Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I have never blogged before. I struggle enough sharing my inner most feelings with those that are closest to me so blogging terrifies me. I am not interested in writing for the sake of writing but to tell a story, paint a picture so those who read what I write have a sense of what I am experiencing. This may help explain why I am a terrible facebook friend and rarely email…or never email…I find that my words are clumsy and can misrepresent what I truly want to say. I want to capture how amazing this clinical experience has been for me but am afraid I will fall short. Although there have been many tears, I realize that my presence here has made a difference. A difference in the lives of patients, families and the nurses I have worked with. I have learnt so much about the human spirit and how resilient people can be. How much people can endure and still have hope. Hearing about HIV/AIDS in Africa is not comparable to seeing how it has torn apart families. Children should not be burying their parents and grandparents should not be burying their grandchildren.
HIV/AIDS is everywhere but poverty is what resonates within my soul. Poverty encompasses everything; it is the root of most problems as far as I can see.
Poverty is two boys sharing a pair of oversized sandals so they are able to jog with us down the road. Poverty is the 11 year girl down the street in the baby blue party dress that may have fit her two years ago that is so covered in dirt that I can’t imagine any amount of cleaning will ever return it to it’s original shade. Poverty is being unable to provide enough food for your family, having to bring your child to the hospital because they are so ill with malnutrition it is amazing they are still breathing. Poverty is the man who walks eight hours every two weeks to the feeding clinic to pick up four containers of formula for his 9-month-old twins. Poverty is a man hunched over a pothole, splashing handfuls of muddy rainwater over his naked body on the side of the road. Poverty is being unable to send your children to school because the school fees, books and uniforms are beyond your means. Poverty is here. It surrounds us. It overwhelms us. Despite what may appear to be a desperate situation, there is hope. Hope in the eyes of those we encounter and smiles that would melt your heart.
Pediatrics is my passion, yet the Lewanika Maternity Ward took my breath away. The strength of the women that come into the Maternity ward put me to shame. In the week I spent there I did not hear anything louder than a soft moan. There is no pain control whatsoever. It is not unusual to find a woman in the birthing room by herself minutes away from giving birth. I spent the week giving women back massages, cool cloths, words of encouragement, breathing with them, teaching them about caring for their babies. I delivered twins with Lana, which still brings tears to my eyes. I held the hand of a woman as she struggled to deliver her full term baby who would not be able to join us in this life. I fought back tears everyday and sometimes the pain and sadness was too much to contain. I sat on the floor of the hospital and cried with a woman who had just lost her 27 year old sister to AIDS, who lay motionless under the blanket, so thin you could hardly see her outline. I have learnt that touch transcends the spoken word and although we were unable to communicate verbally we were able to relate on different levels.
The room where patients have been referred to get testing is a small room with an old wooden desk. It is 0900 and there are people lined up waiting to be tested. We are out of reagent, which mean the tests cannot be done. I am left in the room to look around. The walls are covered in posters about family planning, condom use, encouragement about getting tested and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The registry of patients sits open on the bed behind the desk. A total from January reads out 76 tested, 5 non reactive. Five out of 76 tested negative. The odds aren’t great when people come in. The reagent was found after all and the first patient comes in, a child and their mother. The nurse is speaking in Lozi and slips into English to introduce me. I clearly have not mastered the local language so I sit in the room and watch for any non-verbal cues that will give me a clue as to what is going on. The child sits there as the nurse pricks their finger. Certain words- like CD4, HIV, AIDS stand out among the Lozi. There are no tears or smiles when the test is over so I must wait until the nurse informs me. The child is negative.
The hospital is not only short on supplies like the reagent, but medications, glucometers, blood pressure cuffs, staff, water, …the list could go on. These are basic supplies that hospitals require. Last week, as I was leaving the hospital, three physicians were standing outside the Administration Building in their lab coats, each with an x-ray held up to the sunlight. This is Africa. Where they may not have all the equipment that we take for granted but they make due with what they have and are extraordinarily innovative and adaptable.
I have met so many amazing people, people who have committed years of their lives to help those that are less fortunate; I only hope I am capable of such selflessness. They are so inspirational. I am also grateful to have traveled with such an amazing group, each with their own strengths and gifts. I have learnt, I have taught, I have laughed, I have cried, and most important, I have changed.
I will be back.
Lindsay Redl
HIV/AIDS is everywhere but poverty is what resonates within my soul. Poverty encompasses everything; it is the root of most problems as far as I can see.
Poverty is two boys sharing a pair of oversized sandals so they are able to jog with us down the road. Poverty is the 11 year girl down the street in the baby blue party dress that may have fit her two years ago that is so covered in dirt that I can’t imagine any amount of cleaning will ever return it to it’s original shade. Poverty is being unable to provide enough food for your family, having to bring your child to the hospital because they are so ill with malnutrition it is amazing they are still breathing. Poverty is the man who walks eight hours every two weeks to the feeding clinic to pick up four containers of formula for his 9-month-old twins. Poverty is a man hunched over a pothole, splashing handfuls of muddy rainwater over his naked body on the side of the road. Poverty is being unable to send your children to school because the school fees, books and uniforms are beyond your means. Poverty is here. It surrounds us. It overwhelms us. Despite what may appear to be a desperate situation, there is hope. Hope in the eyes of those we encounter and smiles that would melt your heart.
Pediatrics is my passion, yet the Lewanika Maternity Ward took my breath away. The strength of the women that come into the Maternity ward put me to shame. In the week I spent there I did not hear anything louder than a soft moan. There is no pain control whatsoever. It is not unusual to find a woman in the birthing room by herself minutes away from giving birth. I spent the week giving women back massages, cool cloths, words of encouragement, breathing with them, teaching them about caring for their babies. I delivered twins with Lana, which still brings tears to my eyes. I held the hand of a woman as she struggled to deliver her full term baby who would not be able to join us in this life. I fought back tears everyday and sometimes the pain and sadness was too much to contain. I sat on the floor of the hospital and cried with a woman who had just lost her 27 year old sister to AIDS, who lay motionless under the blanket, so thin you could hardly see her outline. I have learnt that touch transcends the spoken word and although we were unable to communicate verbally we were able to relate on different levels.
The room where patients have been referred to get testing is a small room with an old wooden desk. It is 0900 and there are people lined up waiting to be tested. We are out of reagent, which mean the tests cannot be done. I am left in the room to look around. The walls are covered in posters about family planning, condom use, encouragement about getting tested and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The registry of patients sits open on the bed behind the desk. A total from January reads out 76 tested, 5 non reactive. Five out of 76 tested negative. The odds aren’t great when people come in. The reagent was found after all and the first patient comes in, a child and their mother. The nurse is speaking in Lozi and slips into English to introduce me. I clearly have not mastered the local language so I sit in the room and watch for any non-verbal cues that will give me a clue as to what is going on. The child sits there as the nurse pricks their finger. Certain words- like CD4, HIV, AIDS stand out among the Lozi. There are no tears or smiles when the test is over so I must wait until the nurse informs me. The child is negative.
The hospital is not only short on supplies like the reagent, but medications, glucometers, blood pressure cuffs, staff, water, …the list could go on. These are basic supplies that hospitals require. Last week, as I was leaving the hospital, three physicians were standing outside the Administration Building in their lab coats, each with an x-ray held up to the sunlight. This is Africa. Where they may not have all the equipment that we take for granted but they make due with what they have and are extraordinarily innovative and adaptable.
I have met so many amazing people, people who have committed years of their lives to help those that are less fortunate; I only hope I am capable of such selflessness. They are so inspirational. I am also grateful to have traveled with such an amazing group, each with their own strengths and gifts. I have learnt, I have taught, I have laughed, I have cried, and most important, I have changed.
I will be back.
Lindsay Redl
Monday, March 8, 2010
My Zambian Experience So Far....
Well, where do I start? I know I cannot possible put into words how amazing and life-changing this trip has been for me but I feel inspired and in a sense obligated to share my story with all of our friends and family members who have been travelling with us on this journey.
I have to be honest; when I first arrived in Mongu (our current home) I was overwhelmed and completely terrified! I was raised in a small town and have barely experienced ‘city life’. Up until this trip my idea of travelling was an all-inclusive trip to Mexico! So, an adventure into the heart and soul of Southern Africa was quite an adjustment. I would compare the experience as something like spending five hours in a hot sauna and then proceeding to do a polar bear dip into the Arctic Ocean... hint- it’s a bit of a shock! However, after spending five weeks in Zambia I can honestly say I do not know how I will be able to leave this place. The things that initially terrified me, I have now grown to love.
Some things I love about Africa:
I have met some of the most generous, caring, thoughtful, compassionate, and friendly people in the Western Province of Zambia. I have cultivated relationships that I will cherish forever. Every day I am warmly greeted with bright smiles and cheerful expressions. I had no idea how extensively the people of Mongu have valued our presence here! Everyone shows such respect and appreciation towards us – it is an extremely humbling feeling.
The landscape is incomparable to anything I have ever seen. We live right near beautiful and vast floodplains and the sunsets that highlight the plains can truly take your breath away. A medley of oranges, yellows, pinks and blues canvas the endless sky. For all those astronomers out there – come to Africa if you want to see how amazing the night sky can be. I had no idea so many stars existed! The Milky Way and Orion’s Belt are so profound, once again words cannot describe.
Song and dance are as essential to Zambian life as air and water. Both are integrated into a child’s life from a very young age. It is no wonder it seems as though every person here has an innate ability to sing and dance brilliantly. I used to think I had some pretty good moves on the dance floor... I now realize that my so-called talent pales in comparison to the people of Zambia. My friends have suffered as they have watched me try and groove with the locals. For the first little while, I thought I was doing a pretty good job- until I realized that the pointing and laughing usually started when I hit the dance floor!
Zambian artwork is another part of the culture that I have grown to love and appreciate. It’s easy to overlook a simple basket made out of straw. However, if you look closely you will see how intricate the details of a hand-woven basket can be. I imagine it takes not only an enormous amount of patience but also an ability to navigate the finest muscles of the hand to be able to craft such a simple yet beautiful piece of artistry. I also greatly enjoy the African paintings... maybe a little too much as they have certainly done a number on my bank account! Artists use radiant colour schemes which perfectly capture the Zambian culture (especially the landscapes!). I am so eager to share the artwork I have found with my friends and family back home.
A Final Note
Although Zambia has so many issues like poverty, widespread disease and other detrimental determinants of health... I can only think of it in a positive light. I have seen some of the most horrible things here, yet these things have not impacted my overall love and affection for Africa. It will always have a special place in my heart. I wish so badly my family and friends could be here to experience what I have had the privilege of experiencing. I will be forever grateful to those who made it possible for me to come here. Zambia has taught me so many things in just a few short weeks. Undoubtedly, the experience has changed me for the better and I will never forget it!
Jamie
I have to be honest; when I first arrived in Mongu (our current home) I was overwhelmed and completely terrified! I was raised in a small town and have barely experienced ‘city life’. Up until this trip my idea of travelling was an all-inclusive trip to Mexico! So, an adventure into the heart and soul of Southern Africa was quite an adjustment. I would compare the experience as something like spending five hours in a hot sauna and then proceeding to do a polar bear dip into the Arctic Ocean... hint- it’s a bit of a shock! However, after spending five weeks in Zambia I can honestly say I do not know how I will be able to leave this place. The things that initially terrified me, I have now grown to love.
Some things I love about Africa:
I have met some of the most generous, caring, thoughtful, compassionate, and friendly people in the Western Province of Zambia. I have cultivated relationships that I will cherish forever. Every day I am warmly greeted with bright smiles and cheerful expressions. I had no idea how extensively the people of Mongu have valued our presence here! Everyone shows such respect and appreciation towards us – it is an extremely humbling feeling.
The landscape is incomparable to anything I have ever seen. We live right near beautiful and vast floodplains and the sunsets that highlight the plains can truly take your breath away. A medley of oranges, yellows, pinks and blues canvas the endless sky. For all those astronomers out there – come to Africa if you want to see how amazing the night sky can be. I had no idea so many stars existed! The Milky Way and Orion’s Belt are so profound, once again words cannot describe.
Song and dance are as essential to Zambian life as air and water. Both are integrated into a child’s life from a very young age. It is no wonder it seems as though every person here has an innate ability to sing and dance brilliantly. I used to think I had some pretty good moves on the dance floor... I now realize that my so-called talent pales in comparison to the people of Zambia. My friends have suffered as they have watched me try and groove with the locals. For the first little while, I thought I was doing a pretty good job- until I realized that the pointing and laughing usually started when I hit the dance floor!
Zambian artwork is another part of the culture that I have grown to love and appreciate. It’s easy to overlook a simple basket made out of straw. However, if you look closely you will see how intricate the details of a hand-woven basket can be. I imagine it takes not only an enormous amount of patience but also an ability to navigate the finest muscles of the hand to be able to craft such a simple yet beautiful piece of artistry. I also greatly enjoy the African paintings... maybe a little too much as they have certainly done a number on my bank account! Artists use radiant colour schemes which perfectly capture the Zambian culture (especially the landscapes!). I am so eager to share the artwork I have found with my friends and family back home.
A Final Note
Although Zambia has so many issues like poverty, widespread disease and other detrimental determinants of health... I can only think of it in a positive light. I have seen some of the most horrible things here, yet these things have not impacted my overall love and affection for Africa. It will always have a special place in my heart. I wish so badly my family and friends could be here to experience what I have had the privilege of experiencing. I will be forever grateful to those who made it possible for me to come here. Zambia has taught me so many things in just a few short weeks. Undoubtedly, the experience has changed me for the better and I will never forget it!
Jamie
A Time for Good-Byes...
Hello fellow bloggers, travellers and followers. It is now the end of our trip and an amazing experience. I feel that there are few words to describe the tremendous amount of knowledge I have learned and how much I have changed. I ended my experience on the maternity ward of which I have very little experience. The midwives, students and doctors were so welcoming to me. The teaching done was amazing to help me to feel more comfortable on the ward. I experienced my very first birth and it was so amazing to go through something like that and share that with the mothers. The feeling of being a part of a new life is so wonderful. The mothers are so excited to share with you their new baby and for you to hold them. To top of my experience it was my birthday and I couldn’t have asked for a better present, to see a brand new baby.
I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of the nurses there and my fellow students. It was such an amazing experience that I really wanted to be able to help out with one and be a part of a mothers life changing event. The next day (Wednesday March 3rd) a mother was in labour and with twins, something that I was very excited that I could potentially be a part of. Another student that I was working with was also with me. Lindsay delivered the first baby and then we switched spots and I was able to deliver the second baby. It was an absolutely speechless event to see that baby take its first breathe and hear her cry. The joy that I felt to hold that baby, weight it and wrap it was beautiful. I sat with the mother after the birth for only 5 mins and gave both her baby girls baby toques from Canada.
Overall, my experience has been absolutely wonderful I couldn’t have asked for anything more. The other students that I have worked with have been an amazing support system as well as the 3 leaders of our group. The friends I have met here are ones that I will never forget as well as the experiences they have shared with us. Thanks to all of those who followed our blog, supported us in the hospital and share the experiences with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Take care and see you all soon,
Lana
I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of the nurses there and my fellow students. It was such an amazing experience that I really wanted to be able to help out with one and be a part of a mothers life changing event. The next day (Wednesday March 3rd) a mother was in labour and with twins, something that I was very excited that I could potentially be a part of. Another student that I was working with was also with me. Lindsay delivered the first baby and then we switched spots and I was able to deliver the second baby. It was an absolutely speechless event to see that baby take its first breathe and hear her cry. The joy that I felt to hold that baby, weight it and wrap it was beautiful. I sat with the mother after the birth for only 5 mins and gave both her baby girls baby toques from Canada.
Overall, my experience has been absolutely wonderful I couldn’t have asked for anything more. The other students that I have worked with have been an amazing support system as well as the 3 leaders of our group. The friends I have met here are ones that I will never forget as well as the experiences they have shared with us. Thanks to all of those who followed our blog, supported us in the hospital and share the experiences with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Take care and see you all soon,
Lana
Abstract ART
The moments that have surprised me the most have been some of the hardest to explain and reflect upon. These interactions seem so simple and ordinary when you skim the surface, but if you just stop for the slightest of a second to think beyond the task at hand, pause to peer into the life of the individual before you, your world as you know it screeches to an alarming halt. In these moments my life seems so trivial and undeniably selfish. A pang of guilt creeps in and my heart screams in question, “WHY, WHY, WHY”!? Why have I been so lucky? Does every individual not deserve the reassurance that they will have food on the table for their family each day, that the drinking water will not make them devastatingly ill, or that they will live long enough to celebrate their 13th birthday.
During our last week at Lewanika General Hospital I was fortunate enough to spend time in the ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) clinic. The ART clinic is where individuals from Mongu and the surrounding communities come for HIV counseling, routine check-ups, CD4 counts, and medication alterations etc. The clinic is open Monday through Friday and each day at precisely 8:00 a.m. the crowd of approximately 250 rush in, each person scrambling to be first in line.
It is difficult to come face to face with so many people affected by HIV/AIDS at one time. To avoid the impact that HIV has on this world, more specifically southern sub-Sahara Africa, is beyond impossible. Looking into a child’s eyes and knowing whole-heartedly that they will not live long enough to see adulthood is one of the most helpless feelings I’ve ever experienced.
A moment that took me by surprise and literally knocked the wind right out of me happened while I was weighing a middle-aged man that had already been diagnosed with HIV for a few years now. He came in for a routine check-up and I was taking his vital signs before his assessment with the Clinical Officers. He wore an orange collared shirt, which was smudged with dirt, and a pair of dark dress pants, fraying around the ankles. His black dress shoes were unpolished and looked as though they had been to the top of Mount Everest and back. His face looked sunken and tired and he carried a slender tattered leather brief case, which held only his hospital patient record. The man removed his shoes to mount the scale; his body shook as he stood there and as I looked down at his feet I couldn’t help but notice the large holes in both his socks, exposing both his big toes and three others on each foot. I could tell that this man had dressed in his best to come to the hospital that day, my heart began to wrench and my eyes welled up with tears. I put my head down to catch my breath.
I will never be able to fully understand the reality of the situation here in Mongu or else where in this world for that matter because I am not personally living with the disease. Just to bear a glimpse of someone’s life who is living here with HIV was enough to leave me speechless. The complexity and severity of HIV as well as the multiple co-morbidities and poverty that plague Africa make living with HIV/AIDS incredibly difficult and at times impossible. HIV has left thousands upon thousands of children without families, grandparents are looking after grandchildren and siblings are looking after younger brothers and sisters, those of whom are also fighting to take care of themselves.
This experience has opened my eyes to pain and suffering well beyond my comprehension. The interest I hold in the fight against HIV has been officially sparked; I hope to be a positive agent in the care and reduction of stigma for individuals living with HIV/AIDS for as long as this disease is taking the lives of people on this earth.
Elizabeth
During our last week at Lewanika General Hospital I was fortunate enough to spend time in the ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) clinic. The ART clinic is where individuals from Mongu and the surrounding communities come for HIV counseling, routine check-ups, CD4 counts, and medication alterations etc. The clinic is open Monday through Friday and each day at precisely 8:00 a.m. the crowd of approximately 250 rush in, each person scrambling to be first in line.
It is difficult to come face to face with so many people affected by HIV/AIDS at one time. To avoid the impact that HIV has on this world, more specifically southern sub-Sahara Africa, is beyond impossible. Looking into a child’s eyes and knowing whole-heartedly that they will not live long enough to see adulthood is one of the most helpless feelings I’ve ever experienced.
A moment that took me by surprise and literally knocked the wind right out of me happened while I was weighing a middle-aged man that had already been diagnosed with HIV for a few years now. He came in for a routine check-up and I was taking his vital signs before his assessment with the Clinical Officers. He wore an orange collared shirt, which was smudged with dirt, and a pair of dark dress pants, fraying around the ankles. His black dress shoes were unpolished and looked as though they had been to the top of Mount Everest and back. His face looked sunken and tired and he carried a slender tattered leather brief case, which held only his hospital patient record. The man removed his shoes to mount the scale; his body shook as he stood there and as I looked down at his feet I couldn’t help but notice the large holes in both his socks, exposing both his big toes and three others on each foot. I could tell that this man had dressed in his best to come to the hospital that day, my heart began to wrench and my eyes welled up with tears. I put my head down to catch my breath.
I will never be able to fully understand the reality of the situation here in Mongu or else where in this world for that matter because I am not personally living with the disease. Just to bear a glimpse of someone’s life who is living here with HIV was enough to leave me speechless. The complexity and severity of HIV as well as the multiple co-morbidities and poverty that plague Africa make living with HIV/AIDS incredibly difficult and at times impossible. HIV has left thousands upon thousands of children without families, grandparents are looking after grandchildren and siblings are looking after younger brothers and sisters, those of whom are also fighting to take care of themselves.
This experience has opened my eyes to pain and suffering well beyond my comprehension. The interest I hold in the fight against HIV has been officially sparked; I hope to be a positive agent in the care and reduction of stigma for individuals living with HIV/AIDS for as long as this disease is taking the lives of people on this earth.
Elizabeth
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Blessings in Disguise
As our four weeks at Lewanika Hospital have come to an end, we now have some time to reflect on what we’ve seen and what we’ve been a part of. As I look back, I remember the many surreal moments that will forever be embedded in my mind.
-Taking a break from doing vital signs all morning in the Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic just to look around and realize you are in a room of 250 men, women and children, all of who are HIV positive.
-Restraining a 2year old child that is not much larger than a newborn so a much needed IV can be inserted in his neck. Being fully aware that the efforts to save the child from cerebral malaria may render useless as the child is already to weak to cry.
-Becoming so overwhelmed by another’s suffering, you’re unable to hold back tears at her bedside.
And although these moments induced some great horror and sadness, each one has also been accompanied with learning, laughter and hope.
-Almost all of those 250 people greeted us warmly and they were grateful to be there so they could receive treatment that could extend their lives for many years.
-Although that small boy was too weak to cry, he has not too weak to smile. And even during the IV insertion he managed to look up and bless us with a smirk that can never be mimicked.
-Even with the difficulties of language barriers and cultural differences, nothing shows sincere empathy like tears. And the ability to communicate that so clearly to a patient is a gift.
I am proud of the work that my fellow students and I have done here. We are making an impact on the lives of the patients and on the learning of the nurses. In return they have also blessed us with some of their knowledge and expertise.
What I am most grateful for is to have been privileged enough to hold someone’s hand as they experience the most terrifying moments of their lives. Not many people have participated in something as fulfilling and amazing as that. I will never be the same person, nor the same nurse.
Vanessa
-Taking a break from doing vital signs all morning in the Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic just to look around and realize you are in a room of 250 men, women and children, all of who are HIV positive.
-Restraining a 2year old child that is not much larger than a newborn so a much needed IV can be inserted in his neck. Being fully aware that the efforts to save the child from cerebral malaria may render useless as the child is already to weak to cry.
-Becoming so overwhelmed by another’s suffering, you’re unable to hold back tears at her bedside.
And although these moments induced some great horror and sadness, each one has also been accompanied with learning, laughter and hope.
-Almost all of those 250 people greeted us warmly and they were grateful to be there so they could receive treatment that could extend their lives for many years.
-Although that small boy was too weak to cry, he has not too weak to smile. And even during the IV insertion he managed to look up and bless us with a smirk that can never be mimicked.
-Even with the difficulties of language barriers and cultural differences, nothing shows sincere empathy like tears. And the ability to communicate that so clearly to a patient is a gift.
I am proud of the work that my fellow students and I have done here. We are making an impact on the lives of the patients and on the learning of the nurses. In return they have also blessed us with some of their knowledge and expertise.
What I am most grateful for is to have been privileged enough to hold someone’s hand as they experience the most terrifying moments of their lives. Not many people have participated in something as fulfilling and amazing as that. I will never be the same person, nor the same nurse.
Vanessa
The Impact of Zambian Maternal Nursing
As we carry on with our Lewanika Hospital rotations I have found myself within the maternity unit. I was privileged with the opportunity to work in maternity this summer and therefore felt I had had some experience under my belt. Canadian maternal nursing I am familiar with, Zambian I am not.
The environment within the ward is a complete transition. Women labour in a two-bed room, lying on top of a plastic sheet. Technology is absent from this room and therefore the usual sound of the fetal heartbeat or a call bell is replaced by silence with the occasional deep breath or moan. The mother must provide linens, pads and diapers, and for one premature mother this meant scrounging up a pillowcase to wrap her newborn in. Epidurals and Demerol are not an option; in fact there is no form of analgesia provided to these mothers. With all of this into consideration, I have witnessed 5 births in two days and they have been some of the most peaceful experiences of my life! Although cesarean sections are an option, they are rarely employed and therefore mothers must be confident in their god given ability to give birth.
I feel as if in Canada women have forgotten about this ability. Planned cesarean sections and requested epidurals are frequently seen within our hospitals. Women rely on doctors to deliver their children, lacking confidence in their body’s ability to take control. I am not denying that these interventions are necessary and required at times but through my experiences here I have regained faith in our ability to give birth without these inventions.
Lots of love sent out to all my family and friends following this blog,
-Kirsten LeDuke
The environment within the ward is a complete transition. Women labour in a two-bed room, lying on top of a plastic sheet. Technology is absent from this room and therefore the usual sound of the fetal heartbeat or a call bell is replaced by silence with the occasional deep breath or moan. The mother must provide linens, pads and diapers, and for one premature mother this meant scrounging up a pillowcase to wrap her newborn in. Epidurals and Demerol are not an option; in fact there is no form of analgesia provided to these mothers. With all of this into consideration, I have witnessed 5 births in two days and they have been some of the most peaceful experiences of my life! Although cesarean sections are an option, they are rarely employed and therefore mothers must be confident in their god given ability to give birth.
I feel as if in Canada women have forgotten about this ability. Planned cesarean sections and requested epidurals are frequently seen within our hospitals. Women rely on doctors to deliver their children, lacking confidence in their body’s ability to take control. I am not denying that these interventions are necessary and required at times but through my experiences here I have regained faith in our ability to give birth without these inventions.
Lots of love sent out to all my family and friends following this blog,
-Kirsten LeDuke
It is Almost Time to Leave Mongu
It is almost time to leave Mongu and as always it is busy. So many hands to shake, thank you to give, so many see you laters.
I am going to continue my very excellent adventure in Livingstone and maybe Botswana, and so I will not blog further.
I want you all to know that we all have struggled to deal with this experience. We have had ups and downs, laughs and tears, homesickness and moments of joy and I think none of us regrets any of it. These are some very fine women, and those of you who love them should be so proud of them. The hospital will miss the smiles, the questions, the laughter and the energy. I am so privileged to be part of this experience and I thank all of them for teaching me things I needed to learn.
I have one last picture that stays with me at the moment.
A baby on the back. I sit beside them and watch her expertly tuck the holding cloth around the baby as she switches him to the front and closes his jacket. She unconsciously sways as she switches him back...like mothers all over the world, a gentle shifting back and forth. She watches the children swinging, playing soccer and shrieking with laughter as they play with the nursing students. I offer to hold the baby, but he is shy and draws closer to her. She switches him around again and wipes his nose and tries to rock him to sleep. She expertly fixes him to her back and resumes rocking and watching. She smiles wistfully. She is 10.
Oh Africa, childhood can be short.
We are so privileged. Love to you all,
Fay
A Post Script from the edge of the Zambian Sky
On our last day...Lana came to see our old man and he gathered all of his 4 month old, 5 pound body and he smiled!!! His Grandma said it was the first time...and then, as if he discovered how good it felt, he continued to gleep at us all...his small serious face transformed...his eyes smiling, his whole body smiling. Now that is the way to end our stay. Oh Africa.
Children's Ward: Week 4
Our old man has fat cheeks! His Grandmother shows us pictures of her three daughters. Two of them have died in the last two years of HIV. She tells me that Old Man’s mom died two weeks after he was born. She wants me to see her daughter as she was when she was well. I sit beside her and admire the pictures and we hold on to each other. There are no words.
I give old man a toque knitted by a Grandmother in Kelowna. He looks adorable and has stopped looking quite so worried.
Our small finger pointer is better, but we find out she is HIV positive. We are all saddened, but she looks better and we gift her a smashing red velvet dress with red net flounces and she leaves the ward in style after a photo op with our students. We have all fallen in love with her.
We have two new cases of severe malnutrition...a five year old who looks 2 and a small girl who has a huge swollen abdomen, looks like she is 4, but is 10. She has a parasite that has damaged her liver permanently, and she is HIV positive. As Sam says, climbing a mountain is hard, but for her, it will be like climbing a mountain in a wheel chair. She loves the students and dispenses hugs all round.
Then there is Houdini...2 years old, in stripped sleeper with green pants over top. Also sports lime green flip flops which he “borrowed” from his neighbour. Any chance he gets he heads for the hills, chortling with glee as Mom and I give chase. He is lucky; he has an abscess which is so curable. He and I have the same dance style and occasional we entertain with a few chosen steps. Always leave them begging for more is our motto!
More good news. My boyfriend, Mr. Grumpy pants is not HIV positive. Sadly, he has forsaken me for the younger women, and dances with Lindsay C. and Jamie. His smiles are like gold.
We have a huge group of kids who are here to see a visiting orthopaedic surgeon. They have club feet, broken limbs, deformities of limbs and all hope for corrective surgery.
We also have several broken bones, bone infections, an eye injury, 2 kids who need circumcision, and 2 more burns.
We laugh, we cry and sometimes we pray. It is a hard place to grow up.
We are sad to be leaving...we finally are beginning to feel useful and we have made friends here. Each time in Africa I leave a piece of my heart. And these beautiful children...just like anywhere, their parents want the best and they just want to be kids.
Hug the next kid you see, and when I get home, I’ll teach you a few dance steps from Houdini and me,
I am a Dancing fool,
Fay
Childen's Ward: Week 3
One small baby girl raises her index finger and gravely points at my white face. She is dressed in a pink pinafore and red dress and solemnly follows my face as I try for a smile. There are no smiles today, smiles take energy! The Doctor gently explains that her wrinkled skin is “where the baby used to fit” in other words she is malnourished. As we examine her, her mother suddenly breaks down crying. This is so unusual, as the women are so silent and strong. Imagine not being able to feed your baby enough to keep her thriving. The mother shows courage in bringing her baby for care. We can offer momentary support and food and hope for better times for the family.
A grandmother greets me with a smile as I perch beside her. Her grandson is 4 months old, weighs 5 pounds and looks like he is 100 years old. He looks at me with old eyes, not even crying when we start an IV. I suddenly find tears filling my eyes. What kind of world has he experienced in his 4 months that would make him feel that crying is a waste of energy? Grandma and I share a look and I suddenly find tears rolling out the corners of my eyes. I pretend I have a cold and excuse myself to blow my nose and compose myself.
My grumpy pants 4 year old boyfriend (sorry Jo) who has been with us for 3 weeks and has not been won over by my scintillating personality, finally smiles! He has been treated for Malnutrition and TB and finally is turning the corner. Good to win some!
The little girl ( burns on chest and thighs) who has been painful and cranky...we round the corner and she is sitting up, eating a piece of bread the size of her head and grinning at us. Again, the smiles of all staff and parents say it all.
One of the nurses tells me that they missed us yesterday...they say it is so much more fun when we are there! The sweetest of praise is to be missed.
The play therapy toy box causes a stir and the kids hug each toy. It is hard to convince them that they can get them back tomorrow. The ward staff is amazed and delighted with the notion of play.
I close with a reminder to hug your kids and count your blessings. We feel blessed to be part of this hospital and the lives of our Zambian friends.
Love to you all. Fay
A grandmother greets me with a smile as I perch beside her. Her grandson is 4 months old, weighs 5 pounds and looks like he is 100 years old. He looks at me with old eyes, not even crying when we start an IV. I suddenly find tears filling my eyes. What kind of world has he experienced in his 4 months that would make him feel that crying is a waste of energy? Grandma and I share a look and I suddenly find tears rolling out the corners of my eyes. I pretend I have a cold and excuse myself to blow my nose and compose myself.
My grumpy pants 4 year old boyfriend (sorry Jo) who has been with us for 3 weeks and has not been won over by my scintillating personality, finally smiles! He has been treated for Malnutrition and TB and finally is turning the corner. Good to win some!
The little girl ( burns on chest and thighs) who has been painful and cranky...we round the corner and she is sitting up, eating a piece of bread the size of her head and grinning at us. Again, the smiles of all staff and parents say it all.
One of the nurses tells me that they missed us yesterday...they say it is so much more fun when we are there! The sweetest of praise is to be missed.
The play therapy toy box causes a stir and the kids hug each toy. It is hard to convince them that they can get them back tomorrow. The ward staff is amazed and delighted with the notion of play.
I close with a reminder to hug your kids and count your blessings. We feel blessed to be part of this hospital and the lives of our Zambian friends.
Love to you all. Fay
Things That Go Bump in the Night...or any other time!
·Small tree frogs with tiny delicate fingers and suction cup pads that sneak through doors and windows and cause screaming and shuffling and the call for gloves and a little help from friends.
·Thunderous, rolling, bed shaking claps of thunder that cause sitting straight up in bed, bewildered and shaking
·Large clicking beetles that look like they could carry a small child on their back( see small tree frogs for reaction)
·Barking dogs ...the guard tells us that all Mongu dogs are in heat at the moment. And apparently ours are no exception. I do think they are related, so we are slightly disapproving.
·Small and not so small flying ants that come like a plague of locus and disappear as quickly( see frogs for general reaction)
·Thumps of people jumping on furniture when any of the above happens!
·Shrieks of laughter when any of above occurs.
·Honking of horns when the bus, taxi, min bus arrives at the gate
·Sweet reedy singing voice of Mobebo, our guard as he works in the porch.
·Wailing of the women who are burying their dead
·The call of a wayward rooster who obviously does not wear a watch.
·Distant drumming
·Sunday morning praise singing
·Curses from those of us who try to exit our bed whilst becoming entangled in the mosquito net.
So it goes in Zambia. Hope all of you are sleeping well. Love to all and to all a good night,
Fay
·Thunderous, rolling, bed shaking claps of thunder that cause sitting straight up in bed, bewildered and shaking
·Large clicking beetles that look like they could carry a small child on their back( see small tree frogs for reaction)
·Barking dogs ...the guard tells us that all Mongu dogs are in heat at the moment. And apparently ours are no exception. I do think they are related, so we are slightly disapproving.
·Small and not so small flying ants that come like a plague of locus and disappear as quickly( see frogs for general reaction)
·Thumps of people jumping on furniture when any of the above happens!
·Shrieks of laughter when any of above occurs.
·Honking of horns when the bus, taxi, min bus arrives at the gate
·Sweet reedy singing voice of Mobebo, our guard as he works in the porch.
·Wailing of the women who are burying their dead
·The call of a wayward rooster who obviously does not wear a watch.
·Distant drumming
·Sunday morning praise singing
·Curses from those of us who try to exit our bed whilst becoming entangled in the mosquito net.
So it goes in Zambia. Hope all of you are sleeping well. Love to all and to all a good night,
Fay
Where All the Lights Are Bright
Mongu has a wonderful main street...at least I think it is the main street. Tarmac with sand on both sides.
Small adobe type stores, blue, pink, ochre and white; signage announcing their wares. Pep( a very small version of Woolworths), Dry Goods and Stationary...sells neither!, Mongue Shopping Center...sells green and red satin slips, African dresses, calculators, face cream, toothbrushes, batteries, random jewellery( I buy two pieces; we were looking for paper!), two things of eye makeup and assorted wonderful necessary items. The proprietor has a soft smile and asks us what we do, how long we are here and how we like Mongu. When we answer we love it his smile broadens and he says Praise God. I digress...
More random stores, some selling groceries, one selling shoes, live chickens and ice. Zambeef selling, what else, beef. People sit out front and stare at the white women. I sometimes feel like we are in a parade and I am the featured float. All interest is friendly, and I shall be quite disappointed when I get home and no one greets me or stares at me.
My favourite store front reads Real Last Judgement Barber.
The hardware might sell furniture and clothes and the clothing stores also carry ladies face cream, assorted tools and some dishes.
Many blue and white minibuses on the main street. Conductors calling out their destinations and the cost of the ride. “ Shop Rite, 2.5 “ and we load on. Always an adventure to ride...again everyone talks and visits and asks about our stay and blesses us.
Finally we come to the paper store, well really it is a grocery, but they sell paper, markers and they can get us flip charts. Off goes a person who returns in 5 minutes with the needed goods. By the time they return, we have shared stories, exchanged phone numbers and acquired a congenial but quite drunk guide who carries our wares to the taxi. Who needs the bright lights and big cities!
Ah Mongu. We love you.
Good shopping all, I’ll bring you some Mongu jewels and I send my love,
Fay
Small adobe type stores, blue, pink, ochre and white; signage announcing their wares. Pep( a very small version of Woolworths), Dry Goods and Stationary...sells neither!, Mongue Shopping Center...sells green and red satin slips, African dresses, calculators, face cream, toothbrushes, batteries, random jewellery( I buy two pieces; we were looking for paper!), two things of eye makeup and assorted wonderful necessary items. The proprietor has a soft smile and asks us what we do, how long we are here and how we like Mongu. When we answer we love it his smile broadens and he says Praise God. I digress...
More random stores, some selling groceries, one selling shoes, live chickens and ice. Zambeef selling, what else, beef. People sit out front and stare at the white women. I sometimes feel like we are in a parade and I am the featured float. All interest is friendly, and I shall be quite disappointed when I get home and no one greets me or stares at me.
My favourite store front reads Real Last Judgement Barber.
The hardware might sell furniture and clothes and the clothing stores also carry ladies face cream, assorted tools and some dishes.
Many blue and white minibuses on the main street. Conductors calling out their destinations and the cost of the ride. “ Shop Rite, 2.5 “ and we load on. Always an adventure to ride...again everyone talks and visits and asks about our stay and blesses us.
Finally we come to the paper store, well really it is a grocery, but they sell paper, markers and they can get us flip charts. Off goes a person who returns in 5 minutes with the needed goods. By the time they return, we have shared stories, exchanged phone numbers and acquired a congenial but quite drunk guide who carries our wares to the taxi. Who needs the bright lights and big cities!
Ah Mongu. We love you.
Good shopping all, I’ll bring you some Mongu jewels and I send my love,
Fay
African Skies
·Fire in the setting sun, reflected on the flood plain, reflected on the other side of the sky, pink on black towering clouds, changing to neon pink, then clouding over to deflect light on rain, no words, heart flowing through my eyes...Oh Africa, Oh Zambia
·Orion above us, in the wrong place, so bright he should be in a book on Orion, a friend from B.C. skies. A pathway of light so bright that it takes us a while to recognize the Milky Way.
·A blue sky that stretches to tomorrow with marshmallow clouds hanging around the bottom. Changing suddenly to grey and black, heavy with rain, then again to bright lightening that comes from everywhere.
I wish you all could see it in all its guises, a gift too wonderful to describe, it is a feeling not a sky,
Look up everyone,
Fay
·Orion above us, in the wrong place, so bright he should be in a book on Orion, a friend from B.C. skies. A pathway of light so bright that it takes us a while to recognize the Milky Way.
·A blue sky that stretches to tomorrow with marshmallow clouds hanging around the bottom. Changing suddenly to grey and black, heavy with rain, then again to bright lightening that comes from everywhere.
I wish you all could see it in all its guises, a gift too wonderful to describe, it is a feeling not a sky,
Look up everyone,
Fay
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
My favorite day in Africa so far
-Sherise
Nurses’ On the Move
Late Monday evening we received a phone call from a hospital employee informing us of a potentially serious mass casualty accident on the main highway. A charter bus full of passengers from Lusaka had dodged something on the road and flipped on its side. We were asked to come and help out with the situation. A vehicle was sent out immediately to pick us up and take us to wherever they needed us (either the scene of the accident or to the hospital). Immediately after the phone call, all of us sprung into action gathering medical supplies and preparing for a potentially tragic scene. Sidenote: of course while all of this was going on, the power was turned off as part of a nightly routine, usually between 1800-2200. Needless to say, we were frantically running about the house yelling out “fill all your pockets with gloves”, “bring your headlamps and goggles”, “where are all the CPR masks?”, “bring the fluorescent pink duct tape for triaging”, “drench yourself with Deet- the Mosquitoes are out!” as well as many others. The bus picked us up quickly which came to us as surprise considering it’s Africa and NOTHING here comes quickly or on time. So there we were on the bus- ready to go - wearing headlamps, goggles, massive amounts of Deet, CPR mask out and ready (with a quick review on how to use it) and adrenalin pumping through our veins. We were prepared for the worst and ready to take action! We were taken to the Lewanika General Hospital where we found what seemed like the entire Lewanika General Hospital staff and nursing students waiting outside for the arrival of the bus casualties. After a short while bus arrived and thankfully the patients coming off the bus were much less critical than anticipated. However, there were a few patients who required immediate attention. We were able to help by performing basic assessments, dressing wounds and assisting the physicians with suturing of major wounds. It was a beneficial learning experience for all of us and we were very thankful that it was not what we were expecting.
The Crew
Zambian-Canadian Nurses’ Bash
Monday, February 15, 2010
Back in the Saddle Again
It has been some years since I worked on a paediatric ward (I am adopting the African way of vagueness about time and years) and I am delighted to share with you that some things stay with nurses the way bike riding comes back to us all. Sick children have some things in common, no matter where you are. I remember lab values; the feel of dehydration; the look of a very sick child. The wonderful young Dr. Sam Miti on the children’s ward patiently tutors us about tropical illnesses that affect Zambian kids. He enjoys the interchange with me and the students and we love him. The children here are bombarded by many health problems. Their little bodies must fight Maleria,TB, HIV, malnutrition and dehydration due to a plethora of gastric bugs. Many of our kids on the ward are being cared for by a grandmother as their parents have died of HIV. 10 kids, of our thirty patients, are fighting some form of malnutrition. Their solemn eyes peer out of old faces and smiles are a rare gift. Several of our kids have fractures, particularly of arms, falling from Mango tree, from father’s shoulders, roof tops and all manner of high places. Also, several cases of osteomyelitis (bone infections). Sadly we have 8 children who have HIV and are here because they have related (opportunistic) infections/conditions such as TB, pneumonia, malnutrition.
As all kids, for the most part they get better fast. The small crying face sports a smile today and tomorrow screams with laughter at the Makuwa nurse playing peek-a-boo. The tiny fist unfurls, the eyes shine, the rash subsides. We have triplet boys, two chubby faces, bright eyes that follow me, ready to smile upon any eye contact from me. The third brother (last one out), has the baggy pant look of malnourishment, a large head, and a big cough. I fall in love at first sight with his big brown eyes and his reluctantly given smiles. The Doctor agrees that my man’s head is very large and perhaps we need to send him to Lusaka. This would be a huge ordeal and expense for the family and Mom would have to tote brothers with him. They are all treated for pneumonia and my boyfriend also is malnourished so is on special feedings.
One small lovely babe does not make it through a severe malarial crisis. Nothing to do but to weep. It is sudden and harsh, like many things in this land of extremes.
The ward nurse tells me that is it obvious that I have a passion for nursing kids. I am so glad it shows! The kids and the staff welcome our funny ways and concerned attitudes. Their smiles are also sudden and beautiful, like many things in this land of extremes.
Respectfully,
Sister Fay
As all kids, for the most part they get better fast. The small crying face sports a smile today and tomorrow screams with laughter at the Makuwa nurse playing peek-a-boo. The tiny fist unfurls, the eyes shine, the rash subsides. We have triplet boys, two chubby faces, bright eyes that follow me, ready to smile upon any eye contact from me. The third brother (last one out), has the baggy pant look of malnourishment, a large head, and a big cough. I fall in love at first sight with his big brown eyes and his reluctantly given smiles. The Doctor agrees that my man’s head is very large and perhaps we need to send him to Lusaka. This would be a huge ordeal and expense for the family and Mom would have to tote brothers with him. They are all treated for pneumonia and my boyfriend also is malnourished so is on special feedings.
One small lovely babe does not make it through a severe malarial crisis. Nothing to do but to weep. It is sudden and harsh, like many things in this land of extremes.
The ward nurse tells me that is it obvious that I have a passion for nursing kids. I am so glad it shows! The kids and the staff welcome our funny ways and concerned attitudes. Their smiles are also sudden and beautiful, like many things in this land of extremes.
Respectfully,
Sister Fay
One week and a light years from home...
Pick up at the airport: Flat deck truck, 22 bags, 22 carry on and 11 tired but hopeful faces. Add a tropical deluge like none other except maybe when Noah built his arc, 30 minutes to the nurse’s hostel. Our driver sweetly said “ they are now baptised by Zambia, so belong to us” and ...you get the picture?
Home in Lusaka: same faces, very wet, same bags, very wet, 7 rooms. Bathroom...not wet!? Spirits high and a dinner out brings smiles...you get the picture?
A quiet space: Shopping with all 13 of us...herding cats? Tried all banks...some money woes, but nothing we can’t solve. Then to a cafe called Zebra Crossing. Looks like a small piece of Africa on safari. Grass thatched shade. Great food and cold beer, served by lovely people in a courtyard filled with African art and a wonderful gift shop. Even had a cat attack... a Tabby attacked a small duckling that was enjoying a walk with Madame Duck... you get the picture?
Bus ride: same baggage, same faces, add what seemed like 200 Zambian men trying to guide, sell and help, tropical deluge interspersed with sun and a mature bus, a rousing sermon to set the stage....you get the picture?
Arriving at first stop on the trip to Mongu....all 13 out in search of bathroom. All 13 suddenly developing well trained bladders after bathroom facilities failed to pass inspection....you get the picture!
Finally, Mongu and one more hassle with 24 bags, 22 carry on, various bags acquired in Lusaka ( think food ) and 13 tired but spirited nurses. Jess womaning the phone and pick up appears along with Sister Stella who was on our bus! Home at last! Showers (not from the sky) are warm, house is great, kitchen well and equipped. Smiles all round...you get the picture?
Our first crisis, one of us must go home to support a sick family member. All of you who have had anything to do with supporting and raising these young women should take a bow. They all used their skills and love to support and organize each other to get our friend home. They are caring, lovely people who continue to send support to their colleague...you know this picture.
13 nurses: Welcomed warmly by Dr. Silumesii, the Executive Director of Lewanika General Hospital. Met the Acting Director of Nursing and were toured around the Lewanika Hospital that will be our practice site for the next five weeks. 10 pairs of big eyes, questioning looks, worried brows. If captions were to appear above heads, some would say “what am I doing here?” ...they have painted this picture.
Mid week: Party at our house to say good bye to some friends. We were elected to host because we are a party on our own and we have a great living room. As our Irish friend said, “looks like an excellent place for a Hooley (sp?)”. So, tired but valiant, we make Chili, and make nice and had a good send off...played Scatagories...you’ve seen this picture.
Wards: We are part of the scenery now, children on the ward greet us with smiles, student nurses look forward to interacting with us, and all watch us with the curiosity and love reserved for an eccentric aunt who brings gifts and exotic behaviours when she visits. We have had our moments, sad things have happened, tears shed, but we kept going back. We leave the children’s ward on Friday and as I look back I see three Canadian students receiving waves, shy smiles and handshakes from a ward full of kids and parents, all of them sporting happy face stickers on their cheeks...you should see this picture!
We have completed our first 10 days in Zambia and have many pictures caught in our minds...each different and each to be visited and reflected upon. Slowly, we are making inroads with our Zambian colleagues...respect is growing on both sides. We are teaching and learning each day.
Jess and I have met with many of our usual support team. Dr. Margaret Maimbolwa greeted us in her usual warm and helpful manner. Dr.Elenor Msidi, with the Zambian Nursing Council, guided me through the registration process and I now proudly can say I am registered in Zambia. We continue to meet with various officials regarding our practicum and OKAZHI initiatives.
From the land of forever skies, big lightening, extreme living...I hope you get our pictures!
Love to all, Fay
Home in Lusaka: same faces, very wet, same bags, very wet, 7 rooms. Bathroom...not wet!? Spirits high and a dinner out brings smiles...you get the picture?
A quiet space: Shopping with all 13 of us...herding cats? Tried all banks...some money woes, but nothing we can’t solve. Then to a cafe called Zebra Crossing. Looks like a small piece of Africa on safari. Grass thatched shade. Great food and cold beer, served by lovely people in a courtyard filled with African art and a wonderful gift shop. Even had a cat attack... a Tabby attacked a small duckling that was enjoying a walk with Madame Duck... you get the picture?
Bus ride: same baggage, same faces, add what seemed like 200 Zambian men trying to guide, sell and help, tropical deluge interspersed with sun and a mature bus, a rousing sermon to set the stage....you get the picture?
Arriving at first stop on the trip to Mongu....all 13 out in search of bathroom. All 13 suddenly developing well trained bladders after bathroom facilities failed to pass inspection....you get the picture!
Finally, Mongu and one more hassle with 24 bags, 22 carry on, various bags acquired in Lusaka ( think food ) and 13 tired but spirited nurses. Jess womaning the phone and pick up appears along with Sister Stella who was on our bus! Home at last! Showers (not from the sky) are warm, house is great, kitchen well and equipped. Smiles all round...you get the picture?
Our first crisis, one of us must go home to support a sick family member. All of you who have had anything to do with supporting and raising these young women should take a bow. They all used their skills and love to support and organize each other to get our friend home. They are caring, lovely people who continue to send support to their colleague...you know this picture.
13 nurses: Welcomed warmly by Dr. Silumesii, the Executive Director of Lewanika General Hospital. Met the Acting Director of Nursing and were toured around the Lewanika Hospital that will be our practice site for the next five weeks. 10 pairs of big eyes, questioning looks, worried brows. If captions were to appear above heads, some would say “what am I doing here?” ...they have painted this picture.
Mid week: Party at our house to say good bye to some friends. We were elected to host because we are a party on our own and we have a great living room. As our Irish friend said, “looks like an excellent place for a Hooley (sp?)”. So, tired but valiant, we make Chili, and make nice and had a good send off...played Scatagories...you’ve seen this picture.
Wards: We are part of the scenery now, children on the ward greet us with smiles, student nurses look forward to interacting with us, and all watch us with the curiosity and love reserved for an eccentric aunt who brings gifts and exotic behaviours when she visits. We have had our moments, sad things have happened, tears shed, but we kept going back. We leave the children’s ward on Friday and as I look back I see three Canadian students receiving waves, shy smiles and handshakes from a ward full of kids and parents, all of them sporting happy face stickers on their cheeks...you should see this picture!
We have completed our first 10 days in Zambia and have many pictures caught in our minds...each different and each to be visited and reflected upon. Slowly, we are making inroads with our Zambian colleagues...respect is growing on both sides. We are teaching and learning each day.
Jess and I have met with many of our usual support team. Dr. Margaret Maimbolwa greeted us in her usual warm and helpful manner. Dr.Elenor Msidi, with the Zambian Nursing Council, guided me through the registration process and I now proudly can say I am registered in Zambia. We continue to meet with various officials regarding our practicum and OKAZHI initiatives.
From the land of forever skies, big lightening, extreme living...I hope you get our pictures!
Love to all, Fay
Home Again!
I think it is finally time that I introduce myself. My name is Jessica and I have had the pleasure of bringing these ten lovely ladies to a place I hold very close to my heart…Mongu, Zambia. I have been working in Zambia since 2008, and have a passion for nursing in Africa. This passion came to me three years ago, when I took the same path as these students and went to Ghana, West Africa for my 4th year final practicum at UBCO School of Nursing. Since graduating from UBCO in 2007, I have followed that passion and found myself teaching nursing in rural Zambia.
In 2008 myself and another colleague, Lianne Jones (who also just so happens to have that same passion for Africa!) taught at Lewanika School of Nursing for 6 months. The school is located in Mongu, the capital of Zambia’s Western Province. Although we were presented with many challenges, I had the privilege of meeting and working with a number of wonderful Zambians. My nursing students were bright and eager to learn, and my teaching colleagues taught me the principles of what it means to be a great teacher.
I returned back to Zambia in October of 09, with a team of surgeons and nurses from Kelowna. Together we have formed an organization called the Okanagan-Zambia Health Initiative-OkaZHI (http://www.okazhi.org/) Our mandate it to continue working in Western Province, Zambia and we will return twice every year to bring education to local Zambian nurses and doctors. I think of the UBCO nursing students as representatives of OkaZHI, and maybe one day they can return back to Mongu and help us to continue our education!
Every time I come back to Zambia it feels more and more like I am returning home. I think I can now officially call Mongu my second home! I love that I can share my second home with these ten wonderful nursing students. Zambia is also known as ‘The Real Africa’, and after traveling around many African countries…I can honestly say it is the ‘Real’ Africa! So far I think they really are getting a taste of the real Africa. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to guide these students through their own life changing experiences.
Jessica
In 2008 myself and another colleague, Lianne Jones (who also just so happens to have that same passion for Africa!) taught at Lewanika School of Nursing for 6 months. The school is located in Mongu, the capital of Zambia’s Western Province. Although we were presented with many challenges, I had the privilege of meeting and working with a number of wonderful Zambians. My nursing students were bright and eager to learn, and my teaching colleagues taught me the principles of what it means to be a great teacher.
I returned back to Zambia in October of 09, with a team of surgeons and nurses from Kelowna. Together we have formed an organization called the Okanagan-Zambia Health Initiative-OkaZHI (http://www.okazhi.org/) Our mandate it to continue working in Western Province, Zambia and we will return twice every year to bring education to local Zambian nurses and doctors. I think of the UBCO nursing students as representatives of OkaZHI, and maybe one day they can return back to Mongu and help us to continue our education!
Every time I come back to Zambia it feels more and more like I am returning home. I think I can now officially call Mongu my second home! I love that I can share my second home with these ten wonderful nursing students. Zambia is also known as ‘The Real Africa’, and after traveling around many African countries…I can honestly say it is the ‘Real’ Africa! So far I think they really are getting a taste of the real Africa. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to guide these students through their own life changing experiences.
Jessica
Friday, February 12, 2010
A message from Mongu
I can hardly believe that I have only been in Mongu for over a week, it feels like this is my new home. Everyone has been so incredibly welcoming and so kind; whether I am sitting in the back yard, biking through town, or working at the hospital every person stops to shake my hand and welcome me to Zambia. It is such a great feeling. Speaking of working at the hospital, this week my group (Elizabeth, Sherise and myself) were on the Children's ward. It was an incredible experience and I wish I could stay there for the duration! Each morning when we walk on the ward the children sit up in bed, smile and start waving - they are always so excited to see the "Makuwa's!" I have learnt so much from the doctors, nurses and students on this ward. We work very closely with the staff and this has made for a very postive learning experience. The daily routine of the ward is such a contrast to what I am used to, and the severity of disease and illness is like nothing I could ever have imagined. The incidence of severe malnutrition, malaria, and HIV is astonishing and it is so heart renching to see such young children so sick. It has made me truly realize how fortunate and blessed we are in Canada, and how much we have. It has made me come to know what life is really all about and what truly matters. There are many people here who have so little, and yet the smiles on their faces could not get any bigger.
As you will read below, we went to the Orphange on Sunday and were joined by over 200 children. When we arrived they were singing the most beautiful songs - it brought tears to my eyes. We started off by singing and dancing with them, and then we spilt into groups and did beading, painting, skipping, soccer, red rover, and bubbles! It was so joyous to see the children so happy and having so much fun. The couple who run the orphanage told us that it is rare that the children seem so happy, and they were so thankful for our presence. The children glommed onto us - I could easily have brought at least half a dozen home!
All is all everything is going really well. I am having so much fun, learning tons, and crying lots.
Sending all my love to my family and friends back home.
Mary
As you will read below, we went to the Orphange on Sunday and were joined by over 200 children. When we arrived they were singing the most beautiful songs - it brought tears to my eyes. We started off by singing and dancing with them, and then we spilt into groups and did beading, painting, skipping, soccer, red rover, and bubbles! It was so joyous to see the children so happy and having so much fun. The couple who run the orphanage told us that it is rare that the children seem so happy, and they were so thankful for our presence. The children glommed onto us - I could easily have brought at least half a dozen home!
All is all everything is going really well. I am having so much fun, learning tons, and crying lots.
Sending all my love to my family and friends back home.
Mary
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
MONGU thus far.
First of all I would like to start off by saying that I have already been deeply humbled by my experiences here in Zambia. We often take for granted everything we live, breathe, know, and expect back in Canada. I believe this is something that will resonate with me forever.
Even in Africa, we are truly spoiled with our beautiful, newly reno’d guesthouse directly across from some of Zambia’s largest flood plains, and our brand, spanking new ZAMBIKES! It is a blessing to be able to come home to such a safe, peaceful environment where we can debrief and relax in the hot African sunshine. Our new home is a small paradise in a world of heartache and need. Outside the gate of the guesthouse, the Mongu community is in dire need, yet despite the turmoil that surrounds them, the people of Mongu maintain big smiles, warm appreciation, faith in God, and hope. Their resilience inspires me.
On Sunday, we had the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Mandanga that is run by Mrs. Kababa, the librarian at Lewanika School of Nursing, and her husband, Mr. Kababa. Nearly two hundred ecstatic children greeted us. They were singing and dancing their little hearts out. We laughed, sang, danced, played, and cried. I have never been so moved. This day was beyond anything I could have ever expected.
TIA
I'm sure many of you have heard the phrase TIA- it means THIS IS AFRICA and it is a phrase we are becoming very familiar with. The African Life is very different from what we are used to in Canada. Many of the things that are soo easily accessible to us in Canada (running water, medical supplies, washers and dryers!!!!!!, food etc etc) are practicallly nonexistent in Zambia. We have gained such an appreciation for what we have at home especially after witnessing what the people of Zambia live without. The people here use the phrase TIA to signify what African life is like - you basically make due with what you have and that's all you can do! As we said before, we are coming to learn this VERY quickly.
We have found one of our greatest challenges has been practicing in the Lewanika Hospital here in Mongu. There are next to no medical supplies and very little resources for people to access, not to mention an overall lack of healthcare professionals. We have come to realize that there is a vast amount of education needed here for the staff and patients, particularly with the recurrent medical conditions they are exposed to everyday (Tuberculosis, HIV, Malaria, Meningitis, Malnutrition and the list goes on). There is also a severe lack of funding for the hospital to train and retain health care professionals. It is truly a system in need.
On a brighter note, we are learning so much from our experiences at the hospital. Each of us have been stationed in different areas throughout the hospital. Mainly, outpatient (sort of like emergency), maternity, medical/surgical units, pediatrics, ART (HIV clinic) and the operating theater (aka - operating room). The staff and students have been very welcoming and supportive of us. We are soooo grateful for them and all their hospitality. We have also had Jess and Fay to guide and support us through this huge transition which has been unbelievably helpful. We could not possibly thank them enough for all the support, mentorship, and love they have bestowed upon us.
We are sorry we have not put up pictures yet, we are having technical difficulties with internet connections. So, stay tuned and pictures are shortly to follow!
Again- we would like to send our thoughts and love to our 'tenth' student who left us early in our journey. We are always thinking of you B.C. and wishing you and your family well. xoxo 'Your long lost Lozi's!'
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Makuwa
Sherisse and the Zambikes!! We titled this entry Makuwa because we hear it about 500 times a day. It means ‘white person’ in the Losi language and everywhere we go people shout it out…it is hilarious! We have safely arrived in Mongu. The 8 hour bus ride was what we expected. Along the way we saw elephants, wild boars, antelope, and Mary is 80% sure she saw a Rhino but the bus was moving to fast to be sure and Fay is convinced it was a unicorn…haha. We have now settled nicely into our lovely new home at the Cheshire guest house. It is beautiful. We are fortunate enough to have our own kitchen area to cook in. Kirsten, Jamie and Lindsey C made Chilli for our first meal! We all share a room with 1 or 2 other people, and each room is even equipped with it’s own bathroom – we feel so thankful for the living accommodations we have been provided with.
Yesterday we picked up our bikes from the bus station and rode them all through town back to our place. The bikes are called Zambikes and they were made just outside of Lusaka by a good friend of Jessica’s. Zambikes moto is ‘building bikes for change’ and they are committed to making this company a sustainable one for Zambians. We purchased the bikes with the money we fundraised over the last few years. They will be our major source of transportation while we are here and when we leave we plan to donate them to locals in the community. As if 12 Makuwa’s weren’t bright enough to draw attention in this small town, the bikes are florescent yellow and are always accompanied by a trail of African children running behind us.
We had a tour of the hospital where we will be spending most of our time working over the next 5 weeks. The experience was very eye opening once again. The conditions are much less then ideal, the staff to patient ratio is about 2 nurses to 40 patients, and sometimes they run with only 1 nurse. Despite the conditions, the hospital director along with all the staff and students were extremely welcoming and so pleased to have us there. We went to the lecture room where the students were being taught, and the way in which we were welcomed brought tears to our eyes. Every single person shook each of our hands and said “you are welcome.” Among all of us there is a very overwhelming feeling. We are nervous and scared to work in such a challenging environment but the support we have already been shown is very reassuring. By talking with the nurses here we have come to realize that we both share a desire to learn from each other and share our knowledge. We start on Monday at the hospital and we will keep you posted on how it is going!
Among health care challenges we are coming across others as well. Here are some to name a few: we are washing clothing by hands which takes a very long time, especially because it is rainy season and very humid, therefore nothing will dry, we are lacking coffee which is a nurses lifeline, we share our corridors with some very strange creatures – frogs, cockroaches, very large spiders, geckos, all sorts of crazy flying insects, but surprisingly and thankfully very few mosquitoes. All in all we have come to learn to cohabitate with the local flora and fauna.
Last night we sampled the local restaurant and pub/dance floor/night club. It was fantastic. One of the highlights was definitely the 6000 Kwatcha (local currency) Mosi AKA $1.25 beer. The food was great, so far we have had lots of western type foods, however last night we branched out (thanks to Lindsay Redl) and tried some Nsheima. It is basically a ground maise made into dumplings and you dip it into various sauces, last night it was a spinach concoction with small nuts in it. We then headed over to the dance floor, and perhaps we will just say that was quite the experience in itself. Our Makuwa moves were not warmly received at the Oasis dance club – apparently Canadians can’t dance. Needless to say we were given lessons!
On a sad note, one of our nurses has had to go back home due to a family emergency. We want her to know that we are thinking of her and are sending her and her family all of our love and support. We miss you B.C. and are thinking of you often.
That’s all for now, we hope this finds you all well. We will be in touch!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
We are not in Kansas anymore Dorothy:
Checking in with the heaviest bags BA has ever seen and having the audacity to ask them to waive the charge on our extra bags they told us that our second bags would cost $50.00 each. Finally, after much chatting they waived the fees and began weighing each bag in.
All bags open in front of various checkouts as we took this out of there and put that back. Finally, they charged us $120.00 and begged us to move on. Still took two of us to move Jess’s hockey bag that is half the size of New York.
All asleep as I strolled the plane somewhere over the Atlantic.
Tired but excited all but Jess and I caught the train to London. Talk of plays and sights.
Jess and Fay meet the Ghana group whose plane has been delayed. They look tired but undaunted. I just look tired.
We are off to Zambia with three seats each so sleep regenerates us.
Are met at Zambia’s airport by Benjamin and an experienced looking green Nissan. We pile our luggage (which seems to have reproduced) into the back and into the front, along with Jessica, myself and the driver. Jess is perched on the center and has to shift so Ben can! I feel obligated to hang on to the door as I have visions of Jess and I flinging out on to the street. AH yes, we are here.
Our driver is terrific and we accomplish our errands quickly.
It is green and lush; trees sporting their finest flowers and the crops are flourishing. The city is busy and Benjamin takes us safely to the Zambike farm where Jess and I will stay until the students arrive. Lovely big house and best of all a bed.
I am struck once again by the welcome from Zambians. Benjamin talks with us about his life and we about ours. He finds guidance in his life from his deep faith and can recite many verses from the bible, which he uses daily to guide all his decisions and make sense of his life. It is not something we are used to at home, but natural and comfortable here as is done without judgement or preaching.
I awoke to strange bird songs and the sound of a torrential rain storm. No we are not in Kansas anymore.
Fay
All bags open in front of various checkouts as we took this out of there and put that back. Finally, they charged us $120.00 and begged us to move on. Still took two of us to move Jess’s hockey bag that is half the size of New York.
All asleep as I strolled the plane somewhere over the Atlantic.
Tired but excited all but Jess and I caught the train to London. Talk of plays and sights.
Jess and Fay meet the Ghana group whose plane has been delayed. They look tired but undaunted. I just look tired.
We are off to Zambia with three seats each so sleep regenerates us.
Are met at Zambia’s airport by Benjamin and an experienced looking green Nissan. We pile our luggage (which seems to have reproduced) into the back and into the front, along with Jessica, myself and the driver. Jess is perched on the center and has to shift so Ben can! I feel obligated to hang on to the door as I have visions of Jess and I flinging out on to the street. AH yes, we are here.
Our driver is terrific and we accomplish our errands quickly.
It is green and lush; trees sporting their finest flowers and the crops are flourishing. The city is busy and Benjamin takes us safely to the Zambike farm where Jess and I will stay until the students arrive. Lovely big house and best of all a bed.
I am struck once again by the welcome from Zambians. Benjamin talks with us about his life and we about ours. He finds guidance in his life from his deep faith and can recite many verses from the bible, which he uses daily to guide all his decisions and make sense of his life. It is not something we are used to at home, but natural and comfortable here as is done without judgement or preaching.
I awoke to strange bird songs and the sound of a torrential rain storm. No we are not in Kansas anymore.
Fay
Welcome to Zambia
Our arrival... after days, months and even years of anticipation we have finally made it to Zambia. Stepping off the plane was a surreal and exciting experience. The Zambian heat and humidity were in full force as soon as we stepped on Zambian soil. We were warmly welcomed by Fay and Jessica not long after we landed. The drive to our accomadations was interesting to say the least;)
We are staying at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka (the capital) and were given a grand tour by a third year nursing student. The environment and working conditions of the hospital have made us greatly appreciate our healthcare system and how lucky we are to have such amazing facilities. Despite the poor working conditions, the Zambian people have been exceedingly friendly and always have bright smiles to welcome us with.
We are staying in Lusaka for one more day and tomorrow we take a grand and prestigious bus ride to Mongu. Apparently, the journey will be comprised of 8 hours of bumpy roads, sweaty people, less than optimal toilets and a group of eager nurses.
So that's all for now, we'll keep you posted on our adventures throughout Zambia.
We are staying at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka (the capital) and were given a grand tour by a third year nursing student. The environment and working conditions of the hospital have made us greatly appreciate our healthcare system and how lucky we are to have such amazing facilities. Despite the poor working conditions, the Zambian people have been exceedingly friendly and always have bright smiles to welcome us with.
We are staying in Lusaka for one more day and tomorrow we take a grand and prestigious bus ride to Mongu. Apparently, the journey will be comprised of 8 hours of bumpy roads, sweaty people, less than optimal toilets and a group of eager nurses.
So that's all for now, we'll keep you posted on our adventures throughout Zambia.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Landed in London!
We have successfully made it through customs, and baggage claim with mass amounts of medical supplies, and way too many bags for 10 people to bring on the tube (aka the subway). The plane ride was smooth, however we did meet a bit of resistance when trying to bring over forceps, sterile scizzors and play-dough which they assumed was explosive material! We convinced them that it was all for a good cause and they did eventually let us through..phew. We are now safe and sound in our oh so lovely hostel in London, at the Hyde Park Inn....complete with 6 flights of extremely steep, winding, narrow stairs (once again, great for the MASSIVE medical bags), bunk beds, continental breakfast, and one bathroom per staricase. We all went out for fish and chips and beer and overall we have held up well, however now we are completely exhausted. Tomorrow we will venture on to do some sight-seeing and continue to take in the city atmosphere. We are having a great time and look forward to sharing in more detail with you all when we return!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
STRESSED!
So t-3 days until we leave!! Feeling the stress of school and everything else on the go. Jobs, graduation, exams, AFRICA!!! and the list goes on.
So excited for this trip, cannot believe how fast this has snuck up on us. Hope all our family and friends tune into our page and follow us on our grand adventure!
So excited for this trip, cannot believe how fast this has snuck up on us. Hope all our family and friends tune into our page and follow us on our grand adventure!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
After a day of packing...
Here is a group shot (however we are missing our wonderful Jessica) after we all succesfully stuffed hockey bags full of supplies to bring with us. We packed everything from eye glasses and water filters, to diapers and formula, to oxygen masks and tubing, to sterile surgical packages, IV's, catheters, syringes, textbooks, scrubs...and so so much more!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Who we are!
We are a group of 4th year UBC-O Nursing students who will be travelling to Zambia leaving on January 28th, 2010. We will be guided by two extremely experienced Registerd Nurses, both of whom are inspirations to all of us. We will be on African soil for 7 weeks during which time we will all be taking part in many new and very exciting opportunites. We are committed to each other and to all that is ahead of us. Although none of us are exactly sure what this trip will bring, we are all extremely eager and thrilled to begin. Soon ahead of us, we will be taking part in immense learning, many new relationships, and more growth than we could ever imagine.
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