tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2440261528860972802024-03-13T11:01:16.938-04:00Time Well WastedMost of my ideas or thoughts come at the most inconvenient times.
Procrastination? Or, Time Well Wasted.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-68253951797239080192014-05-13T22:06:00.000-04:002014-05-13T22:06:17.421-04:00A Surreal Ending<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAzdSrM0PxAu0JIfMGIKxfBsTgWBCkccZ8R-lvM-6pb-A1fGe7GzmQXDT1LCd86dHMFccroQVBi-ryRNTUjrQJlKRMklSYvp2wWA3RWD07vB2dCbuFbyFxH_suqffRgx0eNxApDmiYriJ/s1600/10322640_641944202552158_6711777453691742062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAzdSrM0PxAu0JIfMGIKxfBsTgWBCkccZ8R-lvM-6pb-A1fGe7GzmQXDT1LCd86dHMFccroQVBi-ryRNTUjrQJlKRMklSYvp2wWA3RWD07vB2dCbuFbyFxH_suqffRgx0eNxApDmiYriJ/s1600/10322640_641944202552158_6711777453691742062_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Wonderful Family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The quasi-doctor phase of this journey into the medical field; a medical school graduate, on my way to residency. It doesn't feel real. But, it sure does make me feel grateful. When I started college at Hillsdale, I imagined graduating from medical school would feel more complete. Another reminder that feeling as though I "have arrived" is not realistic. Nor is it the goal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbcRu2MqDthbmstIil50RTYZtRnpi2ETHKtDZf3L59LYgy106srrM9rTxI57AIhnvzRjRvc4eo3WTaBIePCDDeATLwdQaMusX50J3vE6etr8qoPsar295rB52qZBKf7coHuR11K2l5n0D/s1600/10325257_641944189218826_4883831066936692685_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbcRu2MqDthbmstIil50RTYZtRnpi2ETHKtDZf3L59LYgy106srrM9rTxI57AIhnvzRjRvc4eo3WTaBIePCDDeATLwdQaMusX50J3vE6etr8qoPsar295rB52qZBKf7coHuR11K2l5n0D/s1600/10325257_641944189218826_4883831066936692685_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the world's greatest parents at our promotion ceremony! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I feel as if God has gone before me in each and every phase of this adventure. I've learned a lot. Like how to treat hyperkalemia, that insurance companies will test your patience, and that it takes three 8 hour board exams to obtain a license. But, my favorite parts are what I've learned about people.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
People. A territory of unknown experiences, pain, and wisdom. And diseases. But, that's not why I love medicine.When I think back on the past four years, the best part hasn't been our amazing cardiology course, state of the art medical technology, or the pearls of medical wisdom passed down from our mentors. It's been the people. My teachers, my classmates, the patients, the families. They've provided the true pearls.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>1. Don't stereotype. </b></div>
<div>
Not only could it lead to a missed diagnosis, but it also makes you cold. My first impression has been wrong in so many instances that I've had the privilege of learning this one over and over. While stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason, there are always exceptions. A wise surgeon in Alaska told me I had two options. To take every patient at their word, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. Or, to be skeptical, always questioning if they are in your office seeking secondary gain, unwarranted unemployment benefits, or pain medications. The first will make you compassionate, the second bitter. I think what he was saying was have the eyes of Jesus. Everyone has their own story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>2. Rely on other people. </b></div>
<div>
I used to pride myself on independence. But, I've grown to believe that independence is a weakness. And I've been fortunate enough to meet some of the coolest people in the world. To lean on them, to be stretched by them, and to share moments of joy, fear, and sadness with them. God have Adam Eve for a reason. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>3. Be prepared to be unprepared. </b></div>
<div>
No matter how detailed the chart you read before entering a patient room, it's impossible to be prepared. In fact, some doctors choose not to read the chart before entering the room. I used to think a lot about asking the right questions, even the right way to introduce myself. While it's important to be prepared, I think it's more important to be prepared for anything--entering every new patient and subsequently, new experience, with an open mind. I think it gives us the attitude to see the beauty in the world around us. Or as John Michael Montgomery likes to say, "Life's a dance, you learn as you go."<br />
<i>Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. </i><br />
<i>Proverbs 19:21 </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>4. Resting is underrated. </b></div>
<div>
There has got to be a physiologic reason why I enjoy being horizontal so much. When I have my own office, I'll figure out a way to hang a hammock in it. Whether it involves REM sleep or not, being able to take a break is important. And they have to be protected.<br />
<i>...and on the seventh day He rested from all his work. </i><br />
<i>Genesis 2:2</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>5. Comparison is the thief of joy.</b></div>
<div>
Theodore Roosevelt hit the nail on the head with this one. This may be my biggest work in progress. Be it classmates, colleagues, family members, or friends, comparison will suck the life out of a person. It's paralyzing. </div>
<div>
<i>But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. </i></div>
<div>
<i>1 Corinthians 12:18</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-82048070639647168652014-04-13T10:10:00.002-04:002014-04-13T10:11:54.821-04:00The Body <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf2P5ESJXnv3YawH39PI5GM6zx-BnObQlhWatT7IEHEBxGDyPrVGP39PQxbKr-506ODqcl6DBPYVtiooo8yGu7339ATE3SSZIHSe3ln2_CWu3AgSRibbLVTk7On9jMt31Kay1oR8AIhGp/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf2P5ESJXnv3YawH39PI5GM6zx-BnObQlhWatT7IEHEBxGDyPrVGP39PQxbKr-506ODqcl6DBPYVtiooo8yGu7339ATE3SSZIHSe3ln2_CWu3AgSRibbLVTk7On9jMt31Kay1oR8AIhGp/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pictoral representation of my heart. Thank God for children. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">Colossians 3:14-16</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This morning I watched a testimony that the father of a good friend of mine presented to his church. The story and scripture he shared led me to reflect on my own spiritual journey and relationship with Christ.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've always focused on the areas of my life where I am weak. While there's a place for it, it often brings guilt and inadequacy along as well. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This morning as I gained so much appreciation for God through the testimony of Warren Maxwell, provided by a dear sister I have gained since beginning med school, Bre Maxwell, I praised God for how despite barely ever reading my Bible or praying (with the exception of nights prior to exams) in the last 4 years, He has shown me the power of being united to a family of believers. They are encouraging, they are challenging, and they are just a really, really good time. And provide the prayer support, the Words of God, and the church I have often lacked during med school. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fellowship has been the strength of my medical school years. And as I rested in the goodness God has shown me over the past 4 years in true friendship, I was reminded that in times of weakness there are also strengths.<br />
<br />
College showed be the power of belonging to a strong church and knowing scripture, but for whatever reason, while those took a backseat, the power of Godly fellowship carried me. Simple, but profound in how remembering that made me feel so close to God this morning. And really excited to be in Heaven.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">Ephesians 2:19-22 </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.</span></blockquote>
</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-68569074918553552552014-02-15T18:30:00.002-05:002014-02-16T11:28:33.167-05:00Kenya #3<div class="MsoNormal">
These are my final days spent in Kenya. If I could finish out med school here I would, another two and half months I could do. Granted I was ready to come home. One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier as the hospital was primarily staffed with Kenyans. Perhaps if I could speak fluent Swahili I wouldn't have been so ready to come home and work in a place where English was the primary language. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1Ny3Zy5zxv4gta1lM5LXDCzwE_ssMi9_Gzc2XfceqRJsiSeyJlkTK-6HK8_u3jQk3DIP-l0kkUuGujzzf1uoKK9zWtaCwQ5W21-p8B_nqrjxyYJhMTcdy3s0ZEq8YHwfPPCKkb6sAtPR/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1Ny3Zy5zxv4gta1lM5LXDCzwE_ssMi9_Gzc2XfceqRJsiSeyJlkTK-6HK8_u3jQk3DIP-l0kkUuGujzzf1uoKK9zWtaCwQ5W21-p8B_nqrjxyYJhMTcdy3s0ZEq8YHwfPPCKkb6sAtPR/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan, Myself, and Benta during an af in the nursery </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b><br />
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b>Sunday, Jan 26:</b> On call time spent in the nursery and helping a Susan with her powerpoint again in preparation for her Grand Rounds presentation tomorrow. She was so so so thankful and trusts God with all of her endeavors in a way that inspires me. Prayers with her before she left—feeling blessed.</div>
<b></b><br />
<b><b></b></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig4AWDPyHXmINyqoWJYTWhe4e49dcj3uAGo4TsfdBzG_zCskTBCv8SiZe16PSyQ7cIOBnj5sO4KAK12IThjMEOOyn4MEnGR3I0nuP4ohwfaHq36HMRVSbOmptKy_7sDL0a3gqIbM_WfUu/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig4AWDPyHXmINyqoWJYTWhe4e49dcj3uAGo4TsfdBzG_zCskTBCv8SiZe16PSyQ7cIOBnj5sO4KAK12IThjMEOOyn4MEnGR3I0nuP4ohwfaHq36HMRVSbOmptKy_7sDL0a3gqIbM_WfUu/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sinkeet serving our daily dose of chai!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Monday, Jan 27:</b> Frustrated with poor patient management and a lack of communication between different services. But the incredible attitudes of the interns and an evening spent with a new diabetic teen eager to learn about his management brought me to tears. They probably thought I was crazy, but it truly pushed my heart past its emotional limit. He’d even copied the posters on the wall to keep notes about what to eat and signs of hypoglycemia. What a champ! And Susan rocked her Grand Rounds this morning—I felt like a proud mama<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday, Jan 28:</b> LOVE the fun you can have in the peds ward. The pictures should give you a good idea of our daily endeavors. I was also reminded of the circle of life. New babies being brought to the nursery and on my way home I pass by the area families gather with caskets of their loved ones—a frequent occurrence here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3tui0-u-0uOpYHS8V4CZMomsHTga7g5N7qu3Dvkisf3iOzCL0u16OCpJxJM8wHZR1PQU8ErSYX1rrwE8CIBcEHH9wZNrVcr2rnrPyL1LZE-jCBNuR9qiS6go7MwSmZOuiWd0M_bj4i9S/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3tui0-u-0uOpYHS8V4CZMomsHTga7g5N7qu3Dvkisf3iOzCL0u16OCpJxJM8wHZR1PQU8ErSYX1rrwE8CIBcEHH9wZNrVcr2rnrPyL1LZE-jCBNuR9qiS6go7MwSmZOuiWd0M_bj4i9S/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGbAeqM-4dQSS1FxLp4FShuKTvsJgJE84BhyphenhyphenktrN7Vmz01Pe2dIu5htGrnt_SD-QNv8jKWxXb47b62ntG_Vi-_y1yycJBjA-T_BJpkt411xrbJSoExtSUw8SupWZwwl22PFAAOzP4Z1jN/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGbAeqM-4dQSS1FxLp4FShuKTvsJgJE84BhyphenhyphenktrN7Vmz01Pe2dIu5htGrnt_SD-QNv8jKWxXb47b62ntG_Vi-_y1yycJBjA-T_BJpkt411xrbJSoExtSUw8SupWZwwl22PFAAOzP4Z1jN/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A morning full of chai and mandazi!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HRKFG1n2MGspqPgkZUC0tE564e3K9h7j9H7W4b9TGwUF7sBcCKleebpWwn3lZ8sbEtW5mLljUiZ98LgD1vJgQzOmp9IE5_884bX7YFWgdFHUoOLBifyYm8Jg9nsEUl9Vh1EYes8QOIhh/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HRKFG1n2MGspqPgkZUC0tE564e3K9h7j9H7W4b9TGwUF7sBcCKleebpWwn3lZ8sbEtW5mLljUiZ98LgD1vJgQzOmp9IE5_884bX7YFWgdFHUoOLBifyYm8Jg9nsEUl9Vh1EYes8QOIhh/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HRKFG1n2MGspqPgkZUC0tE564e3K9h7j9H7W4b9TGwUF7sBcCKleebpWwn3lZ8sbEtW5mLljUiZ98LgD1vJgQzOmp9IE5_884bX7YFWgdFHUoOLBifyYm8Jg9nsEUl9Vh1EYes8QOIhh/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HRKFG1n2MGspqPgkZUC0tE564e3K9h7j9H7W4b9TGwUF7sBcCKleebpWwn3lZ8sbEtW5mLljUiZ98LgD1vJgQzOmp9IE5_884bX7YFWgdFHUoOLBifyYm8Jg9nsEUl9Vh1EYes8QOIhh/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQoiidggVpJ6xuRhiW4EOrZC0d4jWzetqTb4BbK9AlxmVD6G6JFzi39HFNVMGChqkBAG1TtBH4NCf4KbBSI-D9aT9p4ZUyYSchGQitgdA1Fa3WhOTHuvHs5ZYAePjCsjEnTVggGtNI9u/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQoiidggVpJ6xuRhiW4EOrZC0d4jWzetqTb4BbK9AlxmVD6G6JFzi39HFNVMGChqkBAG1TtBH4NCf4KbBSI-D9aT9p4ZUyYSchGQitgdA1Fa3WhOTHuvHs5ZYAePjCsjEnTVggGtNI9u/s1600/IMG_3435.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ2y2iP0e9CN_RBUURrwS2Fowo0juhj36ircy6J1oY2M3D6W411IbTlxRK4Ac2M9Zsq_dEZWBkFaKpsWFvyMmYRogk_Rra6vGV9RiRlhCEyiZBO6n5xaV8l6BXsqICPgSGLem0U0qa0WS/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ2y2iP0e9CN_RBUURrwS2Fowo0juhj36ircy6J1oY2M3D6W411IbTlxRK4Ac2M9Zsq_dEZWBkFaKpsWFvyMmYRogk_Rra6vGV9RiRlhCEyiZBO6n5xaV8l6BXsqICPgSGLem0U0qa0WS/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKk7xa-8AMk288AlOOTszNDLTewpJQWlEQtGijvA75y7fZUFP422afgbSH807nuGmxt8hzrcwebO8UCw4ck0dZ0Pg8m1cxqWmhGMnVW5oqdfqcbQMdFRirlFgtCBaUlJePDgqUF2kZyCg/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKk7xa-8AMk288AlOOTszNDLTewpJQWlEQtGijvA75y7fZUFP422afgbSH807nuGmxt8hzrcwebO8UCw4ck0dZ0Pg8m1cxqWmhGMnVW5oqdfqcbQMdFRirlFgtCBaUlJePDgqUF2kZyCg/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rounds with Dr. Minette Son visitng from San Antonio </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was our fearless leader Dr. Bemm, the long term missionary pediatrician, who in the video below is proving that the nutritional supplement, although expired, is still good and will not back patients sick by drinking it himself. Fun times. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyyk34C71LY85ov9GbEKQR6EMwoYuiLH2M7dKIdLUTljY-kbpr8TzavIzGBraV0ZxGR63UPeqgptMmcUdDGuQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzkqmrP0iOEGaNZ5mecwCB2RT_TFJcQc4gUzUuN27fd7yu_I5kTxf3Eavk7ESND4wtxdTxUsqtg4W_QkWz6GY03ZDy48tPZm7lOCdkLnUQWy_zxA2BcY7jrg7MXAuA2g87FW5qjlTCN9Q/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzkqmrP0iOEGaNZ5mecwCB2RT_TFJcQc4gUzUuN27fd7yu_I5kTxf3Eavk7ESND4wtxdTxUsqtg4W_QkWz6GY03ZDy48tPZm7lOCdkLnUQWy_zxA2BcY7jrg7MXAuA2g87FW5qjlTCN9Q/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" height="400" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This cute boy had a mama that had placed a Bible beneath his hand one morning, it brought a smile to my face as we were rounding one morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFUWN71M9iCO8koHJsl89ve14KUx0FDdG2zInlyLWxhpEAMJ3MB6tAHUzr3Nmc8UdNBrypepkt1w3I2RIeLyk2FIBWEL8U53QKFyC_YHdA4juc-v8-tINLgBF51BOa0vkcrlKkJnpPWgM/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFUWN71M9iCO8koHJsl89ve14KUx0FDdG2zInlyLWxhpEAMJ3MB6tAHUzr3Nmc8UdNBrypepkt1w3I2RIeLyk2FIBWEL8U53QKFyC_YHdA4juc-v8-tINLgBF51BOa0vkcrlKkJnpPWgM/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" height="320" width="240" /><b></b></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<b></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: left;">
<b><b><br /></b></b></div>
</div>
<b>Wednesday, Jan 29: </b>Intern Bible study was amazing. So blessed to be in a community so united by Christ. Also was able to take care of a beautiful little lady admitted for meningitis and thriving despite a HIV diagnosis 1 year ago. Her presence radiates such joy!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVtBL_l241tMWwt_azi3JurNF2Ij9C3chooLJ4gA3PTc4hpqt8wOeUos9MDXJQLL7fsYD9U2g-5N5FBUfUSMtYpsWTSTQsxvm30Js7h3iFPBlRDiVikABxNxTGmeckeGpyomyIP9gycUv/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVtBL_l241tMWwt_azi3JurNF2Ij9C3chooLJ4gA3PTc4hpqt8wOeUos9MDXJQLL7fsYD9U2g-5N5FBUfUSMtYpsWTSTQsxvm30Js7h3iFPBlRDiVikABxNxTGmeckeGpyomyIP9gycUv/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, Jan 30:</b> Last day in the NICU, feeling for a mother named Joyce with twins. One has hydrocephalus and failure to thrive. She has a smile that makes me want to stay in the nursery all evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Friday, Jan 31: </b>Left Tenwek this afternoon. Bittersweet. It was a good final morning in the ward. I was blessed by a young man with neurocutaneous albinism. The interns described those with albinism as an “endangered species” as they can be killed and their organs distributed with the idea it will bring wealth. He was admitted for a probable basal cell carcinoma which required a large resection of his scalp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFN32DcTNZjObulNwvg_gDN2BO-Qktlt6NrBSSnCBkZP8w9BjaSGdX6aGjlgPL0jDgtzE2pTEidxMtk0V8-CufAwu3jJlTjIVb2DBPTi9s6dxdK3yhrnvJC1cCafVEJam80dXojjQWoJh/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFN32DcTNZjObulNwvg_gDN2BO-Qktlt6NrBSSnCBkZP8w9BjaSGdX6aGjlgPL0jDgtzE2pTEidxMtk0V8-CufAwu3jJlTjIVb2DBPTi9s6dxdK3yhrnvJC1cCafVEJam80dXojjQWoJh/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" height="290" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov86wnIyflDUZZSPmUSFgYyIKo8-Qv8X7bOdgiYUpyolQv1SZ07d6kwvWlrrmYK0Q4PbjEj9epZaqY8WeO1wIkUneXUZp6Ri7xNU3H3LkoaBkjtHNR5aMj9RAAgAhPBeeBoOXWtoFPGKJ/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov86wnIyflDUZZSPmUSFgYyIKo8-Qv8X7bOdgiYUpyolQv1SZ07d6kwvWlrrmYK0Q4PbjEj9epZaqY8WeO1wIkUneXUZp6Ri7xNU3H3LkoaBkjtHNR5aMj9RAAgAhPBeeBoOXWtoFPGKJ/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMTz6_1XrRMpN5nYsWuNqZjX0VBHr6uaMVOopnlcyRniMHa06nKS7-E2nxPumEe2YiqL_oS0YfYMGDpG0JvboaA-s-wpklwfU5hL9bM7nrmFOY0kXSF95M2FZBD6XFDTaAI9Lho7MvxvV/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMTz6_1XrRMpN5nYsWuNqZjX0VBHr6uaMVOopnlcyRniMHa06nKS7-E2nxPumEe2YiqL_oS0YfYMGDpG0JvboaA-s-wpklwfU5hL9bM7nrmFOY0kXSF95M2FZBD6XFDTaAI9Lho7MvxvV/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID0ox9XGLIkOX3EjLqldRe_DRoT6-naWZbAFLpimqGA2omh8l6gJGkBkOJQIerqj1h7vEXOzZm_8ryYpZxJYoC4NkAlO-eIhxH-cwwKaQVRAvJb_DFyjY9Po6eA3xc4KaJ3ZmvsiNGDLj/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID0ox9XGLIkOX3EjLqldRe_DRoT6-naWZbAFLpimqGA2omh8l6gJGkBkOJQIerqj1h7vEXOzZm_8ryYpZxJYoC4NkAlO-eIhxH-cwwKaQVRAvJb_DFyjY9Po6eA3xc4KaJ3ZmvsiNGDLj/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><b></b><br />
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<b><b><br /></b></b>
<b>Saturday, Feb 1:</b> At the guest house in Nairobi, leaving at 4pm for the airport. Great breakfast with an orthopedic surgeon and his prayer warrior of a wife. Did OMT on a gentleman for lower back pain. Tea and mandazi with a peace promoter in South Sudan. And lunch with Dinah! So many cool people.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXZdzPIJWrj4F-YWjNKd1JTaOSHDVDSfYHIf3fWWUVP21h0piR3fV_-kUDI2SBUrsYUYbEzlI0sR-w1_jmy3X7I07bubDBSmnpEfl9MSVvJU-e8GZ_48UA9ir_zcsYbQ2WRvyYUdIjw1S/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXZdzPIJWrj4F-YWjNKd1JTaOSHDVDSfYHIf3fWWUVP21h0piR3fV_-kUDI2SBUrsYUYbEzlI0sR-w1_jmy3X7I07bubDBSmnpEfl9MSVvJU-e8GZ_48UA9ir_zcsYbQ2WRvyYUdIjw1S/s1600/IMG_3464.JPG" height="308" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skyline of Nairobi as I headed to the airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GfQxNMUMSqw%2FUv6eLBlomxI%2FAAAAAAAABaM%2Fq3a-0k1qR6s%2Fs1600%2FIMG_3439.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZ2y2iP0e9CN_RBUURrwS2Fowo0juhj36ircy6J1oY2M3D6W411IbTlxRK4Ac2M9Zsq_dEZWBkFaKpsWFvyMmYRogk_Rra6vGV9RiRlhCEyiZBO6n5xaV8l6BXsqICPgSGLem0U0qa0WS/s1600/IMG_3439.JPG" -->Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-82863651791860424032014-02-12T20:20:00.000-05:002014-02-12T20:26:58.454-05:00Safari and Tea <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtExvzknOibnMDVBnm_meRa7JQ1Yinfe1ogVK27u4uSSXq7Z8eWUGxlYz40KBHtXreNBz-WQu5S6d2O3Dzrsk_6hDWEezap3nWHocrZ4fUb6y-eJefCMozswbW0mo9TvzYoHYa2ZMimBb/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtExvzknOibnMDVBnm_meRa7JQ1Yinfe1ogVK27u4uSSXq7Z8eWUGxlYz40KBHtXreNBz-WQu5S6d2O3Dzrsk_6hDWEezap3nWHocrZ4fUb6y-eJefCMozswbW0mo9TvzYoHYa2ZMimBb/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB-R5RsdINuP2J-QsCSmYcHT86QLfuzLL2H67cpjLVg6SNsfe69HrUjXP58hdqtjtQIg6HIMgtrnUoiknrn4QKKsrzTqgeVqlYbifVXj8hs73OuxiaOJhG2uHsfWkgs5VsqESzKvMsO2d/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB-R5RsdINuP2J-QsCSmYcHT86QLfuzLL2H67cpjLVg6SNsfe69HrUjXP58hdqtjtQIg6HIMgtrnUoiknrn4QKKsrzTqgeVqlYbifVXj8hs73OuxiaOJhG2uHsfWkgs5VsqESzKvMsO2d/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That a crop duster in the sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wednesday, Jan 22:</b> Safari Day 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an experience a
safari is—warm, eucalyptus washcloths for our hands, mango juice, and the
friendly Jambos from the African staff made for a warm welcome. <o:p></o:p>Met a spine orthopedic surgeon from Alaska who offed me an Alaskan rotation. (stay tuned…) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vp2b1RL1KCg882NVZn9jQyLtDVKPZlNVW4sgDNG6NLKn_xpiXzu3lPVy8qt_wI6sbNNVmWz09GrATwfVklTBQ5h42GN_baT7d0AABMtJqwQkrDU4pX5_QaovSs1HS4jY3Dd4QUWREaMh/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vp2b1RL1KCg882NVZn9jQyLtDVKPZlNVW4sgDNG6NLKn_xpiXzu3lPVy8qt_wI6sbNNVmWz09GrATwfVklTBQ5h42GN_baT7d0AABMtJqwQkrDU4pX5_QaovSs1HS4jY3Dd4QUWREaMh/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle we passed during our car ride to the Masai Mara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXXic92mFHTc5zNTAcclOP2nkz1EqIo3cX5fl08foB1Q4BOSxkI7X9qzsuKTZnoSKIor3uhaLAM-mosfavXs13NwzOEWulZfTD5ExlOZ3-s_pgfxQLzi2nVL9Zw13cND8DiC29lZMYNte/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXXic92mFHTc5zNTAcclOP2nkz1EqIo3cX5fl08foB1Q4BOSxkI7X9qzsuKTZnoSKIor3uhaLAM-mosfavXs13NwzOEWulZfTD5ExlOZ3-s_pgfxQLzi2nVL9Zw13cND8DiC29lZMYNte/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A construction site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV0vvm4ngz-qIlf9379wvBwR61UWAEpT3xuzIX57efC_J1-Kw5JGhFwBhwnG577mRJs5A_pGxIA2tn3dO69gzjPZdr8hEU4spQ4GywgUaDW-7B9rxmN_C8sDPuMtu_d9mEJRq57kdoYXT/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV0vvm4ngz-qIlf9379wvBwR61UWAEpT3xuzIX57efC_J1-Kw5JGhFwBhwnG577mRJs5A_pGxIA2tn3dO69gzjPZdr8hEU4spQ4GywgUaDW-7B9rxmN_C8sDPuMtu_d9mEJRq57kdoYXT/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafiki with her baby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KHLYofQ0HJQVfCEDmBAmKisEpfl4rfdQtrgwnKgdcxt6H0dCZHLL_eBBnXBBSYixoxjE786v3O6S-8L8X4CadjPNe-HMGYjOxZnO6DymrL8uN-7HkFy0WPq-LvjpW5hEYEyFqKFeIVo5/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KHLYofQ0HJQVfCEDmBAmKisEpfl4rfdQtrgwnKgdcxt6H0dCZHLL_eBBnXBBSYixoxjE786v3O6S-8L8X4CadjPNe-HMGYjOxZnO6DymrL8uN-7HkFy0WPq-LvjpW5hEYEyFqKFeIVo5/s1600/IMG_2940.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ridiculously amazing accommodations </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNjS4Mx1eqcdG1tjjvET4mPScYc4q-LPaCkN4sjtDSyCfTW5jmYIz7aAizJNuJVOl4WP-1CBzr3TYGBgicSPkYSt2Qo08LLmP50f5Se7jlINbqgyNpEOR_TJuxw8DVv7V8ngeC0_2y2m/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNjS4Mx1eqcdG1tjjvET4mPScYc4q-LPaCkN4sjtDSyCfTW5jmYIz7aAizJNuJVOl4WP-1CBzr3TYGBgicSPkYSt2Qo08LLmP50f5Se7jlINbqgyNpEOR_TJuxw8DVv7V8ngeC0_2y2m/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKrNVU57orGwm1KA7_AAoruez_Ijl389UiM4bjiFMMxes-IrT4H-WJXZ6uv6CXO7st3Bt0NZCzvad3R-1fcOF_XYPMKd381919YwhmzjeXmlalSVilaRzj3FjUgkqgE6f7zrxXkfKvueu/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKrNVU57orGwm1KA7_AAoruez_Ijl389UiM4bjiFMMxes-IrT4H-WJXZ6uv6CXO7st3Bt0NZCzvad3R-1fcOF_XYPMKd381919YwhmzjeXmlalSVilaRzj3FjUgkqgE6f7zrxXkfKvueu/s1600/IMG_2931.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNjS4Mx1eqcdG1tjjvET4mPScYc4q-LPaCkN4sjtDSyCfTW5jmYIz7aAizJNuJVOl4WP-1CBzr3TYGBgicSPkYSt2Qo08LLmP50f5Se7jlINbqgyNpEOR_TJuxw8DVv7V8ngeC0_2y2m/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q4dzPZ__dauGbIiITmI1oTdvq41w3z8f9Ymy4YErTSC6EDaE-id-NAGJN4J8WckUCa88skjASQkxKfOGfnL4ha3kXvB52o4l_nv0VWuWwb6UAkXQptqsmWMwZyDbzlTapfIbVmVUW9WW/s1600/IMG_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8q4dzPZ__dauGbIiITmI1oTdvq41w3z8f9Ymy4YErTSC6EDaE-id-NAGJN4J8WckUCa88skjASQkxKfOGfnL4ha3kXvB52o4l_nv0VWuWwb6UAkXQptqsmWMwZyDbzlTapfIbVmVUW9WW/s1600/IMG_2954.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippos who lived in the river outside our tent<br />
Hippos are super loud animals and will keep you up at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzpwOmqIqJyt8skAxAX3mYrPOpSD5SgeJkzWHpmOEbkMjf2q5abY_C9EvietiBcDHIqLhKUlq9pm_Zzl80DgjeSDjvhl-8IgNKi_uGcMAqV3zk1FdZCXcumQFD07_TBgnemzad5Gv7mIY/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzpwOmqIqJyt8skAxAX3mYrPOpSD5SgeJkzWHpmOEbkMjf2q5abY_C9EvietiBcDHIqLhKUlq9pm_Zzl80DgjeSDjvhl-8IgNKi_uGcMAqV3zk1FdZCXcumQFD07_TBgnemzad5Gv7mIY/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" height="300" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caribou are my favorite animals of the antelope variety </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8p1qdTOqL9PCyYn1PMur3a9a07zl-SdvW1lIcsQOZbdfs1SxK3b2zKeJUBjPGg5_ogBgZllt5W1R4BuCfecoRVjzL05DJwq2LFCxjsaUEEibviwWQshxaqZI0yUzcDOu9rZYVIn8CxDT/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8p1qdTOqL9PCyYn1PMur3a9a07zl-SdvW1lIcsQOZbdfs1SxK3b2zKeJUBjPGg5_ogBgZllt5W1R4BuCfecoRVjzL05DJwq2LFCxjsaUEEibviwWQshxaqZI0yUzcDOu9rZYVIn8CxDT/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG" height="353" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A giraffe family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thursday, Jan 23:</b> Safari Day 2. Saw elephants and lions today! And a
cheetah eating a recent caribou kill. The staff here know us by name and bring
coffee/tea to our tent in the morning for a very friendly wake up call.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyxFCdbu61RgsZH93kOiW3Vnl4pMUSDuXY-xU0l_I102G-x7LjRM8W-XqLAWx3OWOprc_N64S6iecz_bQ0DxA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFJRiXXozTjRRYlzsN9f-O__ebm5G0Qrxjvl5aKZeHT7y9otH9F2Gp4T58NVP0dWTzkaK8161eHjEwO73XuYNnxXZ5uKGuHjQghxK_IeXL1kU_ZXduuIdL24YACgf1RFxRMXNpPJZ9XdU/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFJRiXXozTjRRYlzsN9f-O__ebm5G0Qrxjvl5aKZeHT7y9otH9F2Gp4T58NVP0dWTzkaK8161eHjEwO73XuYNnxXZ5uKGuHjQghxK_IeXL1kU_ZXduuIdL24YACgf1RFxRMXNpPJZ9XdU/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheetah brothers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6boAcd8_Tdu6A4e-a7O51QdvAE151gd_MnzfRzOQR0OgJXmoQRlRSe7i0Cn-w-kx_7VWvHCycjCKstJh9UPKQDLLqGYBCmLFb1IhwUfhXRP3s_kwGLXWq-Rrx_-hkw-TMyWiMhHbe1DM5/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6boAcd8_Tdu6A4e-a7O51QdvAE151gd_MnzfRzOQR0OgJXmoQRlRSe7i0Cn-w-kx_7VWvHCycjCKstJh9UPKQDLLqGYBCmLFb1IhwUfhXRP3s_kwGLXWq-Rrx_-hkw-TMyWiMhHbe1DM5/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG" height="291" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkCznV7woW9uw_c1kY-xOXna6x1JolmkmSlLs0EfC00oLD7wb2wDqUJ0GWC0ep0OgyxXoXpZfZMeEPP74tVRCpvtF1XKFx2TD3HPuNvqE-A1ksNhcNYPzTl8BEsmtXuGZzuCkWW3OL9C8/s1600/IMG_3083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkCznV7woW9uw_c1kY-xOXna6x1JolmkmSlLs0EfC00oLD7wb2wDqUJ0GWC0ep0OgyxXoXpZfZMeEPP74tVRCpvtF1XKFx2TD3HPuNvqE-A1ksNhcNYPzTl8BEsmtXuGZzuCkWW3OL9C8/s1600/IMG_3083.JPG" height="222" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDlXZQqOtmLZfCiQ70WG1dXzGueIwbnSoz1AEu3Uq9-7EBSHJJoZf0INySw2P_RdFWH0-63hGDp2dO4m48nL6lw4bAXDcMk7tYUNTktlksHjCMWihY45mWcluoa_fVnhv0OvEjLtGH7Py/s1600/IMG_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDlXZQqOtmLZfCiQ70WG1dXzGueIwbnSoz1AEu3Uq9-7EBSHJJoZf0INySw2P_RdFWH0-63hGDp2dO4m48nL6lw4bAXDcMk7tYUNTktlksHjCMWihY45mWcluoa_fVnhv0OvEjLtGH7Py/s1600/IMG_3090.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DLq1Af2DySrgpOstYajg90ynqziTgwzymPNWql5R4S9KDvOOo8DlGCtvgrKtxDt0U8JNewb6K4AzmLZUDWGUL8APtCcyAiWE_ApGwybtxbUE9kTRluhJh5T_tuLHe5yd9sxz8IksQG7D/s1600/IMG_3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DLq1Af2DySrgpOstYajg90ynqziTgwzymPNWql5R4S9KDvOOo8DlGCtvgrKtxDt0U8JNewb6K4AzmLZUDWGUL8APtCcyAiWE_ApGwybtxbUE9kTRluhJh5T_tuLHe5yd9sxz8IksQG7D/s1600/IMG_3081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An early safari with the traditional Masai blanket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL0OFL4mjZwjH1WoZ9I4fJCIFx92EIn6wbYAoRIgJixaKcMjNHhnJS0zzQTOynpXOeYma8FoumJsMwZRc9Gyj0hCP0l51sbXyPAwzKvFMcEnba4IWhmHStKmA2_3yptPg5Lli7IuI9o6F/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL0OFL4mjZwjH1WoZ9I4fJCIFx92EIn6wbYAoRIgJixaKcMjNHhnJS0zzQTOynpXOeYma8FoumJsMwZRc9Gyj0hCP0l51sbXyPAwzKvFMcEnba4IWhmHStKmA2_3yptPg5Lli7IuI9o6F/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gH53W0wudhyphenhyphenpy0SMQpCBmVRbnBg6uzpQymu_JR_6JDsLO3YeInnom3ZpziVbVraOSvCiK2eusjYlixGZcBt8s8hVn1-W8iOY4pUOK5bPopzV88ZJ7YoQ0UX6LAdQopUefqt-evDt5fIA/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gH53W0wudhyphenhyphenpy0SMQpCBmVRbnBg6uzpQymu_JR_6JDsLO3YeInnom3ZpziVbVraOSvCiK2eusjYlixGZcBt8s8hVn1-W8iOY4pUOK5bPopzV88ZJ7YoQ0UX6LAdQopUefqt-evDt5fIA/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLom5PWkuxrQgnyXN2-YS3nhY3z6OI0NJyjmzh6sAzPUuAeIbhsDCr0GUuHmQktUGKP4p5cqAh3WMfyyEU405IRbeNBezRSBtHFc_nW2EJ84BnugdODQeA4ZcfCFgAa1hS5Uq_WaLUMsIB/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLom5PWkuxrQgnyXN2-YS3nhY3z6OI0NJyjmzh6sAzPUuAeIbhsDCr0GUuHmQktUGKP4p5cqAh3WMfyyEU405IRbeNBezRSBtHFc_nW2EJ84BnugdODQeA4ZcfCFgAa1hS5Uq_WaLUMsIB/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yQJQ8WZI4pxiDxlX7PsZtIoFUAvXldWx7W-60BiZLPnGk2EPY_TbYnVdL71iy8eVlkLgFrw0tu2_aj3l3zCSzVd_pXenvAugSVHynUThQ-3xG-OeoJg3F_pzBd5c62fW8R3-xsNm2CuG/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59k2HXeeEzObCFIQpn3d5TAW5CbvAsxJOF5437MdJBCcdfT_BCuwSndPRnT39AuGv4FrROd2gbca6ZSU7vqqp8AeOkHi3E8U_b6xH_EiC9ntNcMkoDqfcxJw2jngAk4Fqx2QK9VIUtnLu/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59k2HXeeEzObCFIQpn3d5TAW5CbvAsxJOF5437MdJBCcdfT_BCuwSndPRnT39AuGv4FrROd2gbca6ZSU7vqqp8AeOkHi3E8U_b6xH_EiC9ntNcMkoDqfcxJw2jngAk4Fqx2QK9VIUtnLu/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG" height="320" width="240" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yQJQ8WZI4pxiDxlX7PsZtIoFUAvXldWx7W-60BiZLPnGk2EPY_TbYnVdL71iy8eVlkLgFrw0tu2_aj3l3zCSzVd_pXenvAugSVHynUThQ-3xG-OeoJg3F_pzBd5c62fW8R3-xsNm2CuG/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UV510J9rMM91Ss266ApfOPw95r-1eUqv9ZDLAMDPp62n7_gRfiYt2hnTBVKmgb4uv4Ga3lcPQ2C50GliFva6Gsgj6Ab_y-c6swxyT9fdz7VCn2XA-bvPls4ENxADwGmI4fiJ5VStFJcG/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UV510J9rMM91Ss266ApfOPw95r-1eUqv9ZDLAMDPp62n7_gRfiYt2hnTBVKmgb4uv4Ga3lcPQ2C50GliFva6Gsgj6Ab_y-c6swxyT9fdz7VCn2XA-bvPls4ENxADwGmI4fiJ5VStFJcG/s1600/IMG_3203.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPESX7Nhnc2kZEmNLURmT8d13kS9ZgYS6cMDx-q3xjPVG0wMSh9JPwBDdZDSymawTppRv1QJLjtQC2-wGyBZHAUit_taVWhgOHrHS2wchKkKlk49K2F-8FW2Qmrqg9byGc0FAsqY7XLtH/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPESX7Nhnc2kZEmNLURmT8d13kS9ZgYS6cMDx-q3xjPVG0wMSh9JPwBDdZDSymawTppRv1QJLjtQC2-wGyBZHAUit_taVWhgOHrHS2wchKkKlk49K2F-8FW2Qmrqg9byGc0FAsqY7XLtH/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQkzf8jI1W7PTXxyv3nOtx0iX4FRpEDkbIKoxQI3KylE_CHk3rsU1_QMNDYoFOsVSEmdx7VZQd_Rgi5-r4t0TgXdnxOzTCL9bD0GuWSub2VTzKjGWvF_X4UEC6mLlt5U7_MO2yNaZ6Q_6/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQkzf8jI1W7PTXxyv3nOtx0iX4FRpEDkbIKoxQI3KylE_CHk3rsU1_QMNDYoFOsVSEmdx7VZQd_Rgi5-r4t0TgXdnxOzTCL9bD0GuWSub2VTzKjGWvF_X4UEC6mLlt5U7_MO2yNaZ6Q_6/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some Stoney's with the elephants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfF24rhU5TQ5aZcmJJr59qZX5laR4h-ucFw7gjQeo8rf6JZ1iFLSxZTMT_DbNplQagRx5SGi0eLLpy1wKIRZ9DsdqgP1TgktnOdNbuw3AaLlrQSLmcuC81TpvansRgYuebb6XD9ysVUNF/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfF24rhU5TQ5aZcmJJr59qZX5laR4h-ucFw7gjQeo8rf6JZ1iFLSxZTMT_DbNplQagRx5SGi0eLLpy1wKIRZ9DsdqgP1TgktnOdNbuw3AaLlrQSLmcuC81TpvansRgYuebb6XD9ysVUNF/s1600/IMG_3275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of traditional Masai get up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg43KeDRyDTTWgAB9WjIRV-ky5cFhkKpVeYr9pEEobEnXmPIcYDRPuM19VUTIIKKgog6Tg8FzEHifcPMEM2TBFBJ21tTodGj8cCjIqkKCy6e1XRQBgukD3rFkOyQ8BRxWMD5oOgvvCqf3Q/s1600/IMG_3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg43KeDRyDTTWgAB9WjIRV-ky5cFhkKpVeYr9pEEobEnXmPIcYDRPuM19VUTIIKKgog6Tg8FzEHifcPMEM2TBFBJ21tTodGj8cCjIqkKCy6e1XRQBgukD3rFkOyQ8BRxWMD5oOgvvCqf3Q/s1600/IMG_3270.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Rhinos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRV1Cqcw5BJUj4ZoTZhUVpL-kOyIGYTy_Hw8h2hfCqgQ_L03ONf8waNXAGBb_nHJK5_MgKyXWroRvNcOi8p-eYEe-WhVCFzj7WZ8WnZWcdS5lSQhtbKUG6xAEINUJK4-iocJ8DAvrtOrXY/s1600/IMG_3298.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orphanage mama--someone I'd want to be friends with if I lived in Kenya<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRV1Cqcw5BJUj4ZoTZhUVpL-kOyIGYTy_Hw8h2hfCqgQ_L03ONf8waNXAGBb_nHJK5_MgKyXWroRvNcOi8p-eYEe-WhVCFzj7WZ8WnZWcdS5lSQhtbKUG6xAEINUJK4-iocJ8DAvrtOrXY/s1600/IMG_3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXHLNPk9TgbQ2hQPsO8Ro8_l4ghy0p4mETVNvhYsrvYhuT9p90sf4N1yBtmcLU_b68gTTV5GyMl0uIjrPlSJmtEHHIvqbWnpX79WF2lG8fKBR5ke8rIc8xV0-ot4dZsBb_iXaYU0LyLuu/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXHLNPk9TgbQ2hQPsO8Ro8_l4ghy0p4mETVNvhYsrvYhuT9p90sf4N1yBtmcLU_b68gTTV5GyMl0uIjrPlSJmtEHHIvqbWnpX79WF2lG8fKBR5ke8rIc8xV0-ot4dZsBb_iXaYU0LyLuu/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjEDQcvZmwLy7c7xxNrlI-mel2RxufE4PBq7odlONMbucmF-nHNYNcYXww6G0T7_9N2186Gd8h9YAbf92ndbyYSI6g5XNrKUye5wLGf3HX5FcZNlooPYwppp78cTV3FBxdyqxBBR6pMMd/s1600/IMG_3281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjEDQcvZmwLy7c7xxNrlI-mel2RxufE4PBq7odlONMbucmF-nHNYNcYXww6G0T7_9N2186Gd8h9YAbf92ndbyYSI6g5XNrKUye5wLGf3HX5FcZNlooPYwppp78cTV3FBxdyqxBBR6pMMd/s1600/IMG_3281.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<b>Friday, Jan 24</b>: Left the safari resort and went back to join a meeting at a nearby orphanage/missionary school for Bible quizzing. So impressed by the ability of kids to memorize scripture. Met an awesome teacher/orphanage mama named Selina. She taught me Kipsigis for the hospital.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ECbWM1iq0uFyGQCJRgOwbv4m1brkib-yNW6NWVsno3nEnMnbYByXxNKOlV40IXUiRjH1dMYKqR68RvEYjpjJNsKDN9So0I0UGZL51bQ4sP7nx-3dz1L2ulHMlzf6xzrZD1sfhSP1kk4R/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ECbWM1iq0uFyGQCJRgOwbv4m1brkib-yNW6NWVsno3nEnMnbYByXxNKOlV40IXUiRjH1dMYKqR68RvEYjpjJNsKDN9So0I0UGZL51bQ4sP7nx-3dz1L2ulHMlzf6xzrZD1sfhSP1kk4R/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a blessing to see healthy kids!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> Saturday, Jan 25:</b> Morning sunrise hike to Motigo—so beautiful! Then to Findlay’s Tea Factory in Kericho. An incredible inside look into the details that go into making tea. 6,000 acres of tea plants! It makes for a breathtaking view.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jXfvSJ2gV_FdDniz9uQQWudorJMpQAUjt-Nt1QCT-dozAyqSHfr3608zRUl0lj5uSB58EryPzspm3Dr7QYIbbigvacHk4ULf-43abYL9sebVTMbkgN5Tcsxl4NRb7WxcebAZUY8F4ZlN/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jXfvSJ2gV_FdDniz9uQQWudorJMpQAUjt-Nt1QCT-dozAyqSHfr3608zRUl0lj5uSB58EryPzspm3Dr7QYIbbigvacHk4ULf-43abYL9sebVTMbkgN5Tcsxl4NRb7WxcebAZUY8F4ZlN/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motigo hike for a sunrise with the crew pictured below! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1zLdY0B7c8utgbVznukbywig-uvO1LvFF2arT9BMXPNpJY3rbB3mQ6AHENl8o9qckOsrm6fMwmLm7E4b-T9ijndni_E-arwl_ghVPTbCo2ya3GvQaQBXtto67jmmGgwi0Z1_57OJSySc/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1zLdY0B7c8utgbVznukbywig-uvO1LvFF2arT9BMXPNpJY3rbB3mQ6AHENl8o9qckOsrm6fMwmLm7E4b-T9ijndni_E-arwl_ghVPTbCo2ya3GvQaQBXtto67jmmGgwi0Z1_57OJSySc/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg4HYzoKsCDfZeDzXWzzorjaA4n7hxD2rEW-TbyeI3cbmIdl5lCUNP5KlAe4acgPSsCdyDjOo7DeGDFrqDVz7aNB5JwInFgb1AOJs3KJLUe9-SDDt7L4yRxnEtG07zLsUnqeF2iJpt6Qw/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg4HYzoKsCDfZeDzXWzzorjaA4n7hxD2rEW-TbyeI3cbmIdl5lCUNP5KlAe4acgPSsCdyDjOo7DeGDFrqDVz7aNB5JwInFgb1AOJs3KJLUe9-SDDt7L4yRxnEtG07zLsUnqeF2iJpt6Qw/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmRiFTKU6UJAUZedkkL7Y6iNPd-KzCO50zEg5qRFgUOQOGM5JPhu4cTHz3cbjpttvSLmfFzGw-1IIQnal0RpvBf-OfxERyMdSWsI7p5S6EBZayHJe_WmO8NtZyWvWnVNfyxifLi6wT79X/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmRiFTKU6UJAUZedkkL7Y6iNPd-KzCO50zEg5qRFgUOQOGM5JPhu4cTHz3cbjpttvSLmfFzGw-1IIQnal0RpvBf-OfxERyMdSWsI7p5S6EBZayHJe_WmO8NtZyWvWnVNfyxifLi6wT79X/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SO MUCH TEA!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6MGTCwnJMc5cIYyOUlrI-Esty_28FhgjFNlxo5Li2iyLp9vXjVRlphzqU8N6AoLXeKLlpImJPlMFmF95E9bwL3iIvYqIZJJ4J8IT_ykeb5eaGLkV8XXExvGQ2dvbyMBpQuUy7rEeHQUH/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6MGTCwnJMc5cIYyOUlrI-Esty_28FhgjFNlxo5Li2iyLp9vXjVRlphzqU8N6AoLXeKLlpImJPlMFmF95E9bwL3iIvYqIZJJ4J8IT_ykeb5eaGLkV8XXExvGQ2dvbyMBpQuUy7rEeHQUH/s1600/IMG_3375.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg694BkKeKUoxQFLBwq2vlvv9OuonVrUwwt12lsRaDF0fWORDHb6Gd4YRqrazM9VKQBuy-NWZXCXLyrnOJHCQvkT4PbOjbnwreH7C-IwjaSH9Obc1fKcFOwbVYqSOWm3R00zmi45OpwNtqA/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg694BkKeKUoxQFLBwq2vlvv9OuonVrUwwt12lsRaDF0fWORDHb6Gd4YRqrazM9VKQBuy-NWZXCXLyrnOJHCQvkT4PbOjbnwreH7C-IwjaSH9Obc1fKcFOwbVYqSOWm3R00zmi45OpwNtqA/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taste testing. Our tour guide told us he drinks about 20 cups of tea daily. Kenyans take chai very seriously. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaaGeoy2cph8cshmehKac16yMqfrtPrztg2HzeJ6O6tCnOxHjV9iZtXaXOca3PSZY8nXY8D2KmhoIEKcJvqxmNrYMUVmdy4e6A66I-jW_PVAka3j7O6nf3bcN9iss-4mbWkY_7PHW2fK5/s1600/IMG_3385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaaGeoy2cph8cshmehKac16yMqfrtPrztg2HzeJ6O6tCnOxHjV9iZtXaXOca3PSZY8nXY8D2KmhoIEKcJvqxmNrYMUVmdy4e6A66I-jW_PVAka3j7O6nf3bcN9iss-4mbWkY_7PHW2fK5/s1600/IMG_3385.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tSqoiXu-xSesfuey4iq86vI2QBJNiFpyFGn9q39eVPVm4r631vJlAW7UEZolog-3Ff1j_aU_OR_LtJiI7S-GWWziwPVt3ohoS8uagBIBXN0X3pqt166qd05HM7o_cNhDID6mqjS3dKdt/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tSqoiXu-xSesfuey4iq86vI2QBJNiFpyFGn9q39eVPVm4r631vJlAW7UEZolog-3Ff1j_aU_OR_LtJiI7S-GWWziwPVt3ohoS8uagBIBXN0X3pqt166qd05HM7o_cNhDID6mqjS3dKdt/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLYGXPohNerLnMkE-z9JSycUOXI1E2IFU0-Ieyy1dB_HSAr80YpQxgTMdkc1m7ywTlQ-8vi2UpggT_WjNEqlofG6BJSgHrHhf_cSRXkMZ8b81_oab-PacGERMWtYMKppHhG3zOH8Xp8ZV/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLYGXPohNerLnMkE-z9JSycUOXI1E2IFU0-Ieyy1dB_HSAr80YpQxgTMdkc1m7ywTlQ-8vi2UpggT_WjNEqlofG6BJSgHrHhf_cSRXkMZ8b81_oab-PacGERMWtYMKppHhG3zOH8Xp8ZV/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEkpVoAmy8Xrij3-BoRd2w89Ezb4tOpjcELfCdVv11HGsJv5SN0t5YgBxjTAIA3oTdabekBeBCJLfqXJMfoLkKGKUCxCjD4VzKChvAeKVegBwnnwt-8wtSZDa4vpBTrR3O-8pJEEeK4Co/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEkpVoAmy8Xrij3-BoRd2w89Ezb4tOpjcELfCdVv11HGsJv5SN0t5YgBxjTAIA3oTdabekBeBCJLfqXJMfoLkKGKUCxCjD4VzKChvAeKVegBwnnwt-8wtSZDa4vpBTrR3O-8pJEEeK4Co/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQy6-6QCkRgo6gN_KoeNGxIKc_Ww66T08hwFFwqtx_czzVfFi2zHmIv8t9fxgZo6QloUsjFh0lyxKKg8-F9w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Bb_YfenscbY%2FUvwOgF-0KPI%2FAAAAAAAABTk%2FwkETk-UXRaQ%2Fs1600%2FIMG_2937.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUNjS4Mx1eqcdG1tjjvET4mPScYc4q-LPaCkN4sjtDSyCfTW5jmYIz7aAizJNuJVOl4WP-1CBzr3TYGBgicSPkYSt2Qo08LLmP50f5Se7jlINbqgyNpEOR_TJuxw8DVv7V8ngeC0_2y2m/s1600/IMG_2937.JPG" -->Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-80111465297195370922014-02-12T19:04:00.002-05:002014-02-12T19:04:29.082-05:00Kenya #2This is late. But worth documenting.<br />
<br />
So, continuing on with my daily highlights.<br />
<br />
Monday, Jan 13: Gonna be sad to let "my" baby Mark go home. His mama is awesome--Mark is a super cute preemie. Also, HIV meds overwhelm me. I love the peds team--so fun!! Rita and Sinkeet are fast new friends and role models. Mondays here are nuts, the chaos is teaching me patience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzE4jxUMIsJVEstj1ITC9m09KdIAK3-kRPxthQBZO5xZ-jPlPBO42d3595Xmuz_Fv0TB7j1fu8DyLiOq3-eZu5C7I5dSwNN9EvRLB3Jte3yzFlJDJw7sStV8GQ8WofHiJ0p9Hsz8SWxFd/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzE4jxUMIsJVEstj1ITC9m09KdIAK3-kRPxthQBZO5xZ-jPlPBO42d3595Xmuz_Fv0TB7j1fu8DyLiOq3-eZu5C7I5dSwNN9EvRLB3Jte3yzFlJDJw7sStV8GQ8WofHiJ0p9Hsz8SWxFd/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tuesday, Jan 14: On call with Sinkeet--admitted two critically ill teens with HIV. Watching and feeling their thin bodies moving so slowly and their sunken eyes blink back at mine was heartbreaking. I also saw a little boy vomit a giant worm. You know it's big when the Kenyans are taking pictures, my phone died as I pulled mine out to snap one. I'm sorry you can't see it...<br />
<br />
Wednesday, Jan 15: Emotional morning devotions today--Dr. Kelley shared his story about losing his baby girl to a brain tumor about 6 weeks after arriving in Kenya; I cried like a baby. Went to a local grocery store to get more shampoo--they have about 100 types of lotion and (no exaggeration) ONE kind of shampoo. Walked by tons of locals and got plenty of stares. Feeling more like a minority than a celebrity. Makes me have sympathy for minorities in way I never have before--even being treated nicely, you still don't truly feel like you belong.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7BZu_ecDttjPUHXDyF1g0OZJx9ZoCZE8CBKn3hizkYppn9tYH6JgFmEtX4XetQRxtqkqBd11siZybAzTTdTfSSQvJ1inwjkbQS2ycKR_CEHzgarUGgrRMIKgToU8HL1fprmtYVBBNavO/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7BZu_ecDttjPUHXDyF1g0OZJx9ZoCZE8CBKn3hizkYppn9tYH6JgFmEtX4XetQRxtqkqBd11siZybAzTTdTfSSQvJ1inwjkbQS2ycKR_CEHzgarUGgrRMIKgToU8HL1fprmtYVBBNavO/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" height="307" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Thursday, Jan 16: The two HIV patients are making slow progress. I'm uncertain of their true prognosis taking into consideration my naive hope that AIDS can somehow be halted in its tracks. Had a great conversation while writing notes in the nursery with Sinkeet about the Bible, how we wish we'd read it more, and how there are books we know nothing about. I treasure these conversations that are so common at work here. So cool. It makes life so meaningful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Friday, Jan 17: Love listening to "Children of God" by Third Day in the NICU. Resting in the truth that I am God's Beloved. Feeling very much like a helpless premature babe in one of the incubators.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdADdaTJBE6H0wVSA1swn4Lm_rgM6szs71RuQlmoaQbefOzFUoHdBzO5QsZfuEx0n3SfAIrsCFgmkuyEOrDqm0lzi7D2fhL5nvIdgmLj96wkq5PXbCdecGAk5UGXGJnvHzhSPNbMOHeq9/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdADdaTJBE6H0wVSA1swn4Lm_rgM6szs71RuQlmoaQbefOzFUoHdBzO5QsZfuEx0n3SfAIrsCFgmkuyEOrDqm0lzi7D2fhL5nvIdgmLj96wkq5PXbCdecGAk5UGXGJnvHzhSPNbMOHeq9/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday, Jan 18: Coded a baby in the nursery--interesting learning experience. Learning that even with a lot of knowledge and medicine, life is not in our control. Dr. Katie Jacobson, another new fast friend and med/peds resident from UNC, has been great to have around. I so appreciate her teaching pearls, conversations, and simply watching her work teaches me a little of who I hope to be someday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday, Jan 19: Met a critical care pediatrician and NP, Dr. Minnette Son and Lisa, from SAN ANTONIO who arrived today to work at Tenwek. They're at UT and work with SAMMC peds residents. Had lunch at he Manchester's learning how true "We Treat, Jesus Heals" really is in a setting where lacking resources allow for a relinquishing of our control into the hands of God. The baby we coded yesterday didn't make it. I held the baby afterwords. The physical and emotional weight of a baby who's life is now in the hands of God is something that made my heart break.<br />
<br />
Monday, Jan 20: I LOVE the Kenyan interns! They are so great and make me smile so much while at work. Had tea and sausage after work with Rita and Sinkeet--they make me feel so welcome here. NICU was crazy today--stressed me out.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, Jan 21: Helped an intern with her powerpoint presentation as she's never used a computer until 6 weeks ago. She asked me to type as she dictated.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-65430772627972606662014-01-12T14:03:00.000-05:002014-01-12T14:03:13.324-05:00Kenya Cliffnotes<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Pictures first!</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7wGgvJ9XFsYU4DyusgCbFqHiDmIjYFt7RNydCFy3nfIcoG5rrNt7WNbJ-ww9odGaomUVEo5GXaQ2C-2kwfFRlW5V7U_1X1_TlIwAnO7c6-aoYpfyO-1XGIQoFQhrNwdPukQbxzunqWij/s1600/DSC03480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7wGgvJ9XFsYU4DyusgCbFqHiDmIjYFt7RNydCFy3nfIcoG5rrNt7WNbJ-ww9odGaomUVEo5GXaQ2C-2kwfFRlW5V7U_1X1_TlIwAnO7c6-aoYpfyO-1XGIQoFQhrNwdPukQbxzunqWij/s1600/DSC03480.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea Fields!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ9baY3Lv7tVTcvD8qDgDAdhY3w9svnkLpTQXtX7ATMYNr-nGGFVT_ttWoASDULcu7AaprhT9xKCXYBCkoaovP5Rairer-Ig29UcbSZjn6F_m-ZX2K-V5AZpsqDXdA5wdywy04ldBCpkC/s1600/DSC03484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ9baY3Lv7tVTcvD8qDgDAdhY3w9svnkLpTQXtX7ATMYNr-nGGFVT_ttWoASDULcu7AaprhT9xKCXYBCkoaovP5Rairer-Ig29UcbSZjn6F_m-ZX2K-V5AZpsqDXdA5wdywy04ldBCpkC/s1600/DSC03484.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHIVLvYrWIyiVcQlCrp8I0QmyXu9Fv3Nrl22eE80JH4pl2YPj83torwGGjZnQxe3xJtPyTUUAAY5Ktu00E1fqscyrOfHQ7GLJTcrnFYSmV9McDqCLgwBjS8dieXJzV3XSrchhpvflbvri/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHIVLvYrWIyiVcQlCrp8I0QmyXu9Fv3Nrl22eE80JH4pl2YPj83torwGGjZnQxe3xJtPyTUUAAY5Ktu00E1fqscyrOfHQ7GLJTcrnFYSmV9McDqCLgwBjS8dieXJzV3XSrchhpvflbvri/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white/red buildings in the top/central portion of the trees is Tenwek from a distance!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
JAMBO from Kenya! Feeling blessed by the Kenyan hospitality/vibrancy of life, being reminded that God is faithful, and inspired to be in a place that makes me wanna be a missionary doctor!<br />
<br />
A really awesome, brilliant, and new (feels old) friend of mine, named Cat, gave me a diary of sorts. It's a 5 year diary where you write a line a day for 5 years. And the line for the day in each of the 5 years is on the same page. Confused? Well, just understand it's awesome. And also going to be the basis for how I share about my trip in Kenya. I meant to update this 7 days at a time, but got lazy/wanted to do other things. So here is the first 12 days of 2014, all in Kenya!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK3SA7RhUNT5XrLSWjgqDgMw2Z9C6ca5ogCQWPDt55zYIAAWpRvN10tG76CX_HevVL4ivvrpNRyCAnQQ9pqO0CPR3oqCElmI64Z4KghuxJSYqAxWiTtNwZV3MuFHWoPDwn6O1Q30DE_-_/s1600/IMG_2783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK3SA7RhUNT5XrLSWjgqDgMw2Z9C6ca5ogCQWPDt55zYIAAWpRvN10tG76CX_HevVL4ivvrpNRyCAnQQ9pqO0CPR3oqCElmI64Z4KghuxJSYqAxWiTtNwZV3MuFHWoPDwn6O1Q30DE_-_/s1600/IMG_2783.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streets of Nairobi, skilled drivers only...aka Glado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Jan 1</b> - Kenya dance party, learned about Kenyan carjacking--thankfully not by experience, visited numerous malls in Nairobi & I'm thankful for Gladys Anyenya<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQHF2Fi8mfXbdAZRd4_l_E1IQ2T2EOhiVjRKTnU87p1GFEyoiSwCWctd1lPVmF2Vtbj9jExd5OIvLGWDbe9C83Y1hwh31MvWhjsrbPlTblC0ior9jn1RPu7dHvypZhkIATxP26jg7dUq2/s1600/399210_10151819048832681_933181828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQHF2Fi8mfXbdAZRd4_l_E1IQ2T2EOhiVjRKTnU87p1GFEyoiSwCWctd1lPVmF2Vtbj9jExd5OIvLGWDbe9C83Y1hwh31MvWhjsrbPlTblC0ior9jn1RPu7dHvypZhkIATxP26jg7dUq2/s1600/399210_10151819048832681_933181828_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out for New Year's Kenyan Style with the Hillsdale College Kenyans!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Jan 2</b> - Arrived at Tenwek! Had lunch with the White Family, hospital orientation, walked to the waterfall in the rain, played wallyball--so painful to the arms!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6IVEoIWZTEMA2sbB3yatufurCeEqe3F6l49gYvHsIHYnQV2HqHS3zT2ytCoIvYz5wFoP7FTsiNYAFSoiQtjmzlab3docg_sEzywg_BiDIVm-QZ4EgsNk01ksXDcvaVVwfakfQLa7TWdi/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6IVEoIWZTEMA2sbB3yatufurCeEqe3F6l49gYvHsIHYnQV2HqHS3zT2ytCoIvYz5wFoP7FTsiNYAFSoiQtjmzlab3docg_sEzywg_BiDIVm-QZ4EgsNk01ksXDcvaVVwfakfQLa7TWdi/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsbPGFB3iga9Ffzf7QRLDjDUJWclV4uCtspcJCRgfvMRBUYcVlmjk2l9YduqZ5yd9xeYD-E9z_hV891RJFdceqT6Rt3ILpya4EA1Y4xYYVdCGX25VfgAN8NCNpcenCByCUnLnaZt8NXDv/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsbPGFB3iga9Ffzf7QRLDjDUJWclV4uCtspcJCRgfvMRBUYcVlmjk2l9YduqZ5yd9xeYD-E9z_hV891RJFdceqT6Rt3ILpya4EA1Y4xYYVdCGX25VfgAN8NCNpcenCByCUnLnaZt8NXDv/s1600/IMG_2812.JPG" height="280" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dam that provides energy and water for the hospital!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Jan 3</b> - Day 1 at the hospital in the peds ward--LOVE it! So many sick kids & babies, but such a joy to be with them. Also rounded in NICU--so much to learn!<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 4</b> - Rounded in nursery today, calculated NG feeds for the first time & held babies : ) So impressed by their moms! (they come and breastfeed every 3 hours 24 hrs a day...!) Long walk exploring. Special greeting from a 2 year old girl via an unsuspecting handshake.<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 5</b> - Nursery NICU work today. Did an exchange transfusion on a hyperbili baby today--took 3.5 hours. Exchanged 500cc in this little tyke. 10cc in...10cc out...<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 6</b> - First day of rounds with Dr. Bemm. So very overwhelmed with the complexity of some kids. HIV is a terrible thing. As is TB & meningitis. Enter immunization discussion here...<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 7</b> - Would love being/raising a kid here. Had lunch with a family who had 4 boys = climbing, daredevil machines. This landscape is better than any jungle gym.<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 8</b> - Learning about PDAs in neonates, palmer pulses, and murmurs. Love how much we pray for patients--for Bible study we prayed with all the peds patients.<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 9</b> - In Kenya, there's 0 privacy on the wards & mom's sleep in the bed with their kids--and breastfeed and bathe their newborns every 3 hours. Totally committed.<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 10</b> - I am really enjoying taking care of Granton; a new HIV patients with PCP. Fun to see kids getting better.<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 11</b> - Rounded this AM. I am loving the nursery. It's kinda like watching a plant grow, only better.<br />
<br />
<b>Jan 12</b> - Breakfast at Barb's, Church over 1 Samuel (Promise keepers), Climbed Motigo = 360 degree view of Kenya, Delicious fresh bread, Great conversation, Card games...Solid Sunday. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdv4WkR9eeDwPLrSXdJ3kcgqo7-kEsMWSvpOZrr-6lJa1mrR1z4Vvrahkz56Y3QN-7rleU-r-_TuoogJdXbVh-i7yY5eEg-y4nO_8zWS0ECIyfy-OXx6WywKg-2mlmZJ6mN5xL03jZVNrd/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdv4WkR9eeDwPLrSXdJ3kcgqo7-kEsMWSvpOZrr-6lJa1mrR1z4Vvrahkz56Y3QN-7rleU-r-_TuoogJdXbVh-i7yY5eEg-y4nO_8zWS0ECIyfy-OXx6WywKg-2mlmZJ6mN5xL03jZVNrd/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" height="313" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have a cook! Life here is better than in the US! And food is delicious!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-35400863114281956032013-10-27T17:39:00.002-04:002013-10-27T17:45:51.232-04:00Veggies & Caffeine > Facebook So, there are things I've been wanting to do, but have yet to actually accomplish. These things have been inspired by three of my most favorite people: Katie Mueller and Mallory Luke and Brianne Maxwell.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKQYvGReddNcx2NamqxdpzYVNeW5s7jOM_HODHcLTgK898H3uenXxyLiiV45EH0SJJ4iESBg-HMO03LwQ4V0eV60f-GlV_pH1IwGZa9iDRE6zkJgIOUwvoerCwE4_bYoda__2ZJbu04Tc/s1600/first+day+of+college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKQYvGReddNcx2NamqxdpzYVNeW5s7jOM_HODHcLTgK898H3uenXxyLiiV45EH0SJJ4iESBg-HMO03LwQ4V0eV60f-GlV_pH1IwGZa9iDRE6zkJgIOUwvoerCwE4_bYoda__2ZJbu04Tc/s200/first+day+of+college.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first day we met. Freshmen at Hillsdale.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
1. Eat healthier. Ispo facto...more raw food, less freezer food. This is inspired by me new basically vegan friend Katie. And necessary before I slip into even worse eating habits in residency. I need some quick go to recipes to rely on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07RjoNWaaS51S_IEGWn8_b7lNkX0tJJlKkD5yPJOPba5x1JjUP4L3ZQYCnKeN-eClpHuIpWVCtWkxCcsNN2rWhAwtvrZq4KL4y4nl1vKYBQmSAgBOmop8kATpS6MY5V5Ebg0JIVD7p31f/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07RjoNWaaS51S_IEGWn8_b7lNkX0tJJlKkD5yPJOPba5x1JjUP4L3ZQYCnKeN-eClpHuIpWVCtWkxCcsNN2rWhAwtvrZq4KL4y4nl1vKYBQmSAgBOmop8kATpS6MY5V5Ebg0JIVD7p31f/s400/IMG_0607.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
2. Limit Facebook in my life. Or, as my beautifully, intelligent sister has done, remove it altogether.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8gBiU1OUzc7W1d9U8fzmVdoNufrHPWxqdEUuH3a2XeKDqGO0FEDuupMNFzvcIaU9uSyVP7tWjWDHqPJco6oPwSAk-Vj3Acrd39WFUiwmG_-1RYOtw2O2lwVC7kaMqxaA3OphUhqnSq_9/s1600/photo+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8gBiU1OUzc7W1d9U8fzmVdoNufrHPWxqdEUuH3a2XeKDqGO0FEDuupMNFzvcIaU9uSyVP7tWjWDHqPJco6oPwSAk-Vj3Acrd39WFUiwmG_-1RYOtw2O2lwVC7kaMqxaA3OphUhqnSq_9/s200/photo+(18).JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Drink better coffee and waste less coffee. (perhaps more superficial than the last two, but...) Thank you Bre for showing me how to bring my favorite coffee shop <a href="http://populacecafe.com/">Populace Cafe</a> into my own home. Bre can also be partially responsible for change number 2 as she has shared the benefits of being Facebook free with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
SO, I've made 2/3 changes. I still have yet to see the fruits of my labor in cooking more veggies and microwaving less frozen pizzas and dinners. But, I'll do my best to keep you posted on my success and inevitable failures in trying tofu...green smoothies...and I dare say, Brussels sprouts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilONffwFU5UcpvMHXEQcKk4gVNITdMMv1IkflcwordxH24mWnAv4QiqfmDk8vyvu-CTrXuzMrfD_mKLcsVRhm_Q-vyuNJUryJAuRkGGa7hBQhcBqPBunSSO6GBwi1HVXJR5I0e1fc9ouUv/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilONffwFU5UcpvMHXEQcKk4gVNITdMMv1IkflcwordxH24mWnAv4QiqfmDk8vyvu-CTrXuzMrfD_mKLcsVRhm_Q-vyuNJUryJAuRkGGa7hBQhcBqPBunSSO6GBwi1HVXJR5I0e1fc9ouUv/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Mal, for the "if Mal can do it, I can do it" motivation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've just deleted my Facebook account. This is perhaps the most difficult change, but I'm tired of shifting through my newsfeed late at night when I should be sleeping. I have little to no self control. It's embarrassing but true that I spend waaaay too much time on Facebook, and neglect other forms of communication I value much, much more. It's too dangerous for my procrastinating ways. And despite it really putting a cramp in my ability to log in to Spotify, Pandora will suffice until I get the kinks worked out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SIqWEDZW8p0kDPNypWLdEfJF8vultbfxtnDKeEqsXgOYtvHpgmYanaPRjNdWSP4zZU_eZO_J3t4GhdfzxonFQmqS7-esRvf_HfgNieTxYyaMtqqSPGclWk_VAItgxmGVsTcEtDaukqUb/s1600/photo+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SIqWEDZW8p0kDPNypWLdEfJF8vultbfxtnDKeEqsXgOYtvHpgmYanaPRjNdWSP4zZU_eZO_J3t4GhdfzxonFQmqS7-esRvf_HfgNieTxYyaMtqqSPGclWk_VAItgxmGVsTcEtDaukqUb/s320/photo+(19).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My new pour over coffee "maker" which gets its idea credit from Bre, awesome mug credit from Mal, and store-where-I-bought-it credit from Populace. A filter filled with espresso ground coffee and a generous dash of pumpkin spice makes for a quick, one cup bit of energy on these brisk, fall mornings. Perhaps nutmeg with replace the pumpkin come wintertime.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-34107368674431703122013-09-01T16:17:00.000-04:002013-09-01T16:17:46.918-04:00MiraclesLeif Enger on Miracles in his book <i>Peace Like a River</i>.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> Let me say something about that word: miracle. For too long it's been used to characterize things or events that, though pleasant, are entirely normal. Peeping chicks at Easter time, spring generally, a clear sunrise after an overcast week--a miracle, people say, as if they've been educated from greeting cards. I'm sorry, but nope. Such things are worth our notice every day of the week, but to call them miracles evaporates the strength of the word.<br /> Real miracles bother people, like strange sudden pains unknown in medical literature. It's true: They rebut every rule all we good citizens take comfort in. Lazarus obeying orders and climbing up out of the grave--now there's a miracle, and you can bet it upset a lot of folks who were standing around at the time. When a person dies, the earth is generally unwilling to cough him back up. A miracle contradicts the will of earth.<br /> My sister, Swede, who often sees to the nub, offered this: People fear miracles because they fear being changed--though ignoring them will change you also. Swede said another thing, too, and it rang in me like a bell: No miracle happens without a witness. Someone to declare, Here's what I saw. Here's how it went. Make of it what you will. </i></blockquote>
<br />
Thanks Alison Klein for the book recommendation...and oh yeah, I still have your book. Love you!<br />
<br />
Ironically, the aspect I love most about this excerpt is not the way it defines miracles, but rather that it briefly notes the beautiful intricacies of our everyday lives. We call them miracles; much like we say we love dinner or that it was the best day ever. Today it was important for me to remember to notice good things that happen every day. To notice them. To relish them. Not to call them miracles, but to remember that rather than be bogged down in the bad, we can choose to see the good. Ah, perspective.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-7267691046720399502013-07-10T17:52:00.002-04:002013-07-10T17:52:23.478-04:00A Good ReminderI am starting to become calloused. I realized that after finishing my ER rotation. I didn't think it would happen this soon. I'd say I'm about 60% too calloused.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
I forget that we, as doctors (...future docs), provide a service. A relationship isn't a guarantee when you walk in to meet a patient. And by relationship I mean you give a little and so does the patient. It's nice when that happens and people are willing to work with you....but, ultimately, that's not a requirement of the patient. I need to remember that. Such is life.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, today I had a heart melting experience. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Walking out of the hospital today, I walked past an older gentleman who was also leaving. I turned to say hello, and unlike most people, he greeted me with a big, jolly," hello and how are you?" When I responded and asked how he was, he responded, "I'm great! I just had a CAT scan...It's gonna say my cancer is gone....I know it." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Heart melted. Cancer was more than a word. It was a life, a name, and it had a favorite granddaughter who's name was also Amy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's easy to walk by people in the hospital everyday and forget why they are there. Cancer has become a word on a page. Surgery has become no big deal. I forgot that it is a big deal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As if that wasn't enough, I also visited a patient as a friend, not a medical student. He had just had neck surgery and he also happened to be the general surgeon I spent a month with back in March. Just because we get to write all the big, fancy diagnoses down on paper every day, doesn't mean they don't happen to us. Doctors get sick. Surgeons need surgery. It was a little uncomfortable for me to be a visitor visiting a surgeon as the patient. The role reversal was a good reminder. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/Wl2_knlv_xw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Wl2_knlv_xw&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Wl2_knlv_xw&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-69343121694661589792013-06-29T22:49:00.002-04:002013-06-29T22:49:06.657-04:00Board exam number 2 is coming......which means more blogging due to the necessary study breaks.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I've started making mojitos for the first time and decided I probably don't need, but could definitely use, a muddler. Which then led me to the Crate and Barrel website. Which then led me to think, "The first thing I am going to do when I have a real job is go shopping at Crate and Barrel."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For now, feel free to window shop with me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And in all honestly, I probably won't <i>actually </i>wait until I have a "big girl" job.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmlhYPNaW3SuD-QY-Di-PEUiLe7Sd0ZLna4YjUUywYfsyqpEplRQuMWFAhLIRwRgz3T7o7pl5QyepKNZZEovxakFpmkI07atXxbqde_AaUwpAQAtz4ESUllqBcybtbCeTSWueVNalsXfv/s598/alegre-glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmlhYPNaW3SuD-QY-Di-PEUiLe7Sd0ZLna4YjUUywYfsyqpEplRQuMWFAhLIRwRgz3T7o7pl5QyepKNZZEovxakFpmkI07atXxbqde_AaUwpAQAtz4ESUllqBcybtbCeTSWueVNalsXfv/s320/alegre-glass.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I didn't wait to buy these.I actually just ordered a whole set...!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhGrBlr0hjXviYay9TfNByZhY1ICeJTuKj4_ARF-x2NlXA6h9OorW4t3SErrrtfWsNDk2S66AXfo35Dbdtjf93j13_tbiHD-bNBRRbCKByjyAutFlk-Fk9huk7gX7yCA40IxUn_Tc__wJ/s998/choose-a-beer-glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhGrBlr0hjXviYay9TfNByZhY1ICeJTuKj4_ARF-x2NlXA6h9OorW4t3SErrrtfWsNDk2S66AXfo35Dbdtjf93j13_tbiHD-bNBRRbCKByjyAutFlk-Fk9huk7gX7yCA40IxUn_Tc__wJ/s640/choose-a-beer-glass.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm partial to the Pilsners glass, I'm certain I'd drink every one of my beers out of it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdWefUVHytCWhKcqJEUEhu5F3dedVZCmRsVLZ8c2tsQT-gBy5wtygEdshjs_VBG1HPKBK7N4wfpPepzFjDBV63741nFNws72HvdKnhbzXMDlc7R33-UIGStaHx2jw4JVOuG3BWrYRYu31/s558/cold-beverage-jar-with-stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdWefUVHytCWhKcqJEUEhu5F3dedVZCmRsVLZ8c2tsQT-gBy5wtygEdshjs_VBG1HPKBK7N4wfpPepzFjDBV63741nFNws72HvdKnhbzXMDlc7R33-UIGStaHx2jw4JVOuG3BWrYRYu31/s320/cold-beverage-jar-with-stand.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've always wanted to make sangria....in bulk....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmJ8c9hr1hTXd7gag1ZqKb3cxAvspWeksrP39s7LEc_CErknxva4Ynxk9u0BUAgmCViD4tq3JXIG8nkjQidQZp2STIs3e25i13DAcNuv2J6EhjvbEff4qcxoSt3ZAO1E2pq7Vv2Kek5eO/s598/cuisinart-air-popcorn-maker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmJ8c9hr1hTXd7gag1ZqKb3cxAvspWeksrP39s7LEc_CErknxva4Ynxk9u0BUAgmCViD4tq3JXIG8nkjQidQZp2STIs3e25i13DAcNuv2J6EhjvbEff4qcxoSt3ZAO1E2pq7Vv2Kek5eO/s320/cuisinart-air-popcorn-maker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A staple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKiWg_VrMBawlVtSCm0KyDalFR7qkVOWKGGGIZCDDYQ1jIcc44UP84fLi-qFl09vGQLAm8CUTLj0LBLoXsZxrDixQT7zBPHt-JVsmTVlN70z4LCrM0TjJ2_IpXfmJp3oosqUVlFc-8lYX/s598/glass-herb-keeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKiWg_VrMBawlVtSCm0KyDalFR7qkVOWKGGGIZCDDYQ1jIcc44UP84fLi-qFl09vGQLAm8CUTLj0LBLoXsZxrDixQT7zBPHt-JVsmTVlN70z4LCrM0TjJ2_IpXfmJp3oosqUVlFc-8lYX/s320/glass-herb-keeper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">To keep the mint fresh for the mojitos of course! ...if I tried to grow it, I know it'd die.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJh1JTvvqBDwpxcIJM5BVYd2r53_YIqvA93bAmdK0pmEONilj2K13YImoMkyQeI89R43U69QeVG2RI8fqXufryW3dj1iXn0shQ-NHmha6SdtxU2xQU-IOszCXlYQpNuo3ljlWroOhfTif/s558/swoon-carafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJh1JTvvqBDwpxcIJM5BVYd2r53_YIqvA93bAmdK0pmEONilj2K13YImoMkyQeI89R43U69QeVG2RI8fqXufryW3dj1iXn0shQ-NHmha6SdtxU2xQU-IOszCXlYQpNuo3ljlWroOhfTif/s320/swoon-carafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've always wanted a decanter. And a really big, fat wine glass.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1PRvSmWY7ghb7xC8wqlu_Wz_RiIjqC6QL7DTw1hudFuPI8mgZm8Y0MJ-Um2IPvtzBHA4l6fyr6V2-aBaeTyVhrP65YmT0FWwjv6-YiO1WwWFQPfl99Zf-B-BkJPClhL2sRxZxOhooudA/s558/slipcover-only-for-willow-twin-sleeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1PRvSmWY7ghb7xC8wqlu_Wz_RiIjqC6QL7DTw1hudFuPI8mgZm8Y0MJ-Um2IPvtzBHA4l6fyr6V2-aBaeTyVhrP65YmT0FWwjv6-YiO1WwWFQPfl99Zf-B-BkJPClhL2sRxZxOhooudA/s320/slipcover-only-for-willow-twin-sleeper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This chair is just asking to be sat in. It also conveniently doubles as a twin bed .</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAUevnPuY6yw2rP9jD94khXT1byLj4FVcmJvQxh3BiJc_nGH3-ELqcIpq03amNMPQkk5jYWfMns6DJvF_Q9oMdyP-yLHlD0TmhydJN_vRCZAyxhV6omjCCz4NoyS6VLIGEhPZfIkQSvtl/s558/tailor-sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAUevnPuY6yw2rP9jD94khXT1byLj4FVcmJvQxh3BiJc_nGH3-ELqcIpq03amNMPQkk5jYWfMns6DJvF_Q9oMdyP-yLHlD0TmhydJN_vRCZAyxhV6omjCCz4NoyS6VLIGEhPZfIkQSvtl/s320/tailor-sofa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Probably my favorite color. And it's on a couch!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-83652193287797659532013-05-02T12:25:00.001-04:002013-05-02T12:25:24.935-04:00SpringAbout a week ago, I bought two little planting kits, one for tomatoes, and another for cilantro and basil. I planted these teeny, tiny, little seeds and doubted their ability to grow. Seriously doubted. I was actually expecting them not to grow. Well, guess what? They are growing. And now I'm doubting their ability to actually grow tomatoes or basil or cilantro. They looked so dead.<br />
<br />
I've also been home this week, we have a week off of school so wisely placed during the first week of May as if someone knew I'd need a personal holiday right now. It also happens to be the week that spring decided to arrive, in all its beauty I might add. I've been watching the leaves bud on the trees and the flowers bloom in a day by day progression. It's kind of amazing. And with time to think, I've been thinking about how important it is for me to see something dead and seemingly lifeless, bloom.<br />
<br />
I picked up <i>Blue Like Jazz</i> this week and am rereading a book for the first time in my life. I can feel God speaking through it directly to my heart, which has felt lifeless for quite some time. Not that I'm not happy, I am very, very happy. But, I've learned I can be happy while still feeling far from God. That scares me. I have a family and so many friends, a career that I love, and the security of living in a safe, sheltered life. They all so frequently take the place of God.<br />
<br />
Donald Miller writes about Christian spirituality in <i>Blue Like Jazz</i> free from an explanation. I am realizing that for almost 25 years now I've been looking for a way to explain God. To explain my relationship with Him. I can't do it. And I think I have just realized for the first time in my life that I don't need to be able to explain it for it to be real. Why I have demanded an explanation from myself for so long probably stems from a life in academia, from a life in a first world country, with many first world problems that often have proposed first world solutions. But, faith is being certain of what we cannot see. Knowing truth as something that has happened to us in the depths of our soul, not as something we have figured out. How freeing. Today I'm encouraged. I'm encouraged by the seeds that have sprouted, the trees that are blooming, and my heart that feels as if it is in communication with God. I can't explain it, but it's real.<br />
<br />
It's like trying to explain where jazz music comes from.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-15000207993343803922013-02-07T18:54:00.002-05:002013-02-07T18:54:40.192-05:00The 6 Month RuleThere is something magic that happens after you live in a new place for 6 months. <div>
<br /><div>
It's been about 7 months since I moved to Bay City and it finally feels like I've settled in. Erin Cvengros and I have noticed a pattern when moving to an unfamiliar place, so therefore I think it's starting to become a rule. A rule that says you must wait 6 months before judging a new city or deciding definitively if you like it there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like it here. I like walking in the hospital and saying a familiar hello to nurses and doctors I recognize. I like knowing the other students comfortably enough that I feel like I could call them on a weekday to go grab dinner or a drink because I also like that I now know where my favorite places to eat and drink are located. I like that I feel comfortable in the role of a third year medical student. I like that I can go to a new rotation and not feel nervous about not knowing what to expect. I like that constantly changing environments are now what I expect. I like that I've learned to be more comfortable in my naive medical and life knowledge. I like that I'm adjusting to being asked questions on the fly. I like that I'm here. And I like that I don't wish it was over.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like feeling comfortable in my own skin. Upon reflecting back to where I was 7 months ago, it's hard to imagine where I'll be 7 months from now. And also really encouraging. I'm enjoying the uncertainty in my life because I am happy with who I am and where I am. And because I've finally persevered through the magic 6 months of growing pains. Here's to the next year and a half before doing another trial of the 6 month rule!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I'm also really enjoying OB-GYN. It's been a very good week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-69560866594496459562013-01-16T23:15:00.000-05:002013-01-16T23:15:14.600-05:00Night ShiftsSo this week I'm on "nights". Here at McLaren Bay Region, on the PCIM night shift, very little happens...especially for those in the role of medical student. So my nights have consisted of 1-2 hour Facetime chats with my family at home, discussing the cabbage soup diet and calorie counting. I've also started some presentations on hyponatremia and acid base disorders. And, Chicago Fire is a great new show if anyone's looking.<br />
<br />
And I started a new book called <i>Undaunted</i>. It's written by Christine Caine. She and her husband started <a href="http://www.thea21campaign.org/">The A21 Campaign</a>. Their organization works to prevent trafficing, protect the trafficed, prosecute the trafficers, and to partner with others to accomplish these goals. The trafficing mainly for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. Anyone remember the movie <i>Taken</i>?<br />
<br />
Some quick facts from their website: the average victim is 12 years old, currently it's estimated that 27 million are enslaved, and only 1-2% of all victims are ever rescued.<br />
<br />
I've only made it through the first couple of chapters. But sitting here without work to do is very uncomfortable when I think about 12 year old boys and girls, especially those I know personally, in situations I can't even begin to fathom. The website has 21 ways to get involved. Write a letter, Save your pennies, Get social, Get informed, Intern or volunteer, Be a Billboard, Send stuff, Pray, Request a speaker, Remember the 21st, Read their stories... <a href="http://www.thea21campaign.org/content/21-ways-to-get-involved/gjf4co">Click here for more...</a><br />
<br />
Sometimes I tell myself not to get involved. Sometimes I tell myself that I'm too busy. Sometimes I tell myself that if I get involved in every good cause I hear about then it'll be too much and I'll be spread to thin...Sometimes I tell myself I am doing enough already. Sometimes I tell myself I won't make a difference. Sometimes I actually try to do something.<br />
<br />
So I think I smell another pancake dinner (my favorite fundraiser) in the near future. We can talk about it. We can write letters. We can collect things to send to victims. We can do <i>something</i>. <br />
<br />
I wonder what nights are like for the millions enslaved. And then I remember the words of Christ, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world."Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-15934606150812136722013-01-14T14:01:00.001-05:002013-01-14T16:20:12.678-05:00The Opposite of Baby StepsIn the past month or two it feels like I've taken a step that resembles the steps Neil Armstrong took on the moon. Steps where you decide to let your foot leave the ground and then you hang in a weightless, mid-stride moment. Awaiting the moment your foot finally meets the ground again is a little unsettling, but mostly just because it's new. But, taking that step feels so good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwZb2mqId0A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Perhaps I shouldn't compare deciding to pursue pediatrics to taking steps on the moon. For whatever reason, it's the visual that came to mind. Over break I began the first step to residency applications, that is, I set up my audition rotations at pediatric hospitals in the Air Force. I'll be spending a month in Bethesda, Maryland at the Walter Reed Medical Center doing adolescent medicine. Then, I'll spend a month in San Antonio, TX at the Brook Army Medical Center with 2 weeks of pediatric infectious disease and 2 weeks of pediatric hematology/oncology. That sounds incredibly dull and businessy--but I'M SO EXCITED!! I think it might feel better than walking on the moon...sorry Neil. Perhaps medicine is my proverbial moon.<br />
<br />
Over Christmas break I suddenly realized that I needed to set up these rotations. Which I'd been avoiding so as to avoid making the "final" decision between peds and family medicine. And I handled it like I handle most things--at the last minute. Right before I left for Haiti. Oh yeah, I went to Haiti! More on that later... As for the rotations, it has all worked out beautifully. As it always does. I feel so blessed. Especially when the Lord gives me conformation that this is part of the journey for which I was created. For example, I'll show you how this happened in just the last 24 hours.<br />
<br />
Last night I spent some time with a 21 year old lady in the hospital. I have learned I find great joy in taking care of young ladies. By the way, I like the word lady. I don't think I'd call her a woman, but calling her a lady imparts the respect for which she and other females over the age of 16 are due. Or at least the respect I wish every single girl could have for herself.<br />
<br />
In summary, she comes from a difficult home, one of drug use and abuse, has been in prison for the better part of the past year, and has been smoking, binge drinking, and experimenting with drugs since 14. She has a history of major depression and suicidal tendencies. She came into the hospital with a blood alcohol content of 0.43. That's really high. Levels over 0.40 have been associated with death from the toxicity. Yet, when I spoke with her last night, after some detox meds and R&R, I learned again that the person you read about in a chart should never be the end of the story. What I appreciated about her was that her vision of what she wants her life to look like is not dead. She hates the way she is and wants to change. Perhaps the beauty of our encounter is that I'm new enough at this that I'm naive enough to believer her. That's what a lot of people would tell me. But Christ doesn't give up on people. Of that I'm convinced. So I'm choosing to believer her. Obviously wanting something and then actually doing it are two different things. But, upon asking her about her goals she told me she wants to leave the city, start fresh, get her GED, go to college, major in zoology, move to Africa, work with children and animals, and, I quote, "...do ministry there." Woah. Big things. Awesome things.<br />
<br />
The temptation then is to be more than the medical student on her case, the temptation to adopt her as a sister and take her into my home, is strong. I am learning to surrender each day, moment by moment, to God, to be ready for Him to use me. Because right now as a medical student, as a short term volunteer in Haiti, and as a physician in the future, I'm unable to be the social worker, pastor, nurse, case manager, dietitian, motivational speaker, confidant, teacher, friend, and health provider. But, I know that God can orchestrate that for her, and maybe if I'm lucky, I can play a small part.<br />
<br />
I want to do big things. Big things really quickly. Like my new friend, it's frustrating when those big things seem so far away. Even impossible. At times, those desires turn into disappointments due to their unrealistic expectations or distant reality. I refuse, though, to let go of those desires. I pray she does, too.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Instead, the less daunting approach and equally rewarding I think, is the approach Mother Theresa encourages:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><i>Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Do small things, with great love.</i></span></span></blockquote>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-72381116816047515062012-11-26T19:20:00.000-05:002012-11-26T19:20:03.796-05:00Dumb. And Dumber...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZavGJimo81SOd8cwLY1pC4A3-aNRxkB4yarr4dkrM7Xr8LMvqYklWOwSqsBH-7eWZFWHiGJo_gppvelVs7og2honDjFedREZ7UiudctG_LtmMbfWZra5Ge7g8bitpv48pTttzDstI_sm7/s1600/Einstein-Genius-Quote.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZavGJimo81SOd8cwLY1pC4A3-aNRxkB4yarr4dkrM7Xr8LMvqYklWOwSqsBH-7eWZFWHiGJo_gppvelVs7og2honDjFedREZ7UiudctG_LtmMbfWZra5Ge7g8bitpv48pTttzDstI_sm7/s320/Einstein-Genius-Quote.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
The ENT doc I'm with always tells patients with hearing loss that it makes them look "less smart" than they really are, "if fact," he says, "it makes you look <i>dumb</i>." It's his way of encouraging them to consider hearing aids, I think. And to sympathize with their frustrations.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, I wonder if I look dumb, standing in the exam room watching doctor-patient encounters. Because sometimes that's exactly how I feel.<br />
<br />
<br />
Every once in a while, maybe more like every once in day, I feel especially dumb. I wonder why didn't I think to ask <i>that </i>question or look at <i>that </i>part of the exam or think of <i>that </i>diagnosis. I need to have "hindsight is 20/20" tattooed visibly somewhere on my body. Today was a day I asked those questions to myself more times than I care to remember and that always leads to the thought, I'm never going to be any good at this.<br />
<br />
I realize the irrationality embedded within that statement. But, for a split second it's really what I think.<br />
<br />
It's hard to be patient when I spend all day with a brilliant doc who has been practicing medicine for the better part of my existence. Comparing my abilities to his is an easy trap to fall into during just about every patient encounter. Plus, he makes what he does so easy, <i>so easy.</i><br />
<br />
Someday. Someday I'll read this and be thankful I'm not a student anymore. I don't like feeling useless. I like having jobs I feel competent doing and helpful completing. I'm pretty sure when I asked if there was anything I could do to help during a procedure today he handed me a band-aid to entertain my helplessness.<br />
<br />
I'm learning it's a hard thing to be taught. It's far easier and more comfortable for me to be the teacher.<br />
<br />
I'm also learning that as soon as I think I have figured out how to handle a particular situation, I'm usually missing something. Not hard things. But things I thought I wouldn't forget to do when interviewing, examining, or diagnosing patients. If they were hard things I was missing, maybe I'd be easier on myself. Maybe. Maybe not.<br />
<br />
Pride comes before the fall. And the fall is never very much fun.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-33645174895170811032012-11-18T09:34:00.003-05:002012-11-18T09:34:49.988-05:00"To Know All Is To Forgive All"A poem. Happy Sunday.<br />
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>If I knew you and you knew me--</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>If both of us could clearly see, </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>And with an inner sight divine</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>The meaning of your heart and mine--</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>I'm sure that we would differ less</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>And clasp our hands in friendliness</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Or thoughts would pleasantly agree</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>If I knew you, and you knew me.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>If I knew you and you knew me,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>As each one knows his own self, we</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Could look each other in the face</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>And see therein a truer grace.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Life has so many hidden woes,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>So many thorns for every rose</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>The "why" of things our hearts would see,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>If I knew you and you knew me.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Nixon Waterman</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-15162168166021742192012-11-11T18:31:00.001-05:002012-11-11T18:31:09.896-05:00The Weight of GloryThis is my summary (with the main point excerpts, at least to me) of CS Lewis in his message entitled, <i>The Weight of Glory.</i>He portrays a beautiful picture of what I think should motivate us, especially as Christ followers, to love.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5UuRGoZmpUZvbppQpsb6NS_7W5qZuxXy9f1VFnWjwEAMOHoL4vvybkcYVD0embLoZOuBvv2yCzZRVvu7D45BosX_YkZENL9YeLQehcpfqDNWCHSSb3I_zOd_2xXzVZSGLytPOTmA6Rsi/s1600/the-weight-of-glory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5UuRGoZmpUZvbppQpsb6NS_7W5qZuxXy9f1VFnWjwEAMOHoL4vvybkcYVD0embLoZOuBvv2yCzZRVvu7D45BosX_YkZENL9YeLQehcpfqDNWCHSSb3I_zOd_2xXzVZSGLytPOTmA6Rsi/s320/the-weight-of-glory.jpg" width="210" /></a>
<i>"The negative idea of Unselfishness carries with it the suggestion not primarily of securing good things for others, but of going without them ourselves, as if our abstinence and not their happiness was the important point. I do not think this is the Christian virtue of Love."</i><br />
<br />
Lewis goes on to describe heavenly glory as fame or good report:<br />
<i>"</i><i>...not fame conferred by our fellow creatures--fame with God, approval or (I might say) appreciation by God...."Well done, thou good and faithful servant." ....I suddenly remembered that no one can enter heaven except as a child; and nothing is so obvious in a child--as its great and undisguised pleasure in being praised...And that may raise our thoughts to what may happen when the redeemed soul, beyond all hope and nearly beyond belief, learns at last that she has pleased Him whom she was created to please....To please God...to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness...to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son--it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And then connecting the weight of glory in ourselves to the idea of Christian love Lewis described first, He says:<br />
<i>"The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken....Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, you neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses. If he is your Christian neighbor, he is holy in almost the same way, for in him also Christ vere latitat--the glorifier and the glorified, Glory Himself, is truly hidden."</i>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-1525032026624508492012-11-04T21:11:00.000-05:002012-11-04T21:11:03.635-05:00Me, James, Taylor, and Clive James Taylor's Pandora station makes me wish I was 24 in the 70's. It makes me wish I were a better guitar player and it's the station that most frequently accompanies me on a car trip longer than 20 minutes. Well, it shares a spot with Taylor Swift's new album Red to be perfectly honest. And I'll admit, the idea for a James Taylor station came from a line in Taylor Swift's new song Begin Again. And, can I just say, James Taylor and his music making friends make for a fail proof, dinner party kind of Spotify playlist. I'm kind of excited about it.<br />
<br />
I started a new book. It was an impulse buy that had been mulled over many times beforehand, somewhat justifying the purchase. <i>The Weight of Glory</i> is a compilation of CS Lewis. It includes this quote from his speech <i>Learning In War-Time</i> I wanted to share in light of the current political loyalties...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
There is therefore this analogy between the claims of our religion and the claims of war: neither of them, for most of us, will simply cancel or remove from the slate the merely human life which we were leading before we entered them. But they will operate in this way for different reasons. The war will fail to absorb our whole attention because it is a finite object and, therefore, intrinsically unfitted to support the whole attention of the human soul. In order to avoid misunderstanding I must here make a few distinctions. I believe our cause to be, as humans go, very righteous, and I therefore believe it to be a duty to participate in this war. And every duty is a religious duty, and our obligation to perform every duty is therefore absolute. Thus we may have a duty to rescue a drowning man and, perhaps, if we live on a dangerous coast, to learn lifesaving so as to be ready for any drowning man when he turns up. It may be our duty to lose our own lives in saving him. But if anyone devoted himself to lifesaving in the sense of giving it his total attention--so that he thought and spoke of nothing else and demanded the cessation of all other human activities until everyone learned to swim--he would be a monomaniac. The rescue of drowning men is, then, a duty worth dying for, but not living for.<b><i> It seems to me that all political duties (among which I include military duties) are of this kind. A man may have to die for our country, but no man must, in any exclusive sense, live for his country. He who surrenders himself without reservation to the temporal claims of a nation, or a party, or a class is rendering to Caesar that which, of all things, most emphatically belongs to God: himself. </i></b></blockquote>
And here are some photos from a recent trip to Mackinac Island with the Maxwells and Erin for a half marathon...probably my most favorite course to date.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NxzijVSobQRvzkJyBhbXINYRjVlf4woTM0DuvIl_pZiRXvrLSeVdJ655qc2sB1tI69nCdzC9Dshdh_Ii2-uqVY_c_eGM7oZOlWE9bFlo7WGpUvnVoNg7BvGE_rkI4CyRZenqUR6M3Waw/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NxzijVSobQRvzkJyBhbXINYRjVlf4woTM0DuvIl_pZiRXvrLSeVdJ655qc2sB1tI69nCdzC9Dshdh_Ii2-uqVY_c_eGM7oZOlWE9bFlo7WGpUvnVoNg7BvGE_rkI4CyRZenqUR6M3Waw/s320/photo+(13).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTT1b2S9FYTLWpX5tmTz89fnwRkMqZFzvbFWokjY1lPuG5sRlsAVlKyUjLhfvJy_bGZl-WyHq_RMtPEjrBKwud9CLQXLqTfTglWF0FDdXTthXy1QB_LraQzYlxKleMuRzlMvb4LB6OVt3/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTT1b2S9FYTLWpX5tmTz89fnwRkMqZFzvbFWokjY1lPuG5sRlsAVlKyUjLhfvJy_bGZl-WyHq_RMtPEjrBKwud9CLQXLqTfTglWF0FDdXTthXy1QB_LraQzYlxKleMuRzlMvb4LB6OVt3/s320/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnySmPS8VPE0Rnta4IXra5SwhqYsHvdyZLZMN4RmElQFawpMOFIKZx5pZpWFsrUqWZeAi0ZH7ogpWGilio-BxRfd8hYjRgEm2wIHUELS2iykwgMcrw0SgJdcxhC7NqKlc3z9YseBz-Tmgh/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnySmPS8VPE0Rnta4IXra5SwhqYsHvdyZLZMN4RmElQFawpMOFIKZx5pZpWFsrUqWZeAi0ZH7ogpWGilio-BxRfd8hYjRgEm2wIHUELS2iykwgMcrw0SgJdcxhC7NqKlc3z9YseBz-Tmgh/s320/photo+(15).JPG" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-60465756763234659182012-10-16T20:58:00.004-04:002012-10-17T16:04:25.331-04:00All in a Day's WorkToday could have been ruined by a failed Synvisc injection beneath , putting my scrubs in the hamper with my watch in the pocket (don't worry, I was <i>that </i>med student digging through the laundry), or by my lack of attention and poor sterile technique. I could hear Dr. Steiner, my microbiology prof from Hillsdale, giving it to me from a distance, and Dr. Moody audibly telling me it was a good thing I had a scrub clinic to go to that afternoon.<br />
<br />
But it was made up by the 40 minutes I spent with the patient (the failed Synvisc patient) telling me about the Latino dancing that happens every Friday night in Bay City--I can't wait to try it--and discussing how the simple phrase "get busy living, or get busy dying" applies in almost every situation. He was just kind of awesome.<br />
<br />
Today could have been ruined by a 12+ hour day, with no lunch or dinner break. I did manage some small snacks...<br />
<br />
But it was made up by the simple act of bringing a woman I saw in the nursing home a cup of coffee. And then watching her talk motivationally to her arm that had become immobile due to stroke. And then by being asked to join her in eating cookies and drinking coffee. Needless to say, I practically inhaled the cookie.<br />
<br />
Today could have been ruined by seeing a 51 year old woman I had the privilege of seeing with dermatomyositis. This devastating disease has caused Raynaud's in her fingers, a severe rash, muscle pain and weakness, pulmonary fibrosis--her lungs sounded like the separation of velcro and her fingers were showing characteristic clubbing due to low oxygen--Sjogren's syndrome with subsequent severe dry mouth and eyes, scleroderma that was making if difficult to open her mouth and her skin dry and taught...oh yeah, and she has trouble swallowing.<br />
<br />
But it was made up by her good sense of humor. Her amazingly calm spirit. Her willingness to let me examine all of her unique qualities. Her telling the doctor to stop being so serious about her and encouraging him to laugh despite everything going on. She doesn't have a good prognosis, in fact it's terrible. But, she doesn't let on to it. My goal? Be her.<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-9156142248142757652012-10-14T20:45:00.003-04:002012-10-14T20:45:22.863-04:00Brought to you by PriusThis was a fabulous weekend. And I got to drive a fun little red Prius from fun thing to fun thing. My poor Focus is still in the shop...And when all is said and down, I'll be about $900 dollars in the hole. I highly recommend hiding your phone when driving to avoid the temptation of distraction. It can be expensive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3nyXiNMmw77_uV5WVq21rDXm_tl-UQg1KXMnNXHZ_85rRH_QhDT4jv3UBLr5FfX-0NbjSvH46TOsMPDGtUgmnl6-WaumbXDg3aXYryGKbXoNyvlNRIbof9kfTQTRLG9NXV4Enq5grdiB/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3nyXiNMmw77_uV5WVq21rDXm_tl-UQg1KXMnNXHZ_85rRH_QhDT4jv3UBLr5FfX-0NbjSvH46TOsMPDGtUgmnl6-WaumbXDg3aXYryGKbXoNyvlNRIbof9kfTQTRLG9NXV4Enq5grdiB/s320/photo+(12).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made the trip to East Lansing where I met up with an old friend, my high school Young Life leader, Betsy. She and her boyfriend are both med students and we all share a very similar vision for where God is leading us in our future as docs. I can't really explain how much I loved talking with them. Betsy and I haven't been in touch for about 6 or 7 years, but you wouldn't have known. It was one of those moments where the interconnectedness of life makes me really, really happy. I was able to share about CCHF and CCDA, plus, I'll get to see them again in Louisville for round 3 of the Global Missions Health Conference. It was fun to say, "See you next month," as we said goodbye.<br />
<br />
I was able to spend time with Heather that night, she's an amazing hostess...and then made my way down to Royal Oak to visit my dear Lindsey, newly engaged, and as always, so much fun to laugh and talk with. Then, I spent the evening with Alex and Bre in Northville where we went to church, made a delicious meal, and ran the next morning. An amazing run, it hardly felt long or hard. Those are the best. Oh, and I was introduced to the wonderful thing that is Trader Joe's. Big fan.<br />
<br />
Knowing the transiency of my time here makes me less motivated to stick around on the weekends. Especially when good times with awesome people happen outside of the 48708 zip code.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-54193483999984993372012-10-09T23:34:00.001-04:002012-10-17T16:12:49.017-04:00Patriotic PacifismTwo entries in one week. And the week isn't even over yet. It just so happens I have to do journal club tomorrow...I do so many more things--like read books, blog, play instruments, and call friends--when the alternative is studying. Otherwise, I watch Dr. Quinn episodes. Or go to bed at 9. Plus, I'm reading this really good book.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When reading, I rarely remember more than one or two main points. I recently found one in the book, <i>Reborn on the Fourth of July</i>, that I feel compelled to document and share.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Logan Mehl-Laituri writes: ...<i>I started getting approached by a number of other festival goers about my decision to file as a noncombatant instead of requesting discharge. But the most impressing conversation I had rarely touched on my decision. One woman didn't ask questions or poke around my beliefs. Instead, she shared urgently about someone she cared for, a Marine torn between the cross and the sword. She broke down and told me how much the church needs the message of patriotic pacifism, how much we need to articulate an alternative to the stark binarism between faith and service.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>When young people get ready to face the world as emerging adults, they want to do good; they want to serve a greater purpose. The military provides a means of fulfilling those needs: by joining the military, they are "being all they can be" and become one of "the few, the proud." If they want to fight the good fight and do so in a morally captivating way, the military provides the structure through which they can sacrifice themselves, risking themselves out of loyalty to their fellow service members.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>The church doesn't do this so well. When I was in youth group, I rarely if ever thought about whether or not I would die for the person sitting next to me. But in the Army, there was no question. Even in training, there was a good chance I could get hurt; if my battle buddy failed to pass his static line off properly as we jumped from an aircraft, I would suffer the consequences. On the range, we risked injury if someone failed to eject his or her excess rounds properly. The threat and the promise of service were very real, and you witnessed it every day. But in churches, it's not always clear where loyalties lie, whether someone is willing to die for (or with) you.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>The woman recognized the magnetism military service has for people who want to be able to know, without much doubt, that they are doing something that works toward a better world. She knew the church had not properly prepared her loved one to express his desire to live sacrificially, that the narrative of the state had a monopoly on the language of virtue. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Today I had some extra time with a patient who was proudly displaying his Vietnam Veteran hat adorned with an Air Force pin. So we got to talking. He'd served as combat air support from '67-'68 and served an additional three years afterwards. I mentioned this book to him and said that I've found the descriptions of war from an emotional standpoint intriguing. Particularly, Logan Mehl-Leituri's expression of PTSD. The gentleman then responded by stating that his experience with PTSD has intensified in the last 5 years..."and my experience was decades ago. "I <i>never </i>want to go back to Vietnam" he muttered, shaking his head. He described a few of the details before the doctor came back in and then near the end of the visit our conversation returned to politics and then foreign policy (doesn't foreign policy sound nicer than war?). I made a comment about morality in war, and he responded with, "In war, there <i>is no morality.</i>" He was emphatic and looked me straight in the eyes. I felt ill-equipped to talk about war with someone who had experienced it so intimately. "Sometimes," he said, "you have to do what is right." I wanted to ask how you could do what was right while removing the concept of morality. Instead I mentioned that if the issues were black and white we wouldn't be having this conversation and left it at that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It reminds of me this prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-56000196761757983452012-10-07T18:52:00.002-04:002012-10-07T18:52:31.460-04:00The GraySo much has happened since the last time I wrote. If only I'd taken the time to write every time I thought, I don't want to forget this. But alas, life is too short to dwell on the should haves and what ifs.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OWdLPRJ4PoDLUnlgOSKFAdtashs27wZde0uQEVJilyI6RrOYRoJxnGf4aqha9Zer76tgx28KAagMwioqH9gQvvSaMU7YGPD9-P-tqOM9dJcziJ7BTjweLTryTnvbc7WFhXQwOuzE_MHw/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OWdLPRJ4PoDLUnlgOSKFAdtashs27wZde0uQEVJilyI6RrOYRoJxnGf4aqha9Zer76tgx28KAagMwioqH9gQvvSaMU7YGPD9-P-tqOM9dJcziJ7BTjweLTryTnvbc7WFhXQwOuzE_MHw/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="320" /></a>I attended the CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) conference in Minneapolis, MN last weekend. Minneapolis is a cool city. The conference was wonderful. I ran into my friends from Benton Harbor, caught up with Natalie over a coffee, stayed in a hostel, packed only one small backpack for the entire trip, discovered the food truck craze, spent time traveling and discussing how transforming the message of the Gospel is with Nancy, worshiped in different languages, heard stories about Native Americans, Palestinians and Israelis, and kids in prison that made me anxious for the coming of God's Kingdom, experienced Chicago at 2AM...it was wonderful. It made me want to be a pediatrician again...can you imagine doing house calls as a pediatrician? Kinda cool, right? We'll see...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ivpress.com/img/book/218h/3652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ivpress.com/img/book/218h/3652.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
While there, I also picked up a book <i>Reborn on the Fourth of July</i> by Logan Mehl-Laituri. It talks about the challenge of faith, patriotism, and conscience. After joining the military as a future Air Force doc in 2010, I've been challenged by friends, books, like<i> Irresistible Revolution, </i>and stories told by those involved in war to consider the role of Christians in times of war. More importantly, I've been challenged to examine whether my true loyalty stands with God or America by virtue of my actions, not just my words. So far this book has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether in the military or not.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I like answers. Answers that are clear cut and straight forward. The conference gave me a lot to think about. Another thing I've been thinking a lot about is how medicine is best practiced. Every doctor has a different way of doing the same thing. But more and more I am learning that life is gray, not black and white. Be it in the question of peace and war or the practice of medicine. This verse in John 16:33 has been my go to lately. Christ tells his disciples, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."<br />
<br />
Three other quick noteworthy events:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgut12MEEjJKNght8dA4QOQy7BxyZh-9d03M2ge1nn5oUzCHyfgxoQxgOCm5X5zpp83f0-enNw8Mr79VeDnL3RI_-7FptBsVXh80nQeugOObC7IBx922biWClHmQ-EJjRWw0w1aPe5ndUK/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgut12MEEjJKNght8dA4QOQy7BxyZh-9d03M2ge1nn5oUzCHyfgxoQxgOCm5X5zpp83f0-enNw8Mr79VeDnL3RI_-7FptBsVXh80nQeugOObC7IBx922biWClHmQ-EJjRWw0w1aPe5ndUK/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. I rear-ended a Yukon in my little Focus. In case you were wondering it happened on a Monday. It was a sad day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRb_qrVEwIsc917Pyuv_NRilbKosUZg1hZJywqf-bPAsAF5rUIPFzfX5lIqUoS8ejHhPwZXND9a8d6TqRuNqueTZo3uha1XFY2XhFHibgBwe7W1Nt7bo9Z_S9yNAyn4ZbRKQHu5gTGSXn/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRb_qrVEwIsc917Pyuv_NRilbKosUZg1hZJywqf-bPAsAF5rUIPFzfX5lIqUoS8ejHhPwZXND9a8d6TqRuNqueTZo3uha1XFY2XhFHibgBwe7W1Nt7bo9Z_S9yNAyn4ZbRKQHu5gTGSXn/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. The other pictures are from a spontaneous Sunday drive I took to Port Austin, MI. I went hiking at the state park, met an awesome older couple from Austrailia who were so excited I was studying osteopathy--we talked about the documentary Forks Over Knives and agreed that what people need is more nature in their lives.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXD62xfZIsF9F2NMql-Da1h0h-m6JQeIP65BdXEpb_a8RJPNLy_0g-d3iC6VCussEPus5iCRWXoDsBvgd81L0wy7_36eLTTihNX1FpKGdf-eZ_pv_ScHvkEyhLG_mh6mjNziFAUfRvlJ3/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXD62xfZIsF9F2NMql-Da1h0h-m6JQeIP65BdXEpb_a8RJPNLy_0g-d3iC6VCussEPus5iCRWXoDsBvgd81L0wy7_36eLTTihNX1FpKGdf-eZ_pv_ScHvkEyhLG_mh6mjNziFAUfRvlJ3/s320/photo+(10).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3. While on my road trip I drove accidentally (well, sort of accidentally, sort of on purpose) onto private property where I met a family that was nice enough to let me hike back onto their property to get an up close view of this beautiful, miraculous piece of nature. How trees grow on that rock is beyond me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-53143008283695402062012-09-06T22:14:00.001-04:002012-09-06T22:14:07.914-04:00GeriatricsSo I really liked peds. But, there's not a substitute for the lady I saw with the doctor today.<br />
<br />
<b>Doctor</b>: How was your cataract surgery Mrs. _____?<br />
<b>Patient</b>: Well, they only did one, but I can see so well! And you know what else?! I told my daughter I looked in the mirror the other day and realized I didn't even recognize myself! Were'd all these wrinkles come from?!<br />
<b>Doctor</b>: You tell your optometrist you don't want the other eye done if it's going to give you more wrinkles!<br />
<b>Patient</b>: You're right doc! I don't need anymore wrinkles! And he gave them to me!<br />
<br />
or....<br />
<br />
The old man who told the doctor he was "practically in love" after I performed his prostate exam. What he meant was he was in love with my finger that was about a quarter of the size of the doctor's finger. I hope that wasn't too much information. It probably was...I hate it when old men make me blush. Then point it out, unfortunately it happens more regularly than I'd like.<br />
<br />
or...<br />
<br />
The long list of complaints written out in perfect cursive handwriting. Most of them only require reassurance. It's kind of the same as when a dad brings his kids to the pediatrician with a list from his wife, but either way, I like the lists.<br />
<br />
or...<br />
<br />
After listening to a long list of aches and pains and requests for a walker and wheelchair, it always makes me smile when they turn, look at me, and say, "You know those golden years everyone always talks about, they aren't golden! These are no golden years. You're young! You better have fun while you can." If I had a dollar for every time I heard the words "golden years"...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-80141533586397293912012-08-18T12:48:00.000-04:002012-08-18T12:48:10.868-04:00Newborns. Newborns!Yesterday, I examined a newborn baby girl. She was 2 days old. She was so tiny. And she kept her big, beautiful eyes open the whole time. (Perfect for seeing a good red reflex--thank you little girl for helping me feel competent). There's nothing like a newborn. Even in one month they are so much more grown up.<br />
<br />
She was tiny. I was nervous that they could see I was nervous. But, I was also happy. So so happy. And nervous. But, they were awesome. Baby, Mom, and Grandma.<br />
<br />
I was on one side of the table, mom on the other, and then Grandma got up and starting taking pictures as I examined her newest grandchild. I tried to look especially doctorly. <br />
<br />
Newborns are a miracle.<br />
<br />
Also, on a side note, Dr. Quinn (Medicine Woman) is awesome. Erin has all 6 seasons. And I'm obsessed. She makes me feel like I can do anything. Like harvest foxglove in a garden to make digitalis for heart problems.<br />
<br />
Also, check this out...my mom sent it to me yesterday. Note the "Crayola Oblongata: Relays impulses to shove objects inside nose and/or VCR)."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsirTtxS_L19seqmO5AlfXBVWf1e8-3f4yFJgBt8pcexNQcPfg7C1nm_CpYumjZquZLgLf6OVN66mRbSs4WjCiUjOVOWaKmseq9DbKRKEyx48LfFjrpPV-lZrmLYeug0Iq-fFaBVDxeVU/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsirTtxS_L19seqmO5AlfXBVWf1e8-3f4yFJgBt8pcexNQcPfg7C1nm_CpYumjZquZLgLf6OVN66mRbSs4WjCiUjOVOWaKmseq9DbKRKEyx48LfFjrpPV-lZrmLYeug0Iq-fFaBVDxeVU/s640/photo+(5).JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-244026152886097280.post-79281631652858788592012-08-14T19:54:00.000-04:002012-08-14T19:54:12.574-04:00Let Food Be Thy Medicine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvRQGcDspXDKAT2KKtjkoPUgF0fdZzGHQqXT_Rbr9a84naG50f7Tm4hE02APYJQYgLE4JhKVG6SFc_k6tl3d46sBOQdgvHVvyZWDIhLLldsS-n3smZh5pr1W-vXoGZiWC1IS4djZX1oY/s320/FOK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvRQGcDspXDKAT2KKtjkoPUgF0fdZzGHQqXT_Rbr9a84naG50f7Tm4hE02APYJQYgLE4JhKVG6SFc_k6tl3d46sBOQdgvHVvyZWDIhLLldsS-n3smZh5pr1W-vXoGZiWC1IS4djZX1oY/s320/FOK.jpg" /></a>That's what Hippocrates said over 2000 years ago.<br />
Maybe it should be incorporated into the Hippocratic Oath??<br />
<br />
Of course...everyone knows "it's important to eat healthy." Lately, I've been a little obsessed with nutrition after watching two documentaries about food, <i>Forks Over Knives </i>and <i>Food Inc. </i>My obsession is only fueled by seeing a near total lack of nutritional knowledge and/or concern in most of the patients I see each and every daily.<br />
<br />
But, does society really know how to eat healthy? I'm becoming more and more convinced that we don't. I thought it was crazy to hear about infants and toddlers being fed coffee in Haiti. Welp, here in America we feed our kids pop from a bottle. (That's straight from Bay City, MI) How about a 3 year old girl who weighs 60 pounds (...that's 20lbs above the average weight for a 3 year old!) and is still being fed from a bottle at night before bed. It's made me question our approach to medicine. And if we need more dietitians than primary care docs.<br />
<br />
With all the regulating and big business that goes on in the food industry, with all of the recommendations supplied by the USDA, and with our superior American lifestyles, I'm realizing, through daily encounters with patients, we are often just as far from health as the people in Haiti. Maybe because some people just don't know, but I think it's that most people really don't want to try. Or maybe just aren't willing to change. After all, I suppose it's human nature to want what is easy.<br />
<br />
In Forks Over Knives, it highlights two doctors who shop with patients and show them how to cook. Maybe that's what it takes. Maybe I'll start making house calls as a doc someday. I think I might like that.<br />
<br />
Dr. Esselstyn promotes a whole foods, plant based diet in <i>Forks Over Knives</i>. No meat, eggs, cheese, or milk. His reasons for doing so are medically motivated and based on published research in medical journals, but still, he said he knows in America this diet seems extreme. I love his response to those who think his diet is extreme (myself partially included). "A half a million people in this country this year, who will have to have their body divided, their heart exposed, then veins will be taken from their leg, and sewed onto their heart. Some people would call <i>that </i>extreme." Touche.<br />
<br />
How do I get people to change their diet as a doctor? Especially when they claim they don't have any money, don't have any time, don't care (it's been said by more than one patient...), or especially when they are already totally dependent on their "cholesterol lowering, blood pressure controlling, insulin providing, depression treating, erectile creating, pain eliminating cocktail" they take every day with breakfast and dinner. How do I do it when I (the big talker at this current moment) have a hard time eating veggies over Oreos dipped in peanut butter dipped in milk sometimes? Habits are hard to change. Food rehab perhaps?<br />
<br />
I think doctor's worst enemies in successful nutrition treatment for problems like heart disease and obesity are themselves. It's too easy to take a pill. And they're too easy to prescribe.<br />
(And maybe fast food, too. It's too easy to pull into a drive through. Trust me..I know. But driving by the long lines at the drive thru are starting to make me cringe).Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08131835981908429463noreply@blogger.com0