Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I'm going to Rwanda!
In June I attended an meeting to learn some details about an upcoming trip to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. I wasn't sure if this was something I truly wanted to be apart of, or could be. The plan is to do 15 open heart surgeries in 18 days for people who suffer from Rheumatic Heart Disease. 2 surgeons, 1 surgical physician assistant, 3 cardiologists, 1 echo tech, 1 bypass pump tech, 5 OR nurses, 9 ICU nurses, 9 Step down nurses and a few laymen to round out our 45 member team. I soon realized that I wanted to be apart of this amazing opportunity. I was chosen to be apart of the 9 member step down team. Another nurse and I are the youngest to be traveling. We leave on the 5th of February, arrive the 7th, 1st surgery is on the 8th and then we leave on the 23rd. What a month! We needed to raise $2,500 for our own personal airfare (which I have done with the generous support of family and friends) and be willing to give up our vacation time as well.
Well its coming down to the last 90 days before our trip and we are trying to tie up all the loose ends. The group needs about $100,000 to be able to afford the supplies and ship everything to Africa. We are apply for grants and also holding tons of benefits.
The website is www.ujamamedicalconnections.com if you want more information.
Our trip is so important because there is a list of over 500 people who desperately need life saving surgery. That doesn't include everyone else who just needs a checkup or preventative care. During the 1994 genocide, 75% of the medical community was killed. For the 10 million in the country, there are 225 doctors and of those 225, 2 are cardiologists.... not even surgeons. Our group is being supported by other groups from Boston, Australia and another team from either Israel or India. They have been before and the combination of everyone puts a trained surgeon in the country at least every 4 months. Hopefully we can educate both the doctors and the nurses while we are they so we can start to make this country self sufficient once again.
Well its coming down to the last 90 days before our trip and we are trying to tie up all the loose ends. The group needs about $100,000 to be able to afford the supplies and ship everything to Africa. We are apply for grants and also holding tons of benefits.
The website is www.ujamamedicalconnections.com if you want more information.
Our trip is so important because there is a list of over 500 people who desperately need life saving surgery. That doesn't include everyone else who just needs a checkup or preventative care. During the 1994 genocide, 75% of the medical community was killed. For the 10 million in the country, there are 225 doctors and of those 225, 2 are cardiologists.... not even surgeons. Our group is being supported by other groups from Boston, Australia and another team from either Israel or India. They have been before and the combination of everyone puts a trained surgeon in the country at least every 4 months. Hopefully we can educate both the doctors and the nurses while we are they so we can start to make this country self sufficient once again.
More weddings?!!
In August I fly down to Colorado Springs to see my friend Shelby get marred to a friend from Whitworth. It was a long weekend full of beautiful site and amazing friends. I've never been to Colorado, so that was also a fun experience.
Obviously at the Garden of the Gods. Holy cow! What an amazing place.
The lucky man.
Obviously at the Garden of the Gods. Holy cow! What an amazing place.My travel partners, Lindsay and Jessica
One of the beautiful rock formations.
Shelby and Nolan!
Such a gorgeous environment. Kudos the bride for planning the PERFECT wedding.
Shelby was one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen.
The lucky man.This late summer we went to a family friend's wedding. Heather Schneidmiller married Trevor Osbourne. It was a gorgeous wedding and the reception was held at her parents house. It's so fun to see how much things can change, but the people always stay the same.
This October, I also was able to see my good friend and old roomate from Whitworth get married. Congrats Caitlin and Aaron!
In front of the Fremont Troll.
My pseudo wedding date. Sean was also at a wedding back in Spokane on the same weekend, so I went with a friend from Whitworth.
Such a beautiful wedding. It was so good to see tons of friends that I haven't seen since school.
That is it for our weddings this fall. We have another at the end of December and then no more until next July. I'm wedding'ed out!
Oh Yeah, we had a 1 year anniversary!
On July 25th, 2008, Sean and Andrea changed their lives and said "I do." Well, we are happy to have had such a nice 1st year of marriage. It was for the most part a pretty uneventful year. I finished school, started a job, Sean has kept his job and we don't have kids.... Sounds pretty good. Here are some highlights from our trip to Leavenworth.
Played a little mini golf on a real green.
Played a little mini golf on a real green.Fed the goats who eat the hillside
In front of the Alpine-like hills.
Went for a hike near icicle creek. So beautiful
Hot and sweaty
Cutting the cake, 1 year later. Not too bad, kinda tasted like freezer though
Being that the first anniversary is paper, Sean bought a paper bouquet of my wedding flowers. I was completely shocked! The company's name is Anemone and they make the most amazing stuff. I just got a him a book... I think he won this year :)
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