today’s health fair are elementary in nature, but crucial in importance. We talk about handwashing. We demonstrate teeth brushing. We show the kids what stop-drop-and-roll is all about. In return, the lessons this isolated community teaches us are simple as well... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You’re never too old for Crayons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON68fpYDkI/AAAAAAAAALI/6IRKq8Nqvgc/s1600/IMG_6401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON68fpYDkI/AAAAAAAAALI/6IRKq8Nqvgc/s320/IMG_6401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Laughing is a great form of exercise.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON7breDaBI/AAAAAAAAALM/Kh3Qnd538Z4/s1600/IMG_6247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON7breDaBI/AAAAAAAAALM/Kh3Qnd538Z4/s320/IMG_6247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sack races are only won through teamwork.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON7xKKgcUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/lpNEFEV22i0/s1600/IMG_6302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON7xKKgcUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/lpNEFEV22i0/s320/IMG_6302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And most importantly, friendships come easy when you start them off with a smile….</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON77dBws1I/AAAAAAAAALU/_ksp5hzhQ8E/s1600/IMG_6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON77dBws1I/AAAAAAAAALU/_ksp5hzhQ8E/s320/IMG_6176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">….even if you're somewhere in the middle of nowhere.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON9HRF1s0I/AAAAAAAAALg/ygthUv46-Zg/s1600/IMG_6177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TON9HRF1s0I/AAAAAAAAALg/ygthUv46-Zg/s320/IMG_6177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-75403516011376992282010-11-16T02:28:00.000-05:002010-11-16T02:28:29.644-05:00Onward and Upward<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span>The group looked incredibly large from the start. Definitely too large for one van. When all of us started to arrive at Pittsburgh International on Thursday morning, I placed Mom in charge of getting the group photo. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOItB2e5RiI/AAAAAAAAAKI/8m017d5B4dk/s1600/IMG_5757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOItB2e5RiI/AAAAAAAAAKI/8m017d5B4dk/s320/IMG_5757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Afterward, as I picked up my bags to go, she wondered how we were all going to make it around down there. “You aren’t all going to driving around in the same van, are you?” The van she was referring to was the one provided to us by our sister university, UPOLI...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOInNRBn9dI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/RJOmRgpMX3M/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOInNRBn9dI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/RJOmRgpMX3M/s320/IMG_6235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>It's a large van, but the amount of personal space quickly shrinks when a dozen people pile in with their belongings. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Because a large portion of our time in Nicaragua is spent in transit, and smelling like we haven’t bathed in days, it's no surprise that some of the most memorable moments of the trip occur within that white van. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>But at any rate, Mom was right – this group was never going to fit in that one van. “I guess Doc got us a bigger vehicle,” I shrugged. “Like a school bus maybe.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Well, it wasn’t quite a school bus, but the van that greeted us at the Managua aeropuerto later that night was <i>definitely </i>an upgrade. In fact, it wasn’t really a van at all. It was this magnificent machine…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOInj39GXtI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Rv0ytqaoQyI/s1600/IMG_5799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOInj39GXtI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Rv0ytqaoQyI/s320/IMG_5799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
<span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>At first, I rubbed my eyes, convinced it was too good to be true. Was this for real? Could we really have a vehicle like this for our <i>entire </i>trip? Was it really the end of numb legs and endless commutes, inefficient AC and nonexistent personal space? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>It was indeed. MegaBus had arrived to save the day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>After spending several hours in it already, I can tell you with confidence that MegaBus has it all. Comfortable seating. Giant windows. Ice cold AC. Even in the back row, I can still extend my legs. We may not see the same level of crammed-in character building as in previous groups, but I certainly won’t be complaining about that. I got plenty of that on my first three trips.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> It doesn’t take long for everyone to settle into their particular spot amidst the rows of MegaBus. I’ve always been partial to the back row, and that’s where I end up sleeping through most of our first rides through the city. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOIoa_2eM4I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/V4htb-JIiCw/s1600/IMG_5895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOIoa_2eM4I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/V4htb-JIiCw/s320/IMG_5895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>My seatmates are so kind to document this event for me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>By midafternoon on Friday, we are settling in for our 3-hour trek into the mountains. Our destination is the El Quetzal coffee farm, where we will be spending the weekend putting on a health fair for the laborers of the farm, people who receive very little medical care. We're bound for the Madalgalpa region, where it isn’t the best idea to be driving through the countryside past sundown. Dr. Ross wanted us to be up to the plantation by nightfall. But true to Nicaragua form, we are nearly two hours behind schedule by the time we leave our hotel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>There are plenty of interesting sights to see from our seats on MegaBus. I had to chuckle catching this stern-looking fellow standing guard over some important person's car. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOIopfTJGiI/AAAAAAAAAKA/pP9eEQe7Aqk/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOIopfTJGiI/AAAAAAAAAKA/pP9eEQe7Aqk/s320/IMG_5898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>When I get home, I wonder if there would be any red tape involved in hiring an armed guard for my Mazda. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>Once outside the outskirts of Managua, the road opens up into long stretches of wilderness. The random scenes along the way float by in blurs, adding layer after layer of cultural mystique to the journey north. There’s a lone tombstone, decayed, listing to one side under the widespread limbs of a gnarled tree. A horse stands amidst a field of thick brush, seemingly left stray by its owner in the dying light. The sunset on the horizon takes shape with every passing mile. It’s one of the grandest I’ve ever seen in this country, much like that “caramel-colored” one Gary Allan describes in that song about chasing airplanes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOIpLMVKQ5I/AAAAAAAAAKE/rDo7qJtNOwI/s1600/IMG_5916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TOIpLMVKQ5I/AAAAAAAAAKE/rDo7qJtNOwI/s320/IMG_5916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>We are a van full of eager spirits, anxious to find out what awaits us up in those mountains. There is that sense of significance, that feeling that keeps you glued to your window, convinced the road you’re on will be one you’ll always remember riding. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>The sun finally slips below the hills. The darkness is complete now, with no light left but the occasional flicker of grass fires that smolder along the road. Our MegaBus climbs onward and upward, carrying us higher into the foothills, toward the shrouded mountain peaks and shaded coffee fields of the Madalgalpa. </span></div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-2070689021030788592010-11-15T01:50:00.001-05:002010-11-15T08:59:25.582-05:00The Olympian Among Us<div class="MsoNormal"><i>Who’s Brianne McLaughlin?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I skimmed over the list of names again. Our clinical group assignments for the 2009 spring semester had just been passed out, and we were all excited to look them over. I recognized most of the juniors on the list, but I couldn’t remember this one. I turned around to Ashlee McCafferty. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Hey, who’s Brianne McLaughlin? Do you know her?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Tall. Blonde hair. Sits toward the back. She’s one of the hockey girls, I think.” Another one of the girls added, "Yeah, but I don’t think she’s been here for class since we started.” One of the other girls piped up. “I heard something about her making the Olympic team? Not sure if that's true or not.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Seriously?” That's a pretty original excuse for missing class, if you asked me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More girls turned around.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Yeah, rumor is that she went to the Olympic tryouts and did really well, so she might not be coming back to school this semester.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As it turned out, the story wasn't an excuse and those rumors <i>were </i>true. Brianne McLaughlin had indeed made the Olympic team. After setting the NCAA record for most career saves by a female goalie (3,809 to be exact), Brianne had caught the eye of Olympic scouts over the summer. She survived several rigorous rounds of tryouts, and in the end, was selected to the final American team. Our shy classmate, a girl who usually sat in the back of our classes, was suddenly front and center and bound for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I, for one, was starstruck. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You see, I have a bit of an Olympics addiction. Okay, more honestly, I have a <i>huge </i>Olympics addiction. Growing up, I didn’t really have a favorite sport. But I <i>loved </i>the Olympics. Everything about those two weeks every two years grabbed my attention. I loved it all: the assembling of the world’s greatest athletes, the fierce love of country, the music, the flags, the medals. I loved the notion of our whole world taking a “time-out” from international affairs, calling a cease fire, and just playing some games. <i>What an ingenious idea! </i>I thought to myself. <i>Why don’t we do this more often?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One year when I was a kid, the theme of my school’s annual Christmas party was the Winter Olympics. We were all divided into “countries” and lined up to march into the gym for opening ceremonies to the tune of the infamous Olympic theme. Though I only possessed the athletic prowess of a hamster, my chest swelled with magnificent pride as I paraded into that gymnasium with my fellow compatriots. Over time, I did relinquish that Olympic dream in exchange for ones more pragmatic in nature. Then, out of nowhere, halfway through college, I found myself in the same nursing class as a real-life Olympic athlete! Once again, I was catching Olympic fever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the next six months, I lived my Olympic dream vicariously through Brianne. Though she and I barely knew each other prior to this, she was gracious enough to put up with my incessant curiosity about her preparation for the Games. On the day of the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver, I bragged to anyone who would listen that I had received a text message from one of those sharply-dressed American athletes making their way in to the arena. Brianne and the women's team played their hearts out during the tournament, taking second place to Canada and earning them each a shiny silver medal. Brianne was ecstatic. So was Robert Morris University. So was I! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When she returned home, Brianne handled her newfound fame so well. Not only did she share her medal with our class, but she brought her official jersey along for us to wear, too. For a few blissful moments last spring, I was as close to feeling like an Olympian as I’d ever be…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TODQrQQqsoI/AAAAAAAAAJY/BKz-0DRKhYY/s1600/IMG_5779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TODQrQQqsoI/AAAAAAAAAJY/BKz-0DRKhYY/s320/IMG_5779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span id="goog_935866736"></span><span id="goog_935866737"></span><span id="goog_935866738"></span><span id="goog_935866739"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dream accomplished. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Flash forward to November 11<sup>th</sup>....Brianne is back at school, finishing up her last year of nursing courses at RMU. Actually, at the moment this story is being penned, she's sitting right in front of me on a plane, somewhere over the Great Plains. Brianne and eight of her undergraduate classmates are officially on their way to Nicaragua, all of them for the first time. Their mission will be to bring nursing care to the barrios of Managua. My mission will be to capture them doing it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sentenced to the very last row of the aircraft, I've been enduring this flight much more than enjoying it. I was hoping to catch up on sleep on the plane to Nicaragua, but with the abundance of engine noise and lack of leg room, I've decided to strike up a conversation with the stranger on my left instead. His introduces himself as Jack McIntyre Jr., an oil field equipment salesman from Lafayette, Louisiana. I tell him that my father also travels the sales world. We move through several topics over the next half hour. It's his admission about being an avid hockey fan that makes me think of the Olympian among us. I lean toward Mr. McIntyre. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"See this girl sitting in front of me?" I whisper. He nods intently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"She played hockey in the last Winter Olympics for the United States." His eyes get wide. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"No sir!" he says in a thick Southern drawl. "Me and my wife <i>love</i> the Olympics! How do you know that girl?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I went to nursing school with her. Do you wanna see her medal?" I ask excitedly. Any excuse to spread some Olympic magic works for me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"She has a medal?!" the man exclaims. "Like....with her? Right now?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"She sure does.” I poke at the seat ahead of me. "Hey Bri, can we play with the medal back here?" She chuckles and nods, very accustomed to this request by now. The silver medal is handed back through the crack in the seat. I handle it reverently, passing it to Mr. McIntyre, who does the same. I can tell he is truly impressed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"It's amazing!" he says, shaking his head. "And so heavy!" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"I know!" I'm beaming with that pride, almost as much as if the medal belonged to me. It's that same feeling that all Pittsburghers feel when our boys bring home another Lombardi trophy or Stanley Cup. "So I bet you never expected to be sitting right behind a United States Olympian!"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Oh my goodness, my wife will never believe this," he laughs. He notices my camera at my feet. "Hey, will you take a photo and email it to me?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Absolutely! Hold it out for me. One, two, three..."</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TODTeQOfadI/AAAAAAAAAJg/i4M0sntEmiA/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TODTeQOfadI/AAAAAAAAAJg/i4M0sntEmiA/s320/IMG_5771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Click. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We've flown over a giant chunk of America’s fruited plains by now. Our connecting flight will take off from Houston. As the plane's wing dips down into Texas airspace, Mr. McIntyre hands me his business card and shakes my hand. "Well, the best of Louisiana luck to you and your group." Between Hurricane Katrina and the massive BP oil spill on their coast, I'm not sure that Louisiana’s luck is exactly what we need this coming week. But I shake his hand and smile just the same. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He takes one last look at the medal and hands it back to me. "And thank you for this. I seriously never thought I'd ever hold one of these!" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Neither did I. Thanks for dreaming big, Brianne.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now on to Nicaragua. Go USA.</div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7167576426033546576.post-70795482052793956122010-11-10T03:07:00.004-05:002010-11-10T03:22:18.978-05:00Back Again<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i>How to begin?</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">That nagging question flashes over and over in my mind, synchronized with the pace of the blinking cursor on the blank screen.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i>How to begin….how to begin…..how to begin….</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Well, I suppose I should begin by saying hello to all my readers out there. Thanks for stopping by. I hope this blog entry finds you all happy and well.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">At the moment, I’m sitting amidst a chaotic scene in my bedroom. My mother will tell you that this room is <i>always </i>a chaotic scene, but tonight, my surroundings have reached new depths of devastation. My fourth trip to Nicaragua looms on the horizon, and I am in the throws of preparation for another trip south. Once again, to my amazement, my passport hasn’t collected nearly as much dust as I always anticipated it would. Four trips to Nicaragua. Four stamps in the passport. In my mind’s eye, I can see many of my friends and family just shaking their heads.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><i>Four trips to Central America in fourteen months?</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">I know. I’m shaking my head too.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">So how <i>did </i>I end up in this wonderfully strange position? What in the world happened during those fourteen months to create all this commotion? That’s really an excellent question. So before I set out writing the next chapter of this crazy story, I think all of the new readers out there, and perhaps you veterans too, deserve a bit of a recap.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Don’t worry, the recap has illustrations. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">I remember being a junior in high school, wrestling with that big question mark that seemed to hover just beyond the exclamation point of graduation. Sometime over the course of that year, I developed this inspiration to become a family nurse practitioner. It had a lot to do with my best friend, Vernon, who was already a practicing FNP. <span class="Apple-style-span">It also had a lot to do with how cool I felt when I put a stethoscope around my neck for the first time. Though the cool factor eventually wore off, the interest in nursing stuck. Sure enough, in the fall of 2006, I had started down the road toward my Bachelor’s degree in nursing at Robert Morris University. To condense those four years down to a sentence, they were the most academically rigorous years of my life. Fortunately for me, I got to slug through them with a great class.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOuarC4inI/AAAAAAAAAHk/0yWGFXr3BLo/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOuarC4inI/AAAAAAAAAHk/0yWGFXr3BLo/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Here we are wearing those super cool stethoscopes. Yup, that’s me, up there in the back row. The lone male. People have asked me what it was like being the only guy in a class of all girls. I tell them to try and imagine having 24 sleep-deprived older sisters. As rough as that sounds, those girls looked out for me. Together, we managed to keep our heads above water through the 12 hour clinical days, 15 page patient report forms, and everything else that those four years threw at us. It pretty much goes without saying that we<span class="Apple-style-span"> are all faithful Starbucks patrons. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">During our senior year at RMU, twelve of us had the chance of a lifetime. We got to travel to a place none of us ever expected to go, a small country in Central America called Nicaragua. Before our trip, most of us wouldn’t have been able to pick out Nicaragua on a map if it bit us in the face. But all of us know where it is now. The Latin country sits about 1,700 miles southwest of Pitttsburgh. And it feels even farther.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">This is the point in the story where another popular question comes up. <i>So wh</i><i>at do RMU students do down there?</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Well…how much time do you have?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">To put it simply, we did more adventurous things in those ten days than most of us had done in our entire lives. We climbed volcanoes. We ziplined across lakes. We toured hospitals, cathedrals, and slums. We assessed whole communities, dressed wounds and educated families. We played with the children, prayed with the sick, and passed what supplies we had on to the less fortunate. We crossed the spectrum from laughter to tears more times than we cared to count.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOumVbEH4I/AAAAAAAAAHs/MitRXCRxIco/s1600/IMG_5866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOumVbEH4I/AAAAAAAAAHs/MitRXCRxIco/s320/IMG_5866.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Very simply, we had our hearts stolen. More life-changing than anything, we made friends.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">And the first friend I made was this kid named David.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOxpwAlVrI/AAAAAAAAAIA/6c8BmRmw0aM/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOxpwAlVrI/AAAAAAAAAIA/6c8BmRmw0aM/s320/IMG_1454.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Quite a smile, right?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">If you live in or around Pittsburgh, you may have seen a commercial on TV recently about David and I. If not, you can catch it right here...</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2faPQJBSGY">ChangeALife commercial: David's Trumpet</a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">But that television spot is just the nutshell version of the story. David and I became friends quickly, and good ones at that. He loved practicing his English, and he loved practicing his music even more. David didn’t know this at the time, but every night during my first trip, I had been writing about him and his homeland. Back home, those stories were beginning to be passed around campus. The tale of David’s stolen trumpet soon became a special mission for me and my nursing class. The commercial you see on the air doesn’t embellish any emotion – it really was a moment that we will all cherish forever. Such a simple thing to us. But it meant the world to him. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">Few moments in life are truly unforgettable. This one right here....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNpPGzXAeKI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rOoE_rRzDy4/s1600/IMG_2201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNpPGzXAeKI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rOoE_rRzDy4/s320/IMG_2201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
....this one was one of those moments.<span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Not long after that, my alma mater made a big gamble. Robert Morris University decided to produce and launch an advertising campaign that centered on the importance of student-led community service. By this time, word had gotten around about David's stolen trumpet, and it was decided that his story was the perfect example for the ChangeALife campaign. And suddenly, seemingly overnight, David and I were the new faces of Robert Morris University. For me, it meant a third trip to Managua, this time with a film crew charged with the task of capturing the repercussions of a simple short story I had written just one year before. The whole escapade was unlike any adventure that I ever dreamed I would be a part of.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOwTh0mIJI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ZTqA9w3H8k4/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOwTh0mIJI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ZTqA9w3H8k4/s320/IMG_9749.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">The ChangeALife campaign was launched in Pittsburgh media markets this past September. Television commercials, radio spots, website pages, even billboards…</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOwmsh40BI/AAAAAAAAAH4/D64UosBdJyA/s1600/RMU_Digital14%27X48%27_Faces-Nicaragua.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOwmsh40BI/AAAAAAAAAH4/D64UosBdJyA/s320/RMU_Digital14%27X48%27_Faces-Nicaragua.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">A few weeks ago, I stood underneath one of these gigantic billboards for the first time. As I looked up at my friend's contagious grin, I couldn't help thinking back to those late nights on my first trip when I sat in my room at the hotel, feverishly typing, trying to capture these moments in words, to describe David's homeland, this mysterious place called Nicaragua.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOw604ssZI/AAAAAAAAAH8/_7hocLd3aUU/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G3w-o5SmnmM/TNOw604ssZI/AAAAAAAAAH8/_7hocLd3aUU/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">I thought back to those nights, overwhelmed with that simple truth that I’ve witnessed again and again. Little pebbles make ripples. Ripples make waves. Waves make all the difference.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">With all of this said, I’m once again thrilled to be accompanying a group of Robert Morris nursing students to the barrios of Managua, Nicaragua. I’ve been asked by the nice folks at Robert Morris University to keep you all up to date with notes from the field, and I am pleased to do so. In fact, <i>Notes from the Field </i>sounds like just the right title.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">So check back soon for the next entry. Pass them along to your friends. I love the tales of this forgotten people. Their story changed my story, and it just might change yours too. I'm reminded of what Dr. Ross often tells his students. "It isn't always possible to cure. But it is <i>always </i>possible to care."<br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now it’s back to the chaotic mess for me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;">Tomorrow is going to be a big day.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="margin: 0px;">- David Lee Folk, RN</div><div><br />
</div></div>David Lee Folk, RN BSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654991070389253214noreply@blogger.com