To start, a few funny snippets taken seen on different modes of transport around Kampala:
"Your integrity is your beauty"
"Pslams (and then some verse)" instead of Psalms
Updates on all fronts:
Work:
Pen Update:
Because I know you all were on the edge of your seats from last time about the pen situation, yes, the pen shortage continued. And, yes, I survived. And eventually, on my last survey day, a box of red pens was delivered to my office. Success. A big thanks to Devin who gave me some really good laughs during this experience with his fantastic jokes:"I hope it's not leading to too much pen-t up frustration"
"I had an ink-ling this wouldn't be the end of the debacle"
"I've become very pen-sive about your plight."
Making my mark!
Other work things:
The person who tailored my uniform (see below!) asked me who my maid was. When I said I didn't have one, she was shocked. I cook for myself? I clean for myself? What the hell? I do my own laundry? Yes. I guess it's pretty common for people, especially white people, to have maids here. I, for one, do not, and I think I am doing well! I am seeking out Luganda lessons so I can connect with patients and staff on a more personal level. I just finished my waiting time baseline assessment after 195 surveys, and I will be doing a literature review on waiting time interventions this week. Each week, we have CMEs, which are continuing medical education classes, on different topics. This week, Hospice Africa Uganda came to talk with us, funded by USAID (www.hospiceafrica.or.ug). I found myself really getting into it as the nurse described how we really need to look at a patient's pain as holistically as possible. We need to assess what is bothering him or her the most. Sure, they may physically be in pain with a terminal illness, but they may have some seriously spiritual or social pains such as feeling isolated or having anxiety as he or she nears the end of his or her life, wondering what will happen when they die. All of these issues need to be addressed to provide the best care to a dying patient. And as Nurse Jerith stated, "Hospice matters. It's important to maintain their [the patients'] smiles until the last day." I'm really enthusiastic about a comfortable death for patients as well as supporting families left behind, and I may do a 5-day hospice course and work as somewhat of a liaison between JCRC and Hospice Uganda to provide care for dying patients in the ward and ones that will be going home to die as well.
Burning Man:
It's taking place this week! Sad I am not going this year, but commemorating it nonetheless from the Pearl of Africa (#hippointhewaterorwhateverthehashtagsaidatimmigration). Sending love to all friends there at Black Rock City.Overall:
The Ugandan people have hearts that are open and full and stories to tell that are worth listening to and learning from. I am grateful for my safety and for the opportunity to be here for an extended period of time.
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| Spectacular sunset as I finish my day at work |
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| Don't forget to "flash" the water in the toilet. Mazzi means water in Luganda. |
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| Box of pens finally delivered. Glory. |
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| A run I am thinking of doing |
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| Mama and baby cow wandering around in front of JCRC |
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| Bernard, the head pharmacist with whom I share my office |
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| Me in my Ugandan nursing uniform looking "smart" (well-dressed) |
Wow, you got your pens! I had to go back and catch-up with that Pen Saga. In the end, it's hard to battle the "I'll just bite the bullet, and buy these things for $5" vs. "No, we should follow protocol -- no matter how crazy it seems." Truly, the things we take for granted. (Especially those w/ full access to supply closets.)
ReplyDeleteI was always surprised when my sister had maids on her mission in the Philippines. But they also said that was a matter of providing jobs -- like it's expected that you do that. I, however, could never indulge. Maybe it's because my mom cleaned houses; or just I can't imagine being "served" daily.
As far as working in Hospice, I wish you the best of luck. I know the "holistic" approach is best, and with people like you out there, certainly the goal of a "maintaining smiles until the last day" is within reach. (Also, the work I'm doing today at the Nursing College; making a newsletter to caregivers like yourself so they can be stakeholders in our study on end-of-life care. I'm also finishing the online Videos. I may share some.)
Anyway, the Burners are coming back & I'm hoping to bring a few together on the beach in Evanston to hear the tails/tales -- and then to a brewery & a rock show up there. I'll fwd the e-invite.
Wishing you well, as always; also, I'm going to make sure Arielle adds a comment. We promised each other to do a little update back & forth for you.
))<>((
david