Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Be not afraid - from Friday musings
Up until yesterday, I had no fears regarding this mission to Uganda. However, when I ran errands I was questioned by a few strangers about the safety of Uganda and how they "wouldn't want to be in my shoes." At the time I laughed and answered, "ignorance is bliss," or something about how others in the group were educated on political matters. When I got into my car though, I honestly felt a pang of fear. What if that note I wrote my friend was my last? What if this was the last lunch date with my parents? What if it isn't as safe as everyone has made it seem? I then remembered God's instructions throughout the Bible to "be not afraid."
I truly believe that I was made for an adventure like this, and am honored to have an opportunity to share my love for Jesus, health, love, and children. I think back four years to part of my journey and "calling" to nursing (as us Christian's like to call it), which was during a sermon about two women missionaries serving in Africa. The story talked about the work they did and their sudden deaths while abroad. I don't remember exactly how they died, but it had something to do with them being in Africa. The speaker reiterated that their deaths were NOT a tragedy, because their work was holy, beautiful, and worthy. I think of this story now and pull from it for strength. By all means I am praying for safety and blessings, but I am not afraid. It would be a greater tragedy to not take risks, to quiet the call in my heart, and to ignore the needs of the world.
This is my first trip to Uganda and I am not really sure what to expect. I have mixed feelings of joy, excitement, uncertainty, and peace. One thing I know for sure, I have no reason to fear.
I truly believe that I was made for an adventure like this, and am honored to have an opportunity to share my love for Jesus, health, love, and children. I think back four years to part of my journey and "calling" to nursing (as us Christian's like to call it), which was during a sermon about two women missionaries serving in Africa. The story talked about the work they did and their sudden deaths while abroad. I don't remember exactly how they died, but it had something to do with them being in Africa. The speaker reiterated that their deaths were NOT a tragedy, because their work was holy, beautiful, and worthy. I think of this story now and pull from it for strength. By all means I am praying for safety and blessings, but I am not afraid. It would be a greater tragedy to not take risks, to quiet the call in my heart, and to ignore the needs of the world.
This is my first trip to Uganda and I am not really sure what to expect. I have mixed feelings of joy, excitement, uncertainty, and peace. One thing I know for sure, I have no reason to fear.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Goodbye, Hairgroves
I was blessed to live with the Hairgroves for 5 months this past year. Looking back, I can't believe it was that long. I wanted/hoped to live with a family after graduation to learn what a Christ-centered household looked like and for a personal reprieve from trying to "keep up" with my peers and feeling burnt-out with school and religion. I sit here in awe of how much I learned from both Preston and Angie, independently and as a couple.
1. My favorite lesson: you can be a stickler about drinking raw milk and buying organic veggies and meat, but still indulge in a box of store-bought brownies or cookies for breakfast.
2. Being addicted to coffee is ok :)
3. Live life with an open door policy. Especially to family and friends.
4. Challenge yourself, but know when to step back and relax too.
5. TV is not a sin.
6. Neither is needing a beer after a long day.
7. Marriage is a partnership and friendship -- (these two are seriously best friends. They aren't exactly the same, but they are the perfect team, pulling from each others strengths and weaknesses.)
8. You can go to grad school at any phase of life. Even if you have two babies.
9. Sometimes the best thing you can do when a child is pooping on the floor and the dog is eating it, is laugh :)
10. You can be an educated believer. In fact, education is something to be celebrated.
11. Family is very important.
12. Family is also very crazy. Everyone's is a little dysfunctional.
13. Pursuing God looks different throughout life.
14. It is OK to cry when things hurt.
15. If you pee in a toilet, you will get candy.
16. A baby's learning to stand up is just as exciting as any adventure.
17. Don't give up on your dreams and don't give up on hope.
18. Baking soda and vinegar can also be used as shampoo and conditioner.
19. Sometimes sitting with a child in your lap can cure even the funkiest funk.
The two listened and supported me as I started my new job in the Emergency Department, worked night shift, went on dates, attempted Crossfit, applied to grad school, faded in and out of church and community, and processed other normal changes that accompany growing up. The two were solid, and I am not sure how I would have made it through the past six months without them. I am sad to see them go, but excited that they are one step closer to pursuing their dreams. I love the Hairgroves :)
1. My favorite lesson: you can be a stickler about drinking raw milk and buying organic veggies and meat, but still indulge in a box of store-bought brownies or cookies for breakfast.
2. Being addicted to coffee is ok :)
3. Live life with an open door policy. Especially to family and friends.
4. Challenge yourself, but know when to step back and relax too.
5. TV is not a sin.
6. Neither is needing a beer after a long day.
7. Marriage is a partnership and friendship -- (these two are seriously best friends. They aren't exactly the same, but they are the perfect team, pulling from each others strengths and weaknesses.)
8. You can go to grad school at any phase of life. Even if you have two babies.
9. Sometimes the best thing you can do when a child is pooping on the floor and the dog is eating it, is laugh :)
10. You can be an educated believer. In fact, education is something to be celebrated.
11. Family is very important.
12. Family is also very crazy. Everyone's is a little dysfunctional.
13. Pursuing God looks different throughout life.
14. It is OK to cry when things hurt.
15. If you pee in a toilet, you will get candy.
16. A baby's learning to stand up is just as exciting as any adventure.
17. Don't give up on your dreams and don't give up on hope.
18. Baking soda and vinegar can also be used as shampoo and conditioner.
19. Sometimes sitting with a child in your lap can cure even the funkiest funk.
The two listened and supported me as I started my new job in the Emergency Department, worked night shift, went on dates, attempted Crossfit, applied to grad school, faded in and out of church and community, and processed other normal changes that accompany growing up. The two were solid, and I am not sure how I would have made it through the past six months without them. I am sad to see them go, but excited that they are one step closer to pursuing their dreams. I love the Hairgroves :)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Living with death
Yesterday was an emotionally hard day at the hospital. A woman brought her 6-month old for the third day in a row, complaining of fever. When the infant was seen on Thursday, the attending doctor gave the child some ibuprofen and tylenol to control the fever and sent him on his way. On Friday, when the baby returned after having a febrile seizure, the mother was again instructed to control the fever with adequate tylenol and motrin, some blood work was drawn, urine was tested, and the baby was sent home. Yesterday the infant returned, still with a fever. The baby had a whimpering cry, but we see this sort of thing all the time. The patient appeared to be stable and was sent back to a room where more blood and urine were collected. Because the infant had been to the hospital three consecutive days, the MD decided to perform a lumbar puncture to test the infant for meningitis. This is a procedure that most doctors try to avoid because it can be very stressful for the infant. When the doc put the needle in the baby's spine, the baby began to take agonal breaths and proceeded to stop breathing. The nurse at the bedside began CPR and they wheeled the baby into the code room. I have never seen a doctor look so panicked as this usually-calm MD struggled to intubate the child. Multiple pages were made over the loud speaker to get an anesisiologist to come to the emergency department for assistance. This is unusual in itself because the emergency room staff are usually the first responders, the ones who help other floors when there is a code. There were tons of people in and out of the room, trying to save the baby. Finally, they were able to get the child stable enough to transfer him to a pediatric ICU. We found out 30 minutes after the transfer that the baby had died.
What went wrong? Maybe nothing. This experience chilled me to the bone. How many times do we send people home that may have life-threatening illnesses? I have seen this twice now. It is scary. Of course we save more lives than not, but our humanity is so precious.
I realized yesterday how crucial teamwork is in the emergency department. The doctors and nurses were side-by-side providing physical (and sometimes emotional) support. My job may seem draining, but the work I do really is important. Not many people can say that. I sometimes wonder why I put myself through the emotional turmoil of life and death, dealing with people of all ages, social classes, and religions... I feel all of these things so deeply, and it is painful. I don't want to become numb, but it is hard to process and work through difficult life experiences. I am often scared when taking care of patients, and I think that is ok. There should be a little fear in the face of possible death. I do not want to let this inhibit my learning and ability to care for those that may be dying. I want to challenge death with strength and accept it with grace.
I am comforted by the words of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross:
"Both birth and death involve great changes and adjustment, often inconveniences and pain, but also joy, reunion, and a new beginning. If it were not for our inner knowledge that we are on this earth plane for a relatively short time, then why should we strive for perfection, for love and peace, if it were not for the desire to leave this place a little bit better, a little bit more human than when we entered it?
We make progress in our society only if we stop cursing and complaining about its shortcomings and have the courage to do something about them. It is painful to admit our own fears, sense of guilt and shame, inadequacy, and low self-esteem; however, it is the brave one who admits these, the strong one who will fight his own negativity, and the trusting and faithful one who will see the light at the end of the tunnel."
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
What went wrong? Maybe nothing. This experience chilled me to the bone. How many times do we send people home that may have life-threatening illnesses? I have seen this twice now. It is scary. Of course we save more lives than not, but our humanity is so precious.
I realized yesterday how crucial teamwork is in the emergency department. The doctors and nurses were side-by-side providing physical (and sometimes emotional) support. My job may seem draining, but the work I do really is important. Not many people can say that. I sometimes wonder why I put myself through the emotional turmoil of life and death, dealing with people of all ages, social classes, and religions... I feel all of these things so deeply, and it is painful. I don't want to become numb, but it is hard to process and work through difficult life experiences. I am often scared when taking care of patients, and I think that is ok. There should be a little fear in the face of possible death. I do not want to let this inhibit my learning and ability to care for those that may be dying. I want to challenge death with strength and accept it with grace.
I am comforted by the words of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross:
"Both birth and death involve great changes and adjustment, often inconveniences and pain, but also joy, reunion, and a new beginning. If it were not for our inner knowledge that we are on this earth plane for a relatively short time, then why should we strive for perfection, for love and peace, if it were not for the desire to leave this place a little bit better, a little bit more human than when we entered it?
We make progress in our society only if we stop cursing and complaining about its shortcomings and have the courage to do something about them. It is painful to admit our own fears, sense of guilt and shame, inadequacy, and low self-esteem; however, it is the brave one who admits these, the strong one who will fight his own negativity, and the trusting and faithful one who will see the light at the end of the tunnel."
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Thursday, January 19, 2012
You learn so much
When people told me that "you learn so much in your first year of being a nurse," I do not think I understood the weight of those words. I am learning about humans in a way that I never thought possible...
I have washed the arms and hands of a young man who tried to end his life. Deeps wounds, revealing tissue and flesh marked each wrist. The cuts carefully aimed into a tattooed cross and another of the word "faith." Those two tattoos mauled and overshadowed by a new blood-carved one, reading "love."
I have told a barren women, she was pregnant, only to have to come back a few moments later and tell her that her pregnancy was ectopic and she would need emergent surgery. I will never forget the way her husband cried.
I have tied a man down, following orders, only to see him cry and shudder from me.
Each day at least one person yells at me for somehow not meeting their expectations. I realize this is mostly because they are sick (or not sick), frustrated, and tired, but it wears on you.
There have been joys too... A ninety year old man telling me I had beautiful eyes and that he was "falling in love with me," a child smiling when being given a stuffed bear after a shot, or even the staff playing dance music and laughing.
I want to remain optimistic, but I don't know how you can in a place like this. I feel like I have gotten so old in the past year and half. I am faced to deal with the moral question of life and death each day, while most people worry about whether or not their clothes or hair are up-to-par. I smile and try to be strong for everyone else, but I am getting beat down.
I have washed the arms and hands of a young man who tried to end his life. Deeps wounds, revealing tissue and flesh marked each wrist. The cuts carefully aimed into a tattooed cross and another of the word "faith." Those two tattoos mauled and overshadowed by a new blood-carved one, reading "love."
I have told a barren women, she was pregnant, only to have to come back a few moments later and tell her that her pregnancy was ectopic and she would need emergent surgery. I will never forget the way her husband cried.
I have tied a man down, following orders, only to see him cry and shudder from me.
Each day at least one person yells at me for somehow not meeting their expectations. I realize this is mostly because they are sick (or not sick), frustrated, and tired, but it wears on you.
There have been joys too... A ninety year old man telling me I had beautiful eyes and that he was "falling in love with me," a child smiling when being given a stuffed bear after a shot, or even the staff playing dance music and laughing.
I want to remain optimistic, but I don't know how you can in a place like this. I feel like I have gotten so old in the past year and half. I am faced to deal with the moral question of life and death each day, while most people worry about whether or not their clothes or hair are up-to-par. I smile and try to be strong for everyone else, but I am getting beat down.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Half Marathon
I ran my third half marathon yesterday. I literally had not run for over a month due to work stress, moving, and a hurt hip flexor. I was keeping up my fitness from September to Novemember with CrossFit (which I think triggered my hip problems), but I took a break to focus on getting settled in my new home and save money for grad school.
Last week I really wasn't sure if I would be able to complete the half marathon. I was a little disappointed in myself because I signed up months ago thinking I would have "plenty of time" to train. My friend Michelle and I signed up together, and despite whether or not I could run I was determined to visit her in Charleston this weekend. Michelle helped me to train and complete my first two half marathons and has been a wonderful friend over the course of three years. I think this may be our last half for a while because Michelle moved to Charleston for a Church-plant with her husband and is now 14 weeks pregnant with her first child. Yes, she ran a half marathon pregnant! She is a rock star! Anyways, life seems to be taking us in different directions which is bitter sweet. I suppose that is what happens as you grow up... Anyways, I did it!! Michelle and I ran slow and talked the whole time. It was a very enjoyable experience and we were both able to run safely and listen to our bodies in their current conditions. It was really special being able to share one more run before our lives change yet again.
Personally, this run also showed me how incredible my body and mind are. It is easy to look at our short-comings or failures: I should have worked out more, I should have eaten healthier, I should have woken up earlier, I should have blah blah blah. I think these half marathons are HALF mental. It is believing you are strong and capable, and having the will to complete it. There is so much internal strength and gratification that can come from completing a race... and even more so when you almost don't think you can. I am thankful for this humbling and empowering experience. It is true that there are things I could have done to train faster and harder, but at the end of the day I overcame what I thought was impossible, and there is strength in that.
I have a long way to go before I meet my new year's resolution of a sub-2 hour half marathon, but I now KNOW that it is attainable.
An older nurse gave me some advise the other day. I was frustrated that I wasn't "perfect" at getting IV's on patients (I literally only missed one of twenty-something, which I realize is very good, but not perfect). She said, "Sarah, be patient with yourself. All these skills will come." I think I can apply that to all areas of my life. Who doesn't want everything now? I am used to putting in extra effort to yield quicker and more desireable results, but that doesn't always work in life. Sometimes you just have to wait and be patient.
Last week I really wasn't sure if I would be able to complete the half marathon. I was a little disappointed in myself because I signed up months ago thinking I would have "plenty of time" to train. My friend Michelle and I signed up together, and despite whether or not I could run I was determined to visit her in Charleston this weekend. Michelle helped me to train and complete my first two half marathons and has been a wonderful friend over the course of three years. I think this may be our last half for a while because Michelle moved to Charleston for a Church-plant with her husband and is now 14 weeks pregnant with her first child. Yes, she ran a half marathon pregnant! She is a rock star! Anyways, life seems to be taking us in different directions which is bitter sweet. I suppose that is what happens as you grow up... Anyways, I did it!! Michelle and I ran slow and talked the whole time. It was a very enjoyable experience and we were both able to run safely and listen to our bodies in their current conditions. It was really special being able to share one more run before our lives change yet again.
Personally, this run also showed me how incredible my body and mind are. It is easy to look at our short-comings or failures: I should have worked out more, I should have eaten healthier, I should have woken up earlier, I should have blah blah blah. I think these half marathons are HALF mental. It is believing you are strong and capable, and having the will to complete it. There is so much internal strength and gratification that can come from completing a race... and even more so when you almost don't think you can. I am thankful for this humbling and empowering experience. It is true that there are things I could have done to train faster and harder, but at the end of the day I overcame what I thought was impossible, and there is strength in that.
I have a long way to go before I meet my new year's resolution of a sub-2 hour half marathon, but I now KNOW that it is attainable.
An older nurse gave me some advise the other day. I was frustrated that I wasn't "perfect" at getting IV's on patients (I literally only missed one of twenty-something, which I realize is very good, but not perfect). She said, "Sarah, be patient with yourself. All these skills will come." I think I can apply that to all areas of my life. Who doesn't want everything now? I am used to putting in extra effort to yield quicker and more desireable results, but that doesn't always work in life. Sometimes you just have to wait and be patient.
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