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Friday Nov 13, 2009

Reflections - A guest blog entry

By Melinda Jones Daniels, B.S.N., R.N.

On our last day I am compelled to reflect on our experiences here. It seems as if I blinked and went from last minute packing full of curiosity about what was to come to now, planning to have a departure celebration, pack and leave for home. 

Initially, the thought of community living in a house with limited water, questionable electricity and sharing beds certainly sounded daunting to say the least.  Now, looking back, this sisterhood became so natural, five-minute cold showers a pleasure, family style dinners a nice treat and giggling at bedtime a nostalgic reminder of my childhood sleepovers.  

It is refreshing to see despite living in such a cynical world, how quickly good spirit and nature takes its course.  Many of us started as strangers and now can say we have love for each other.  Doctors Lara [Antkowiak, CHOP Global Health Fellow] and Tobin [Lara's husband], essentially our hosts at Casa Roja, are near and dear to all of our hearts.  We all await the arrival of their baby with the same anticipation as if they were our own family members, which now they are.  Martina, the lovely woman who cooked the greatest meals for us is so humble and sweet, we all fell in love with her also.  Our fellow CHOP team members have formed such a bond that there is eager talk of a reunion party at Mary’s house. Now we are all Facebook friends which means we’ll keep in touch, right?  lol

Our Dominican team is now also an extension of this large family.  Abel, Ramona, Santo, Marquis, Francisco, Carlos and Yarlane are in our hearts as well.  Despite some language barriers, we somehow have found ways to communicate and laugh together on our many bus rides out to the bateys and barrios. 

We are all so inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of the health promoters in those areas, basically making nursing decisions alone, without formal education in these places without equipment or resources. Makes me realize how fortunate I am to have the safety net of fellow staff and work in such a great facility as CHOP, where I am never alone. In my opinion, they are the true heroes.     

Last, but certainly not least, the beautiful children and families we served in such a small way that showed such appreciation for our efforts.  After witnessing the pride, faith and acceptance many of them have despite the desolate situation in which they have to survive, I will work hard to never complain about a single thing in my comfortable life. 

The impact has been profound, I am inspired to continue volunteering, I feel as if this is my calling.  Many others have expressed the same. 

Funny, I thought I wouldn’t be able to wait to get home, but now, hot showers and 24-hour electricity seem so overrated!

 

Posted at 11:16PM Nov 13, 2009 by Linda Lightner in General  |  Comments[19]

Comments:

It’s always great to hear people succeed in life and helping others during the process. The article was very uplifting.

Posted by top healthy products on November 16, 2009 at 04:45 PM EST #

Hello Its really interesting to read about your moments.I like that you have shared this with us.Its good that you are still in touch with your friends.Thank you very much for such a good post.

Posted by vitamin c on December 14, 2009 at 06:49 AM EST #

everyone was nice.childrens hospital is #1. you always give maria the best care.she loves dr. whitaker.

Posted by sylvia and michael kilmartin maria kilmartin on June 28, 2010 at 09:54 AM EDT #

I am quite interesting in this topic hope you will elaborate more on it in future posts.

Posted by Low Price Software on November 25, 2010 at 11:43 AM EST #

Thanks for the very nice article, i really enjoyed reading it. Thank you

Posted by sleep apnea dentist manhattan on November 26, 2010 at 07:39 AM EST #

Volunteering is a great way to improve the soul and do some good that is beyond just trivial symbolic gestures. We have been working on donating cycled canned and freeze dried food from preppers. A lot of preppers store food that have shelf lives of 5-20 years and wish to rotate them without being able to consume all of it. It's a great way to get food donations for the needy.

Posted by Freeze Dried Food on November 30, 2010 at 09:30 PM EST #

this is a really important topic, i hope to read more

Posted by Benzo Fury on December 01, 2010 at 08:13 PM EST #

Language is no barrier when there is a common goal. I am always in awe of the personal sacrifice doctors and all medical staff make, often in desperate conditions. Your article has made me reflect.

Posted by Lamaze Toy on December 02, 2010 at 02:19 AM EST #

you guys are beautiful because you help people

Posted by solar panel homes on December 03, 2010 at 06:20 AM EST #

This is really a great story. i hope you will continue volunteering and helping people. Regards, Brian <a href="http://ellipticalfitness-equipment.net/">elliptical fitness equipment</a>

Posted by Brian on December 05, 2010 at 03:21 AM EST #

Good to hear about your experiences, like many things in modern life we realize we can go with out them when they are not there and don't really miss them much after awhile. I feel there is nothing more eye opening about how lucky we are living in the west than going to a country or place where they have so much less than we do. It really makes you see what we have and how grateful we should be for all the blessings in our lives. I had this experience when I went to India, it took me many days to get used to all the poverty around me. Seeing it on TV is one thing but actually experiencing it is a totally different thing.

Posted by Andrew Francis on December 08, 2010 at 01:50 AM EST #

Hi, I found this Web site by accident but really am glad that I did. It was truly uplifting. I am always looking for ways to help the community. As a plastic surgeon, many people assume that what I do is just superficial in depth, but I always look at it as an opportunity to help others in need. I think working abroad is always an amazing experience, which I have had the fortune to be a part of multiple times. best, Sam Lam

Posted by Dr. Samuel Lam on December 14, 2010 at 09:50 AM EST #

Excellent post! Well needed. I would like to read such updates. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by Anup on December 18, 2010 at 02:18 AM EST #

Wow...how touching! I'm a big supporter of smile train which helps kids with birth defects in countries like where you've been. People don't realize how good it feels to just help out every once in a while. ;-)

Posted by Tonsil Stones on December 19, 2010 at 12:52 AM EST #

It is surprising how when luxuries are stripped away we rely on friendships and the simplicities of life to give us pleasure. An uplifting story of how serving others brings the best out in people

Posted by Cars Dublin on December 20, 2010 at 09:02 AM EST #

Hi, its very important to volunteering this kind of events. There are more people out there looking for help, they're below the poverty line. Providing Education to them is one more important thing to do. Anyways thanks guys you people are doing great work. Kind Regards Naresh

Posted by Software Downloads on December 21, 2010 at 03:36 AM EST #

Thanks I always enjoy these post. Merry Christmas!! gary

Posted by Gary Bolton on December 25, 2010 at 12:29 PM EST #

This is very inspiring story. This truly is amazing. Thanks for that

Posted by become a alpha male on December 29, 2010 at 03:52 AM EST #

Being a person of faith help me appreciate these kind of story. They are so uplifting and comforting knowing we are not alone and our guides are always with us. Best Regards, Blake L.

Posted by become a alpha male on January 06, 2011 at 02:00 PM EST #

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