Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Dr. Lauri Pramuk's reflection
March 25, 2011 “Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” Pedro Arrupe, SJ – Superior General of the Jesuits 1965-1983 It is a great gift to love what you do. Being a pediatrician has been that gift for me. Those feelings are affirmed in my encounters with patients in clinic, and even more so in weeks like we shared in Guatemala. We all got to see how even in a simpler life people find joy in just being alive. There is no lack of color in Guatemala. I relive those wonderful colors now as I sling the strap of my bag over my shoulder everyday. Beauty abounds as I remember the scenery, volcanoes, Lake Atitlan, the purple flower trees. But what we will remember the most are the people. Endless smiles, some toothless, but all smiling. We also got to see how hard life really can be. Living in a home with a dirt floor without access to clean water is simply wrong. To quote Paul Farmer, “Clean water and health care and school and food and tin roofs and cement floors, all of these things should constitute a set of basics that people must have as birthrights.” On our first day of visiting the homes in Patanatic I wrote in my journal, “17 houses, 9 of which no longer have their water filtration systems. No wonder the kids are still getting diarrhea. The walk to the houses was the steepest mountain I have ever climbed. This is nothing to the elderly couple – woman carrying a basket laden with something on her head. These are amazingly strong people.” Life is hard here. Each day is spent in procuring what is needed for survival. If chicken is for dinner then it has to be butchered and plucked. So far from pre-packed at Kroger’s. The medicine was fun – plenty of well children. The part of the trip that surprised me the most was how healthy the kids were in general. Having traveled in Mexico, Honduras and Haiti, I was expecting some kids with severe malnutrition, but thankfully we didn’t see it. The people have limited resources, but do an extra-ordinary job of caring for their children. The mother of the 1-month-old twins was so concerned about the little girl twin (born at 4 pounds). She was already 2 pounds above her birth weight. The mother was thinking she didn’t have enough milk to feed both twins and was considering starting the girl on formula. I’m looking at this woman with breasts the size of large cantaloupes, leaking milk as we talk. Starting formula is not necessary (expensive for the family and would need to be made with clean water – or the baby will get very sick). I am so glad to have growth curves to show the mom how well the baby is growing. Her breast milk is more than enough for both babies. It is like liquid gold. Then I marvel as she slings the boy baby on her back, attaches the girl to her front and ties them up with her colorful cloth – both babies snug next to their mom. Just incredible. You all know now how remarkable it was to see 3 cases of varicella in one week. You will NEVER see that again. My pediatric resident in clinic last week was in awe when I told her that – she has never seen one case of chicken pox. Thankfully our varicella/scarlet fever patient did great and didn’t have necrotizing fasciitis. Central America is the birthplace of liberation theology. We all witnessed in our week in Guatemala what the liberation theology concept of “preferential option for the poor” means. It means one’s words, prayers and deeds must show solidarity with, and compassion for the poor. This is what we are called to do. This is what we did in Guatemala, and what Guatemala did for us. We are all poor in our own ways; some of us in spiritual ways, some more material. We are all richer from our week in Guatemala. Mishel and Diana are two sisters we will always remember. What talent they shared with us – gifts of medical interpretation, curiosity, mad skills on the marimba. We are lucky to know them. Do you think they ever stop smiling? They are Guatemala. We will take away memories of each other as well. Xavier is a phenomenal place. Your formation into men and women for others will always be connected to this trip. We also were gifted with great leaders. Amy, with her bible, is a terrific organizer, great listener and remarkable problem-solver. Rabbi Abie, so at home leading us in Shabbat dinner, and paying respects with the family of the elder of Patanatic in their loss. You will always remember Cathy as you encounter ED nurses – she is so perfectly suited for her job. Bonnie has a heart for alleviating suffering of any kind – be it human or animal. They also are great teachers. As students you know more about accurate blood pressure measurement than most residents. Then there is Richard. He is one of those rare human beings that we are graced to encounter. He is a great gift to me – someone who I can talk medicine with who also understands the humanity that we see daily in our work. As students he is a teacher you will always remember. So, drink in these memories. Share the stories with your friends and family. Guatemala will go with you always. Peace, Lauri Pramuk, MD
Monday, March 28, 2011
Eli - post-trip reflections
My trip to Guatemala would be a hard thing to ever forget. It’s not just the amazing scenery, or the smiling locals, or even the fact that we are helping so many people. The thing that makes it unforgettable is the feeling that we were doing something bigger than ourselves. We gave back to a community in need but at the same time we gained so much more than we gave. This was my first service trip and now I can see why people keep coming back for more. The experiences I had are worth more than anything money can buy. Knowing that these people have a medical history now, knowing that we might have made their lives better, knowing we brought some joy to an entire community is a great feeling. The people of Guatemala made such a strong impression on me. Their sense of family and community is much stronger than anything I’m used to back home. Each person we saw had a story and a life we knew so little about but yet we could feel such a strong connection to them and their family. You knew that they deserved so much better and they had worked for everything they had. These people didn’t wait for doctors to come help them; they didn’t sit on the street and beg. They built a clinic from almost nothing. Knowing they did so much just for their children to have medical attention makes you want to do everything you can for them. Your hearts go out to each person that walks through the clinic door. They don’t feel foreign to you. They feel like neighbors or friends. How often do you feel that way about someone you’ve never met? The thing that touched me most was visiting a small village on the other side of the lake. We had three little tour guides (children from the village school) showing us around so we could inspect the water filters in people’s houses. We finished an hour earlier than any of the other groups so we had time to play with the kids at the school. Apparently play is a universal language because I didn’t know any Spanish but we still had a blast. It just hit me so hard to think that all of these kids will grow up to fill their parents shoes as being poor, underpaid hard workers who probably won’t get the chance to go to college. Some will have to quit school to help support their families. Those kids are so special and they all have great potential. If they had grown up in the U.S. half of them would go to college. The fact that they don’t have that chance killed me more than anything. And yet they were so happy. Many of the people wore smiles. Some of them laughed more than I do at home. Some people might think it’s strange that a community so poor can smile so much. Some might argue the reason they are so happy is because they don’t know anything else in the world, that ignorance is bliss. But I know there is more to it. The Guatemalans might have little money but they are richer than most people I know. They know how to enjoy life and that family is more important than anything money can buy. They have a different kind of wealth there. After only a week with them, I hope I’ve brought back a little bit of their wealth with me. It’s something we could all use a little more of.
Nicole - poco a poco
“Poco a poco.” It means “little by little” and it’s a short Spanish phrase that I was introduced to on a cultural immersion trip to El Salvador three years ago. As I heard stories about the country’s civil war, I couldn’t help but notice how many people used this phrase. It was often used to refer to their belief that the war would end, and gradually things would get better. As I reflected, I realized how much this tiny phrase reminds me of my own beliefs and values. In fact, not only does it serve as a motto for many Salavadorans, “poco a poco” has become my own personal life motto. As I prepared for my second trip to Central America, I imagined this phrase would apply to many people and situations in Guatemala as well. As I sit and reflect on my recent trip to Guatemala, I am overwhelmed with happy memories and life changing experiences. It amazes me how my life has changed three different times, each from a service trip in another country. El Salvador and Jamaica both changed my perspective on a lot of things, but they can’t compare to how I have changed from Guatemala. My trip to Guatemala taught me the power of medicine, and it confirmed my desire to become a physician. I came home with so much new knowledge and a renewed feeling of empowerment to make a difference. The most powerful part of my experience came in the clinic. I have never seen such extraordinary examples of patience and gratitude. Each visitor to the clinic waited up to several hours to see a physician. Many of us got a bit restless as we felt sympathetic that they were waiting so long, but it didn’t take long for us to realize that the wait was the last of their worries. This was the opportunity of a lifetime for many of them, and not one patient showed a bit of concern or stress about waiting. They took the time to talk with their neighbors and laugh as they watched the children play in the clinic. As they saw the doctors, we were overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude from each patient. I think that we all heard the word “gracias” more than any other word the entire trip. These feelings of gratitude alone changed me. It made me realize what it truly is to be thankful, and how to express my feelings of gratitude to others. It made me appreciate my life and blessings so much more. Mostly, it made me appreciate the people and country of Guatemala. I am overwhelmed by how much beauty I encountered in each individual. They taught me the power of a smile, and that a smile is a universal form of communication that says enough. Working in the clinic helped me realize that the ultimate service I can provide to others in the future is through the practice of medicine. The prayer station was extremely powerful. I am Roman Catholic, but I have lost some of my religion as I came to school and found many reasons to put school work before attending Church. This trip brought me back to my faith and my belief in God. It encouraged me to make time to attend mass and remember to make God a part of my everyday life like the people in Guatemala. There was a particular instance that changed it all for me. A very old man, who had shingles, came to the prayer station where I was sitting. He asked to say his own prayer so I sat with him and listened. I couldn’t understand much until he put his arms in the air, started saying gracias repeatedly, and tears and sobs came from his body. They were tears of happiness and of gratitude, and this moment alone was the most powerful prayer I have ever experienced. It made me realize my belief in the goodness of humanity and how prayer and hope in God can change our world. My dream is to become a pediatrician, and if this dream comes true, I will owe it to the children of Guatemala and to a teacher I found in the trip, Dr. Lauri Pramuk. I have loved kids my entire life and have found so much love for working with kids as a swim team coach and a nanny. The happiness and innocence I see in children reminds me of the good things in our world. Interactions with children are an escape from all the violence, hatred, and jealousy that exists in the world. The children in Guatemala are some of the happiest kids I have seen despite their circumstances. They are filled with so much innocence and joy, and they have no idea that things might be a little better for kids in other parts of the world. Dr. Pramuk inspired me as she treated each child with love and patience. I see the act of working with children is an art, and it is something she has certainly perfected. I know that I will take much of what I learned from her with me in the future, and I hope to be as great as a doctor as her some day. I truly believe that my future holds many more mission trips to other countries as a pediatrician. I come home from this trip with many memories and many new friendships. This trip brought me peace, hope, and beauty. It opened my eyes to a new part of the world, and it paved the way for a future I believe possible. When I need an escape from the madness of school and graduation, I close my eyes and put myself back on the steps outside the clinic. Surrounded by mountains, a lake, and volcanoes, I have never felt so small and part of something so much bigger than myself. It is my place of solitude and my reminder of being united with “one world”. Right now, my trip to Guatemala is the biggest example of how “poco a poco” will play out in the world, for many reasons. I believe it really applies to the clinic that is opening. It has been a gradual process, and our group began something great that will continue to develop for the future. Little by little, this clinic will make a difference and become something crucial for the people in the village. Small steps are what the country needs, and I believe that our presence made this process possible and realistic. Also, little by little, each one of us can be inspired to make a difference. One of my favorite quotes is by Mother Theresa, and it says, “There are no great things. There are small things with great love”. If each one of us continues to take small steps out of love towards making a difference in the world, we can inspire others to do the same. We are all capable of change and we are instruments of hope to the people we encounter and serve. We must never forget the people we have met in Guatemala and the life lessons that we bring back with us. Guatemala has changed me in many ways, and the trip will continue to be a part of my daily life. Little by little, this new revolution of service and compassion for others will spread, and we each have a chance to play a key role. Gradual change is realistic, and "poco a poco" can inspire others to join in the movement.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Keith's Post-trip Reflection
“This is the kind of experience that will ruin your life.” Our pediatrician Laurie Pramuk made this humorous, but entirely accurate, statement one of the last nights we were in Guatemala. It took me a second to understand what she meant, but as comprehension washed over me, I realized she was right. In the past six days I had experienced something that would stick with me for the rest of my life, whether I wanted it to or not.
Though we only spent a week in the clinic at Patanatic, we got to experience many aspects of daily life for the local people. We prayed with them, visited their homes, sat in on their town meeting, worked with them, healed them, and just got to know them. Their lives were harsh and meager, yet they struck me as some of the most genuine, kind, and grateful people I had ever met. I’ll never forget the women and men who were literally in tears as I prayed with them, following their visits with the doctors. I wish I could live my life with the same passion and faith. Aside from being full of emotion and energy, their prayers were full of one word in particular: gracias. It felt great to know that people were thanking God for our help.
In addition to learning about real gratitude and faith, this trip taught me what it really means to be a healer, and I thank all four of our medical professionals for that. The people of Patanatic received more respectful and high-quality medical care than many Americans receive. Our doctors and nurses took time to carefully explain all of their diagnoses and proposed treatments. They treated their patients like they were equal human beings. In my opinion this is one of the most important aspects of being a doctor. There is nothing worse than a doctor who gives you a prescription and sends you on your way with no explanation of the diagnosis. Every patient deserves this basic respect and dignity. I plan on carrying this idea with me throughout my medical career.
In closing, the most important thing I learned from this trip is that the medical field, and life in general, is about the relationships we make. I am grateful for this experience because I learned how rewarding these relationships can be. There is nothing as special as healing someone else and learning from their life at the same time. For this reason, I cannot wait to begin my medical career.
Though we only spent a week in the clinic at Patanatic, we got to experience many aspects of daily life for the local people. We prayed with them, visited their homes, sat in on their town meeting, worked with them, healed them, and just got to know them. Their lives were harsh and meager, yet they struck me as some of the most genuine, kind, and grateful people I had ever met. I’ll never forget the women and men who were literally in tears as I prayed with them, following their visits with the doctors. I wish I could live my life with the same passion and faith. Aside from being full of emotion and energy, their prayers were full of one word in particular: gracias. It felt great to know that people were thanking God for our help.
In addition to learning about real gratitude and faith, this trip taught me what it really means to be a healer, and I thank all four of our medical professionals for that. The people of Patanatic received more respectful and high-quality medical care than many Americans receive. Our doctors and nurses took time to carefully explain all of their diagnoses and proposed treatments. They treated their patients like they were equal human beings. In my opinion this is one of the most important aspects of being a doctor. There is nothing worse than a doctor who gives you a prescription and sends you on your way with no explanation of the diagnosis. Every patient deserves this basic respect and dignity. I plan on carrying this idea with me throughout my medical career.
In closing, the most important thing I learned from this trip is that the medical field, and life in general, is about the relationships we make. I am grateful for this experience because I learned how rewarding these relationships can be. There is nothing as special as healing someone else and learning from their life at the same time. For this reason, I cannot wait to begin my medical career.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Brenden's view from the plane
Wow. Here I am back on a plane flying from Guatemala to Miami and eventually to Cincinnati. Our experience and our mission have concluded, much to my dismay. I can't believe our time here has already come and gone. It seems like just yesterday we were getting the call notifying us of our acceptance into this Medical Mission Trip. As I peer out the window, I can't help but look down and reflect on the week that was. And what a week it was...
My group arrived Saturday afternoon. We were greeted by the smiling faces of the rest of Team Guatemala. What a sight. From California and Indiana, to Nigeria and New York, our team descended upon Guatemala with a diverse, yet unified, group of unique individuals. Our mission was to heal and provide comfort to the villagers of Patanatic, while growing professionally, personally, and spiritually ourselves. Each day's experiences came with a multitude of emotions and reflections, but here are two highlights from the week that was.
Day 1: Setting up the Clinic and Personal Home Visits
Day 1 began with us breaking into groups of two. Each pair was placed with a local Guatemalan and walked to various homes to check on the water filtration systems that had been placed in the homes prior to our arrival. Within minutes, we were scaling death-defying mountains to reach these homes (we were over 4,000 feet above sea level). We jumped over valleys, held onto trees, climbed up dirt paths, and walked along one- foot ledges. Once arriving at the homes, I was taken aback. I saw one-room houses with all dirt floors. I never saw electricity, and most often, there was only one bed. Food was being boiled on a wood stove as flies buzzed all around. Children were running without shoes and drinking what looked like unclean water. Dogs were roaming in search of food and the men in the area were working hard. Never once have I thought that people thousands of miles away are living like this...in such suffering, poverty, and dismay.
Yet their smiles are contagious. They are infectious. The people seem to be just as happy as we Americans are, even without all the technology and luxuries that we possess. While they may not have iPads, iPods, GPSs, or Kindles, they truly understand family and community. No matter the suffering, they are one. They have taught me that simplicity can provide just as much happiness as complexity, and for that I am grateful.
Day 4: School and Home Visits to Cerro de Oro
Today marked our first day away from Patanatic and our health clinic there. To arrive in Cerro de Oro, we took a boat across Lake Atitlan, which is surrounded by 3 breathtakingly beautiful volcanoes. It was a sight to see, as fog slowly drifted up off the water and into the 3 volcanoes. After the 20 minute ride, we quickly trekked to the village school, where we were warmly greeted by the principal. Though she spoke no English, I clearly remember the interpreters continuing to interpret her as saying "give thanks to God for you people coming to our community and helping us out. While I do not know where you are from, thanks to God for your arrival." Hearing this truly softened my heart. These people have almost nothing, yet give so much thanks to God, for he has given them so, so much. It's an unbelievable sight to see these people believe in the power of prayer and in the power of giving thanks to God.
We administered anti-worming pills to over 200 children in the school and followed with home visits to determine the cleanliness of their water filtration systems. Once arriving back to the school, the kids were ready to have a good time, and that is just what we did. We took part in a relay race, and showed the kids new hand movements to look like animals (see the photo of Dr. Lauri Pramuk). The kids were in love, and so were we!
Words cannot express what a transformational experience this trip has been for me. I return to America with an altered view of life. We should recognize the harsh injustices occurring outside our borders and reflect on how fortunate each and every one of us truly is. We are a community at large.
Thanks to Rabbi Abie Ingber, Amy Wetterau, Richard Walter, Lauri Pramuk, Bonnie Herscher, Cathy Walter, and my colleagues of Team Guatemala for making this "the week that was." I'm so thankful I got to share this remarkable experience with each one of you!
My group arrived Saturday afternoon. We were greeted by the smiling faces of the rest of Team Guatemala. What a sight. From California and Indiana, to Nigeria and New York, our team descended upon Guatemala with a diverse, yet unified, group of unique individuals. Our mission was to heal and provide comfort to the villagers of Patanatic, while growing professionally, personally, and spiritually ourselves. Each day's experiences came with a multitude of emotions and reflections, but here are two highlights from the week that was.
Day 1: Setting up the Clinic and Personal Home Visits
Day 1 began with us breaking into groups of two. Each pair was placed with a local Guatemalan and walked to various homes to check on the water filtration systems that had been placed in the homes prior to our arrival. Within minutes, we were scaling death-defying mountains to reach these homes (we were over 4,000 feet above sea level). We jumped over valleys, held onto trees, climbed up dirt paths, and walked along one- foot ledges. Once arriving at the homes, I was taken aback. I saw one-room houses with all dirt floors. I never saw electricity, and most often, there was only one bed. Food was being boiled on a wood stove as flies buzzed all around. Children were running without shoes and drinking what looked like unclean water. Dogs were roaming in search of food and the men in the area were working hard. Never once have I thought that people thousands of miles away are living like this...in such suffering, poverty, and dismay.
Yet their smiles are contagious. They are infectious. The people seem to be just as happy as we Americans are, even without all the technology and luxuries that we possess. While they may not have iPads, iPods, GPSs, or Kindles, they truly understand family and community. No matter the suffering, they are one. They have taught me that simplicity can provide just as much happiness as complexity, and for that I am grateful.
Day 4: School and Home Visits to Cerro de Oro
Today marked our first day away from Patanatic and our health clinic there. To arrive in Cerro de Oro, we took a boat across Lake Atitlan, which is surrounded by 3 breathtakingly beautiful volcanoes. It was a sight to see, as fog slowly drifted up off the water and into the 3 volcanoes. After the 20 minute ride, we quickly trekked to the village school, where we were warmly greeted by the principal. Though she spoke no English, I clearly remember the interpreters continuing to interpret her as saying "give thanks to God for you people coming to our community and helping us out. While I do not know where you are from, thanks to God for your arrival." Hearing this truly softened my heart. These people have almost nothing, yet give so much thanks to God, for he has given them so, so much. It's an unbelievable sight to see these people believe in the power of prayer and in the power of giving thanks to God.
We administered anti-worming pills to over 200 children in the school and followed with home visits to determine the cleanliness of their water filtration systems. Once arriving back to the school, the kids were ready to have a good time, and that is just what we did. We took part in a relay race, and showed the kids new hand movements to look like animals (see the photo of Dr. Lauri Pramuk). The kids were in love, and so were we!
Words cannot express what a transformational experience this trip has been for me. I return to America with an altered view of life. We should recognize the harsh injustices occurring outside our borders and reflect on how fortunate each and every one of us truly is. We are a community at large.
Thanks to Rabbi Abie Ingber, Amy Wetterau, Richard Walter, Lauri Pramuk, Bonnie Herscher, Cathy Walter, and my colleagues of Team Guatemala for making this "the week that was." I'm so thankful I got to share this remarkable experience with each one of you!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sayo's thoughts
My time in Guatemala has been beyond amazing. Besides having the opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery previously seen only on postcards, I got to see patients and their families in their own homes and also in the clinic.
The first thing that surprised me was the hike that we had to make to each of these homes. Most of these people go up and down the hills every day with ease. It made me realize how comfortable and easy life is for us in the United States. In addition, no matter how small the houses were, all the people were welcoming and invited us into their homes with a smile. It made me consider that a simpler lifestyle is sometimes a happier lifestyle. I am hoping to get a better understanding of that concept as the week continues and to appreciate it.
One of our tasks was to evaluate the water filters previously installed in these homes to determine their usefulness. Initially, I was excited by the initiative to use filters to purify water so that diseases such as diarrhea can be prevented. However, I was disappointed when I saw that a good number of the homes we visited either no longer had their filters or were not taking care of them properly. Although I did not see any homes with two filters, I found out that some homes had received two filters. The only assumption I could make is that the homes with no filters did not understand the importance of a filtration system. That is especially important to me because, as a future public health professional, understanding the causes of behavior is vital to establishing effective public health intervention. It also reinforced my belief that one cannot just provide aid to people without educating them about the importance and value of the aid. In this case, it was clear from the dichotomy in the people’s use of the filters that education is important.
Another interesting phenomenon was the ability of people to have good knowledge of their neighbors and provide directions to their homes even though the houses were not numbered. It made me consider how many people in the United States and other developed countries know their neighbors personally and would be able to provide directions to their homes if the numbers were suddenly wiped away. Many of us would be unable to. I say ‘hi’ to my neighbors and know some of them by name but not to the extent these Guatemalans know theirs. Does this mean that I just have not cared enough to know more, or does American culture engender isolation in the name of privacy? Either way, I am hoping to change this when I return to the States and make a greater effort to engage a good number of my neighbors.
The biggest observation I noted during the clinic today was the endearing spirit of the Guatemalan people. They show patience and continual gratitude in situations where others may get frustrated or become impatient. The best explanation for their behavior, which resonates strongly with me, came from one of the physicians with us, Dr. Walter. He said people do not mind waiting if they know that they are waiting for something worthwhile. The patience, happiness and contentment that characterized most of these people have challenged me as a person and I hope will continue to challenge me even after I return to the U.S.
The more I engage with the Guatemalan people with their spirit, and with the Guatemalan culture, the more I will grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
The first thing that surprised me was the hike that we had to make to each of these homes. Most of these people go up and down the hills every day with ease. It made me realize how comfortable and easy life is for us in the United States. In addition, no matter how small the houses were, all the people were welcoming and invited us into their homes with a smile. It made me consider that a simpler lifestyle is sometimes a happier lifestyle. I am hoping to get a better understanding of that concept as the week continues and to appreciate it.
One of our tasks was to evaluate the water filters previously installed in these homes to determine their usefulness. Initially, I was excited by the initiative to use filters to purify water so that diseases such as diarrhea can be prevented. However, I was disappointed when I saw that a good number of the homes we visited either no longer had their filters or were not taking care of them properly. Although I did not see any homes with two filters, I found out that some homes had received two filters. The only assumption I could make is that the homes with no filters did not understand the importance of a filtration system. That is especially important to me because, as a future public health professional, understanding the causes of behavior is vital to establishing effective public health intervention. It also reinforced my belief that one cannot just provide aid to people without educating them about the importance and value of the aid. In this case, it was clear from the dichotomy in the people’s use of the filters that education is important.
Another interesting phenomenon was the ability of people to have good knowledge of their neighbors and provide directions to their homes even though the houses were not numbered. It made me consider how many people in the United States and other developed countries know their neighbors personally and would be able to provide directions to their homes if the numbers were suddenly wiped away. Many of us would be unable to. I say ‘hi’ to my neighbors and know some of them by name but not to the extent these Guatemalans know theirs. Does this mean that I just have not cared enough to know more, or does American culture engender isolation in the name of privacy? Either way, I am hoping to change this when I return to the States and make a greater effort to engage a good number of my neighbors.
The biggest observation I noted during the clinic today was the endearing spirit of the Guatemalan people. They show patience and continual gratitude in situations where others may get frustrated or become impatient. The best explanation for their behavior, which resonates strongly with me, came from one of the physicians with us, Dr. Walter. He said people do not mind waiting if they know that they are waiting for something worthwhile. The patience, happiness and contentment that characterized most of these people have challenged me as a person and I hope will continue to challenge me even after I return to the U.S.
The more I engage with the Guatemalan people with their spirit, and with the Guatemalan culture, the more I will grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Julie's view from the van
Hola! Buenas tardes! We are in our second day in Guatemala. After the other half of our group arrived, we all made the journey from Guatemala City to Panajachel, the village where we will work with Heart to Heart. The fourteen of us from Xavier, plus the four medical professionals who came with us, are all packed into two vans (I knew we would get close on this trip, but I didn’t realize it would be so soon!) Since the journey will take about three hours, this is a good time to reflect on my experiences thus far.
As we ascend higher and higher into the mountains, I look out the windows of the van and am astounded by the breathtaking beauty. The further we go, the less I notice the mountains and the more my attention is consumed by the surrounding poverty. So far, I have seen dilapidated houses, men passed out drunk right in the middle of the sidewalk, people begging you to buy whatever it is they are selling, and many more sights that just tear at your heart. At the same time, though, I have seen beauty in the poverty. I have seen women who you could just tell were best friends carrying baskets on their heads; I have seen families farming their fields together, putting in countless hours of hard work; and I have seen kids playing together in a field, kicking a ball around and laughing as though they were the happiest kids on earth.
Observing all of these sights has caused a million questions to race through my brain. One recurring question that I can’t seem to find an answer to is: why them and not me? Why did I have the privilege of being born in a country where having a house, a car, a job, and new clothes is so common that it is easy to take these things for granted? I could have just as easily been born into a country like Guatemala where not having a car is the least of your concerns because you are more concerned with where you are going to get your next meal. Being born in America really was just pure luck; it’s like flipping a coin—heads, you are born in America, tails, you are born in Guatemala. Although I still do not have an answer as to why I was born in America instead of Guatemala, I do realize that it just as easily could have been me who was born into the Guatemalan poverty. If it weren’t for the luck of getting heads when I flipped the coin, I could have been the one begging people to buy whatever I was selling, just to earn a couple of bucks a day.
Reflecting on the luck of being born in a desirable geographical location, I can’t help but think back to this morning when the first half of our group to arrive had the opportunity of meeting two Guatemalans from the Jewish community—Mario and his 32-year-old son Jonathan. Mario explained to us how in 1934, after Hitler had just come into power, his father immigrated to Guatemala from Hamburg, Germany because he wanted to escape religious persecution for being Jewish. Just as the Guatemalans are randomly born into their poor living conditions, so too was Mario’s grandfather randomly born into an oppressive living situation. Unfortunately in Germany, no one did anything to help the Jews, so six million people died in the Holocaust. We cannot go back and change the past, but we can learn from it for the future, which is why we must do something to help the Guatemalans. Because all eighteen of us on this trip have been given many privileges, we have an obligation to help those who are not as fortunate. My perspective on life has already changed after just one day of being here, so I look forward to the days ahead.
As we ascend higher and higher into the mountains, I look out the windows of the van and am astounded by the breathtaking beauty. The further we go, the less I notice the mountains and the more my attention is consumed by the surrounding poverty. So far, I have seen dilapidated houses, men passed out drunk right in the middle of the sidewalk, people begging you to buy whatever it is they are selling, and many more sights that just tear at your heart. At the same time, though, I have seen beauty in the poverty. I have seen women who you could just tell were best friends carrying baskets on their heads; I have seen families farming their fields together, putting in countless hours of hard work; and I have seen kids playing together in a field, kicking a ball around and laughing as though they were the happiest kids on earth.
Observing all of these sights has caused a million questions to race through my brain. One recurring question that I can’t seem to find an answer to is: why them and not me? Why did I have the privilege of being born in a country where having a house, a car, a job, and new clothes is so common that it is easy to take these things for granted? I could have just as easily been born into a country like Guatemala where not having a car is the least of your concerns because you are more concerned with where you are going to get your next meal. Being born in America really was just pure luck; it’s like flipping a coin—heads, you are born in America, tails, you are born in Guatemala. Although I still do not have an answer as to why I was born in America instead of Guatemala, I do realize that it just as easily could have been me who was born into the Guatemalan poverty. If it weren’t for the luck of getting heads when I flipped the coin, I could have been the one begging people to buy whatever I was selling, just to earn a couple of bucks a day.
Reflecting on the luck of being born in a desirable geographical location, I can’t help but think back to this morning when the first half of our group to arrive had the opportunity of meeting two Guatemalans from the Jewish community—Mario and his 32-year-old son Jonathan. Mario explained to us how in 1934, after Hitler had just come into power, his father immigrated to Guatemala from Hamburg, Germany because he wanted to escape religious persecution for being Jewish. Just as the Guatemalans are randomly born into their poor living conditions, so too was Mario’s grandfather randomly born into an oppressive living situation. Unfortunately in Germany, no one did anything to help the Jews, so six million people died in the Holocaust. We cannot go back and change the past, but we can learn from it for the future, which is why we must do something to help the Guatemalans. Because all eighteen of us on this trip have been given many privileges, we have an obligation to help those who are not as fortunate. My perspective on life has already changed after just one day of being here, so I look forward to the days ahead.
Jonathan on thankfulness
Today was a long day in the clinic but it was so rewarding. I had the opportunity to shadow the doctors and work in the prayer station. Both of these were amazing experiences. The chance to shadow a doctor opened the window to grow leaps and bounds professionally. Interacting with patients was one of my favorite parts of the day.
The prayer station was one of the most beautiful things I have ever been a part of. After the doctor finished the examination, the translator would ask the patients if they would like to read a sample prayer aloud or if they would like to offer their own prayer. Many chose to pray on their own and while I don’t know much Spanish the common theme in most every prayer was the word “gracias,” “thank you.” It is hard to believe how many times they gave thanks during prayer. It made me think how often we as a society use prayer when something is wrong or not going as we planned in our lives. Satchel Paige once said, “Don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” This truly envelops our societal view on prayer as a tool only for forgiveness or intercession. We never take enough time to offer up prayers of thanksgiving for what we have. The people here have so little but so much more than I will ever have at the same time. Yes, they have less monetary possessions but the people of Guatemala are so happy for everything that they own. The spirit of the Guatemalan is so resilient and beautiful.
Those patients that would choose to read the prayer would read in Spanish while I read the same prayer in English. When this happened for the first time I got chills. For that moment, language barrier aside, the patient and I were connected through the common language of prayer which was remarkable. This was one of the best experiences ever. It was unbelievable to see how universal prayer is.
This is such a remarkable experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As patients come in and out of the clinic each day they always express their immense thanks. They do not realize that they have given me so much more than I can ever give them. I feel it is our duty to serve these people because only by the grace of God were we born into our society and culture.
The prayer station was one of the most beautiful things I have ever been a part of. After the doctor finished the examination, the translator would ask the patients if they would like to read a sample prayer aloud or if they would like to offer their own prayer. Many chose to pray on their own and while I don’t know much Spanish the common theme in most every prayer was the word “gracias,” “thank you.” It is hard to believe how many times they gave thanks during prayer. It made me think how often we as a society use prayer when something is wrong or not going as we planned in our lives. Satchel Paige once said, “Don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” This truly envelops our societal view on prayer as a tool only for forgiveness or intercession. We never take enough time to offer up prayers of thanksgiving for what we have. The people here have so little but so much more than I will ever have at the same time. Yes, they have less monetary possessions but the people of Guatemala are so happy for everything that they own. The spirit of the Guatemalan is so resilient and beautiful.
Those patients that would choose to read the prayer would read in Spanish while I read the same prayer in English. When this happened for the first time I got chills. For that moment, language barrier aside, the patient and I were connected through the common language of prayer which was remarkable. This was one of the best experiences ever. It was unbelievable to see how universal prayer is.
This is such a remarkable experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As patients come in and out of the clinic each day they always express their immense thanks. They do not realize that they have given me so much more than I can ever give them. I feel it is our duty to serve these people because only by the grace of God were we born into our society and culture.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Katie's first impressions
At the end of the first full day in Guatemala I can already reflect and think on so much. Simply flying into the Guatemala City airport I began to get a feel of the place and the people. After being warmly greeted by the rest of our team we were promptly thrust into the culture and the need of the country where we will be spending our week.
Driving out of Guatemala City, buildings and traffic became small towns and farms. Finally after three hours of breathtaking countryside and harrowing poverty we arrived in Panajachel. The plan: dinner, meeting, sleep, Patanatic. The next morning we traveled 10 minutes up the mountain to the village of Patanatic, the location of the Heart to Heart clinic. Little by little, my eyes opened to the poverty around the world that is often shoved aside because of the hectic lifestyle most of us have in the United States.
Our first task in Patanatic was checking the water filters that Heart to Heart installed in the homes of the 500 residents. After walking up the steepest hill I have ever seen, my group visited approximately 20 homes. These houses are not what we are used to in the United States, with flooring, clean water, roofs, multiple rooms, and sanitary conditions. Not a single home in Patanatic has all those things; maybe only one or two homes have a single item from that list. The average home in Patanatic has a dirt floor, makeshift roof, contaminated water, and no inside lighting. Comparing homes like these to my simple small-town home I did not know what to say. Words fail the emotions I felt walking from home to home and witnessing the conditions that these wonderful people live in. Anger, sorrow, guilt, frustration, shock, and embarrassment all ran through me. These were quickly overshadowed by the next feeling - , a strong desire to help, heal, and love - the reason I came to Guatemala.
Following our home visits, we worked in the clinic for the rest of the day. Meeting the people and attempting to overcome the language barrier was a beautiful experience. Not once did I smile at a patient waiting in line and not see a smile in return. They are wonderfully happy and loving people. I wonder how they can be so happy in the poverty and illness in which they live. The slower pace of Patanatic allows for relationships and interaction, which I admit to cutting out in my overbooked life. The people have big hearts capable of great love which they freely share, and true wealth lies in love.
One interesting reflection I made tonight was at the Spanish Mass we attended here in Panajachel. In my theology class, we discussed the definition of the word catholic. While the “big C” Catholic is the religious belief, “little c” catholic means universal. As in my Spanish classes, the lecture takes on meaning only when it is applied to life. Hearing the Nicene Creed today in Spanish, I caught the word catholic. The word in the Nicene Creed is actually the little c catholic. Today, it finally really meant universal. I finally realized the church beyond the United States and even the English language. It reminded me of a song from church, “We are many parts. We are all one body.” We are all one body- it reminds us that there is no person with any place higher than another. If anything, should we not strive to be another’s servant like the example of Jesus? An amazing man we met today spoke to us about his gratitude for our service in the community. He proceeded to say that he felt sorry that there was no way for the community to repay us. I almost immediately began to cry. We did not come to be repaid, we came to be a servant to another part of the one body.
Driving out of Guatemala City, buildings and traffic became small towns and farms. Finally after three hours of breathtaking countryside and harrowing poverty we arrived in Panajachel. The plan: dinner, meeting, sleep, Patanatic. The next morning we traveled 10 minutes up the mountain to the village of Patanatic, the location of the Heart to Heart clinic. Little by little, my eyes opened to the poverty around the world that is often shoved aside because of the hectic lifestyle most of us have in the United States.
Our first task in Patanatic was checking the water filters that Heart to Heart installed in the homes of the 500 residents. After walking up the steepest hill I have ever seen, my group visited approximately 20 homes. These houses are not what we are used to in the United States, with flooring, clean water, roofs, multiple rooms, and sanitary conditions. Not a single home in Patanatic has all those things; maybe only one or two homes have a single item from that list. The average home in Patanatic has a dirt floor, makeshift roof, contaminated water, and no inside lighting. Comparing homes like these to my simple small-town home I did not know what to say. Words fail the emotions I felt walking from home to home and witnessing the conditions that these wonderful people live in. Anger, sorrow, guilt, frustration, shock, and embarrassment all ran through me. These were quickly overshadowed by the next feeling - , a strong desire to help, heal, and love - the reason I came to Guatemala.
Following our home visits, we worked in the clinic for the rest of the day. Meeting the people and attempting to overcome the language barrier was a beautiful experience. Not once did I smile at a patient waiting in line and not see a smile in return. They are wonderfully happy and loving people. I wonder how they can be so happy in the poverty and illness in which they live. The slower pace of Patanatic allows for relationships and interaction, which I admit to cutting out in my overbooked life. The people have big hearts capable of great love which they freely share, and true wealth lies in love.
One interesting reflection I made tonight was at the Spanish Mass we attended here in Panajachel. In my theology class, we discussed the definition of the word catholic. While the “big C” Catholic is the religious belief, “little c” catholic means universal. As in my Spanish classes, the lecture takes on meaning only when it is applied to life. Hearing the Nicene Creed today in Spanish, I caught the word catholic. The word in the Nicene Creed is actually the little c catholic. Today, it finally really meant universal. I finally realized the church beyond the United States and even the English language. It reminded me of a song from church, “We are many parts. We are all one body.” We are all one body- it reminds us that there is no person with any place higher than another. If anything, should we not strive to be another’s servant like the example of Jesus? An amazing man we met today spoke to us about his gratitude for our service in the community. He proceeded to say that he felt sorry that there was no way for the community to repay us. I almost immediately began to cry. We did not come to be repaid, we came to be a servant to another part of the one body.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Greetings from Guatemala City - March 4 from Nicole and Jonathan
We can both remember the phone calls we received in September that offered us a spot on the Medical Mission trip to Haiti. Although things did not work out in Haiti, we are blessed with the opportunity to have this experience in a new country that has just as much to offer. Now seven months after that phone call, we have landed safely in the beautiful country of Guatemala! It feels like we have been preparing forever, so we are so glad to finally be here. It is so real to us now!
We met up with our Los Angeles medical staff (Cathy, Bonnie, and Richard) in Dallas and all of us flew to Guatemala together. When we landed, we rushed through immigration to pick up our bags and head through customs. We met our Heart to Heart representative and our driver to take us to the Hotel Biltmore in Guatemala City. We arrived at the hotel, which is absolutely beautiful, dropped off our stuff and headed out into the city to find some food.
We both were a little nervous at first as we walked through the crowded streets just because the Guatemalan culture is very different from ours. The street we walked on had tons of night clubs packed with people and they were trying to get us to enter their club. Many vendors tried to sell us necklaces, roses, and CDs. We were caught off guard when we noticed several heavily armed guards lining the streets. Little did we know they would be so willing to pose for pictures with each of us!
We found a neat restaurant called Tacotenta and sat down to have chips and salsa, guacamole, floutas, and quesadillas. We talked and got to know each other a lot better as bands walked in off the streets and through the restaurant serenading us with music and singing. We shared stories and many laughs!
Now we are in the hotel, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rest of our group and the week that lies ahead. We are trying to load up on sleep tonight since it could be scarce the rest of the week! Tomorrow morning we are having breakfast in the hotel and meeting with a representative of the Jewish community in Guatemala City. We are excited to learn more and ask him questions. The rest of the group arrives at 2:15 pm. We will pick them up in the airport and head off to the village where we will be staying! We are so excited for the amazing week ahead of us! Talk to you soon!
We met up with our Los Angeles medical staff (Cathy, Bonnie, and Richard) in Dallas and all of us flew to Guatemala together. When we landed, we rushed through immigration to pick up our bags and head through customs. We met our Heart to Heart representative and our driver to take us to the Hotel Biltmore in Guatemala City. We arrived at the hotel, which is absolutely beautiful, dropped off our stuff and headed out into the city to find some food.
We both were a little nervous at first as we walked through the crowded streets just because the Guatemalan culture is very different from ours. The street we walked on had tons of night clubs packed with people and they were trying to get us to enter their club. Many vendors tried to sell us necklaces, roses, and CDs. We were caught off guard when we noticed several heavily armed guards lining the streets. Little did we know they would be so willing to pose for pictures with each of us!
We found a neat restaurant called Tacotenta and sat down to have chips and salsa, guacamole, floutas, and quesadillas. We talked and got to know each other a lot better as bands walked in off the streets and through the restaurant serenading us with music and singing. We shared stories and many laughs!
Now we are in the hotel, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rest of our group and the week that lies ahead. We are trying to load up on sleep tonight since it could be scarce the rest of the week! Tomorrow morning we are having breakfast in the hotel and meeting with a representative of the Jewish community in Guatemala City. We are excited to learn more and ask him questions. The rest of the group arrives at 2:15 pm. We will pick them up in the airport and head off to the village where we will be staying! We are so excited for the amazing week ahead of us! Talk to you soon!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Almost 300 students at Xavier University in Cincinnati are heading off to spend their spring breaks serving others rather than being served.
On this blog, we are following a dozen students traveling to Guatemala with two Xavier staff and four medical professionals, three from Los Angeles. They will try to post every night after a full day of serving great need.
All will spend eight days with Heart to Heart International Inc., a global humanitarian organization, which operates an office in Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala. Heart to Heart has just opened a medical clinic in the 586-family village, the first of its kind. No one in the village has ever seen a doctor. Xavier is bringing the first-ever medical team to serve the community both in the newly-built facility and with home visits.
In addition, Heart to Heart’s comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative addresses access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation. WASH seeks to prevent the incidence of water-borne disease by providing health screenings, de-worming, hygiene education, installation of latrines, stoves and water filters in schools and homes, and instructing recipients on the installation and use of the filtration systems.
The Sololá region has one of the highest incidence rates of childhood diarrhea—due mainly to its proximity to contaminated water, but complicated by sanitation issues and hygiene practices. The students will work with Heart to Heart to empower residents to participate in improving the health of their own communities. When communities take ownership over the health of their people, results are long-lasting.
“The inventory of the village’s health, and our medical attention and treatment of the Mayan villagers has the potential to change the future of this small community,” said Rabbi Abie Ingber, Founding Director for Interfaith Community Engagement and the convener of the medical mission. “In addition, our pre-health-profession students will have a unique opportunity to learn medicine in proximity to four fine practitioners. This experiential learning will propel them to even greater meaningfulness and success in their future professional choices.”
AS you can see in previous posts from January 2010, Xavier’s Office of Interfaith Community Engagement made a highly successful interfaith medical mission trip to Jamaica with a similar group of students and professionals. In 4.5 days, the group saw 511 patients. For only a couple of hours did they see a beach – most days were spent among old slave huts in remote regions of Steer Town Jamaica, seeing people who had never received any medical care. Six had to be evacuated to a hospital for immediate attention.
Stay tuned.
On this blog, we are following a dozen students traveling to Guatemala with two Xavier staff and four medical professionals, three from Los Angeles. They will try to post every night after a full day of serving great need.
All will spend eight days with Heart to Heart International Inc., a global humanitarian organization, which operates an office in Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala. Heart to Heart has just opened a medical clinic in the 586-family village, the first of its kind. No one in the village has ever seen a doctor. Xavier is bringing the first-ever medical team to serve the community both in the newly-built facility and with home visits.
In addition, Heart to Heart’s comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative addresses access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation. WASH seeks to prevent the incidence of water-borne disease by providing health screenings, de-worming, hygiene education, installation of latrines, stoves and water filters in schools and homes, and instructing recipients on the installation and use of the filtration systems.
The Sololá region has one of the highest incidence rates of childhood diarrhea—due mainly to its proximity to contaminated water, but complicated by sanitation issues and hygiene practices. The students will work with Heart to Heart to empower residents to participate in improving the health of their own communities. When communities take ownership over the health of their people, results are long-lasting.
“The inventory of the village’s health, and our medical attention and treatment of the Mayan villagers has the potential to change the future of this small community,” said Rabbi Abie Ingber, Founding Director for Interfaith Community Engagement and the convener of the medical mission. “In addition, our pre-health-profession students will have a unique opportunity to learn medicine in proximity to four fine practitioners. This experiential learning will propel them to even greater meaningfulness and success in their future professional choices.”
AS you can see in previous posts from January 2010, Xavier’s Office of Interfaith Community Engagement made a highly successful interfaith medical mission trip to Jamaica with a similar group of students and professionals. In 4.5 days, the group saw 511 patients. For only a couple of hours did they see a beach – most days were spent among old slave huts in remote regions of Steer Town Jamaica, seeing people who had never received any medical care. Six had to be evacuated to a hospital for immediate attention.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Josh's reflections
This week in Jamaica was a powerful experience for everyone involved. For me, Jamaica was special in a different way. I have been to Jamaica 4 times prior to this interfaith medical trip. Three times in high school, we helped build the very structure we used to host our clinic 2.5 of the 4.5 days we were in Jamaica. When I came to Xavier I knew I wanted to bring my experiences in Jamaica to others in hopes that they would be as profoundly impacted as I had
been.
Knowing that I would never be able to put together a trip of this magnitude alone I approached Rabbi Abie Ingber about helping make my dream a reality. After weeks of hypothetical discussion Abie said four words I will never forget: “The answer is YES,” and we were off. He brought his incredibly talented assistant Amy Wetterau into the planning and between the two of them, most of the miracles took place. The three of us spent a long Saturday carefully
combing through 52 applications and deciding whom we felt was best fit for the group of
13 students. Later that same week the majority of the fundraising began. We raked leaves, washed cars, worked UC Football games, and many other various fundraisers.
In November, just a few weeks into the fundraising, Abie and Amy broke the news to me that Tri-Health was going to provide substantial support for the trip. This news was nothing short of miraculous, and the other 12 students were also in shock and amazement. After more fundraising, a nearly naked mile, a night of pill packing, and countless hours of work by Abie and Amy we were ready to leave for Jamaica.
Once there it was a humbling and rewarding experience for everyone involved. The days in the clinic were long but rewarding. We worked 2.5 days in Steer Town, one day in Golden Spring, and one day in Liberty. All three communities welcomed us with open arms and were immensely grateful. Seeing 511 patients in 4.5 days is a feat that everyone on the trip can stand by with pride.
Everyone involved was professional and compassionate and I am honored to have served the Jamaican people alongside them. The most rewarding part of this entire experience to me was watching my classmates, all of whom are going to be wildly successful in their respective branches of medical service, take accurate vital signs or administer life saving medicine and then immediately hold the hand of their patient and say a prayer with them. Everyone on the trip knows that it is God who heals and we are merely instruments of his healing. After each day we had a chance to meet and debrief the days events, which at times was difficult considering some of the heart breaking situations we each witnessed.
Each person on the trip had a unique experience that will hopefully move them to continue to serve as loving, patient centered doctors, nurses and occupational therapists in the years to come.
Finally, it is my wish that everyone who attended will remember what it felt like to serve people that the rest of the world has forgotten, and I pray that one day when they are settled into their careers that they remember their Xavier days and find a way to continue to embody the Jesuit ideals that they exemplified in Jamaica.
been.
Knowing that I would never be able to put together a trip of this magnitude alone I approached Rabbi Abie Ingber about helping make my dream a reality. After weeks of hypothetical discussion Abie said four words I will never forget: “The answer is YES,” and we were off. He brought his incredibly talented assistant Amy Wetterau into the planning and between the two of them, most of the miracles took place. The three of us spent a long Saturday carefully
combing through 52 applications and deciding whom we felt was best fit for the group of
13 students. Later that same week the majority of the fundraising began. We raked leaves, washed cars, worked UC Football games, and many other various fundraisers.
In November, just a few weeks into the fundraising, Abie and Amy broke the news to me that Tri-Health was going to provide substantial support for the trip. This news was nothing short of miraculous, and the other 12 students were also in shock and amazement. After more fundraising, a nearly naked mile, a night of pill packing, and countless hours of work by Abie and Amy we were ready to leave for Jamaica.
Once there it was a humbling and rewarding experience for everyone involved. The days in the clinic were long but rewarding. We worked 2.5 days in Steer Town, one day in Golden Spring, and one day in Liberty. All three communities welcomed us with open arms and were immensely grateful. Seeing 511 patients in 4.5 days is a feat that everyone on the trip can stand by with pride.
Everyone involved was professional and compassionate and I am honored to have served the Jamaican people alongside them. The most rewarding part of this entire experience to me was watching my classmates, all of whom are going to be wildly successful in their respective branches of medical service, take accurate vital signs or administer life saving medicine and then immediately hold the hand of their patient and say a prayer with them. Everyone on the trip knows that it is God who heals and we are merely instruments of his healing. After each day we had a chance to meet and debrief the days events, which at times was difficult considering some of the heart breaking situations we each witnessed.
Each person on the trip had a unique experience that will hopefully move them to continue to serve as loving, patient centered doctors, nurses and occupational therapists in the years to come.
Finally, it is my wish that everyone who attended will remember what it felt like to serve people that the rest of the world has forgotten, and I pray that one day when they are settled into their careers that they remember their Xavier days and find a way to continue to embody the Jesuit ideals that they exemplified in Jamaica.
Kevin's reflections
My trip to Jamaica was one that I will never forget. It came in a time of great personal growth and development in my life. As a college student, I often feel as if I am in limbo between my undergraduate and professional career. However, Jamaica brought these two together. Never before did I feel so right with what I was doing. This is not to say that I have never worked in medicine or with patients; I have spent a great deal of time in research and participated in an earlier medical mission in Nicaragua. However, Jamaica stands out for countless reasons.
First, the people of Jamaica made the trip so memorable. We were on the ground working out of churches and community centers. Because our patient population came directly from the surrounding neighborhood, we briefly experienced being a part of their community. In one instance, we saw four generations of a family come through the clinic during a single day.
Some of the people we met were not necessarily patients but representatives of the religious community. One night we sat down with a Rastafarian who talked with us about his beliefs. This gave us an entirely different perspective on religion. While many of us understood religion to be founded on the dogma a sect of people holds in common, he proposed that Rastafari is very much the opposite. He insisted it is a simply a way of life celebrated differently by every
individual.
Additionally, we had the privilege of sitting down with an Islamic Imam, who talked with us about the pillars of his faith. Interfaith was a much needed component of the trip. In our time of deep questioning, it allows us to better understand our place in the world through the faith traditions of those around us.
Medically, the trip was equally outstanding. Not only did we have the privilege of shadowing three excellent health professionals, but we were directly involved with the well being of our patients. After proper training, students took vitals, abstracted medical notes, and prepared medications. After returning to Xavier, this aspect of the trip will help encourage us in our studies by giving a taste of what we are working towards.
First, the people of Jamaica made the trip so memorable. We were on the ground working out of churches and community centers. Because our patient population came directly from the surrounding neighborhood, we briefly experienced being a part of their community. In one instance, we saw four generations of a family come through the clinic during a single day.
Some of the people we met were not necessarily patients but representatives of the religious community. One night we sat down with a Rastafarian who talked with us about his beliefs. This gave us an entirely different perspective on religion. While many of us understood religion to be founded on the dogma a sect of people holds in common, he proposed that Rastafari is very much the opposite. He insisted it is a simply a way of life celebrated differently by every
individual.
Additionally, we had the privilege of sitting down with an Islamic Imam, who talked with us about the pillars of his faith. Interfaith was a much needed component of the trip. In our time of deep questioning, it allows us to better understand our place in the world through the faith traditions of those around us.
Medically, the trip was equally outstanding. Not only did we have the privilege of shadowing three excellent health professionals, but we were directly involved with the well being of our patients. After proper training, students took vitals, abstracted medical notes, and prepared medications. After returning to Xavier, this aspect of the trip will help encourage us in our studies by giving a taste of what we are working towards.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Beginnings—a New Year’s Story for 2010 by Bonnie Herscher, R.N.
The phone rang as 2009 was about to draw to a close. My dear friend, Rabbi Abie Ingber, was on the other end of the line, calling from Cincinnati to ask if I’d like to join him and a group of thirteen Xavier University undergrads on a trip to Jamaica. This was not going to be a vacation, not a story of beach resorts nor a sightseeing trip to experience the great natural beauty of the island. Instead, Abie had called to know if I would join a medical mission he had organized with the intention of providing care to some of the most impoverished residents of the country.
I had not imagined that 2010 might begin quite this way, but on New Years day I was on the plane, beginning a journey that words barely begin to describe. Joined by Dr. Richard Fry and nurse practitioner Paula Niederbaumer—with the blessing of essential financial support provided by TriHealth—we began a week that would take us to Steer Town, Golden Spring and Liberty, villages of which I’d never heard, but soon came to know for their small huts, essentially cobbled together out of plywood and corrugated metal roofs—no kitchens, no bathrooms, no plumbing to supply water. Some thirty years ago, Dusty and Corinne Cooper had come to Steer Town as missionaries, saw the conditions, found people living without any shelter whatsoever, and couldn’t turn their backs. They built Grace Community Center whose, focus has been to provide rudimentary education and training. Over the years, the Coopers have created relationships with the locals, and for this trip, they served as our hosts, guides and protectors.
So far, so good. But here is where words begin to fail me. I’ve been an emergency nurse for 40-plus years. I’ve seen more than my share of trauma and gravely ill people. But this was my first real encounter with the multitudes of illnesses that accompany the cruelty of extreme poverty. Where to begin? We treated children infected with parasites. Many of them were so malnourished that they looked half their age—boys and girls who told us they were ten years old when we would have guessed that they were not older than five or six. We brought much-needed inhalers for asthmatic children, but ran out of them by the end of the week. We encountered mothers who begged us for those inhalers, telling us that their children could not breathe at night. And what would they do, we worried, when what we had provided eventually ran out?
Most of the adults we saw were suffering from high blood pressure, so many of them at dangerously elevated levels. We had to take six of them to an ER because they were in serious danger of strokes. Having set up a pharmacy, we loaded these patients up with the proper medications. We tried to each them the importance of seeing a doctor when these meds ran out, but we kept hearing the same responses: we have no money for medicine. How disheartening it was to hear that, to know that they would not get life-saving care until the next mission would come along; who knows when that will be?
Over the course of the week, we met some 500 patients. We treated people suffering from multiple infections, and we saw widespread STDs. But it was, of course, the children’s stories that were, ultimately, most heartbreaking. It was not only painful to see so many teenaged girls who had already given birth to their own children for whom they could not provide adequate care, but to encounter girls who, in their young lives, had suffered multiple rapes.
And yet… in the midst of so much poverty and sickness, there was such a sense of hope. How could I be anything but hopeful, having worked with these thirteen young people from Xavier, all of whom aspire to become medical professionals? In the most important of ways, they’re already experienced something of the power of healing. When I arrived, I was worried I’d never learn all their names; a week later, I won’t ever forget any of them. Even though you don’t know them, I want you to hear their names, because each of them is a precious human being: Brenda, BB, Heather, Julia, Keiko, Jenna, Amber, Mena, Caroline, Kevin, Josh, Fariba and Melissa. If anyone ever tells me that they despair of the younger generation or the future they will create, I’ll them I know thirteen extraordinary reasons to be hopeful. These students gave their all; they put themselves so fully into this work, into long days and dreary conditions. Under the supervision of Rabbi Ingber, Dr. Fry and Paula—with the continuous and invaluable help of Abie’s assistant, Amy—these 13 “kids” helped to create a clinic with a fully functioning pharmacy. I taught them how to take blood pressures and dispense medications, and, literally overnight, they were seeing patients, teaching them how to take their meds and what side effects to watch out for. They watched what I was doing and jumped right in to do the work. We were out the door by 7:30 each morning, each day bringing with it an offer of a hot breakfast. But none of them wanted to waste a moment, knowing that people would be waiting at the clinic. So peanut butter and jelly were their staple breakfast and lunch.
And yet… in the midst of so much poverty and sickness, there was such a sense of hope. How could I be anything but hopeful, having worked with these thirteen young people from Xavier, all of whom aspire to become medical professionals? In the most important of ways, they’re already experienced something of the power of healing. When I arrived, I was worried I’d never learn all their names; a week later, I won’t ever forget any of them. Even though you don’t know them, I want you to hear their names, because each of them is a precious human being: Brenda, BB, Heather, Julia, Keiko, Jenna, Amber, Mena, Caroline, Kevin, Josh, Fariba and Melissa. If anyone ever tells me that they despair of the younger generation or the future they will create, I’ll them I know thirteen extraordinary reasons to be hopeful. These students gave their all; they put themselves so fully into this work, into long days and dreary conditions. Under the supervision of Rabbi Ingber, Dr. Fry and Paula—with the continuous and invaluable help of Abie’s assistant, Amy—these 13 “kids” helped to create a clinic with a fully functioning pharmacy. I taught them how to take blood pressures and dispense medications, and, literally overnight, they were seeing patients, teaching them how to take their meds and what side effects to watch out for. They watched what I was doing and jumped right in to do the work. We were out the door by 7:30 each morning, each day bringing with it an offer of a hot breakfast. But none of them wanted to waste a moment, knowing that people would be waiting at the clinic. So peanut butter and jelly were their staple breakfast and lunch.
These amazing young people—from various ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds—gave up a week of their Winter break out of a belief that they can bring something into this world to make it better. They got up early, they worked late; at the end of each day they took time to reflect on the day and, invariable, shed some tears about what they had seen; and they never uttered a single complaint. They weren’t all friends before this experience, but they worked perfectly together, created amazing chemistry, and expressed such happiness to be part of something that brought a little bit of healing, along with moments of joy and hope to the people they had come to serve. And the patients felt that, experienced the compassion of these student healers and loved them for it. When the members of a local church gathered with us to express thanks, they sang a beautiful blessing for us. I looked around the room as these women’s voices entered the hearts of our students—the hearts of all of us—and knew that the tears were a gentle response to the love.
But none of this could not have come to pass were it not for Abie Ingber. It was his idea, his vision, his fundraising, his organizational ability that made it all happen. And it was Abie who hand-selected and inspired our precious students for the mission. And then, out in the streets of our villages, it was Abie who could be seen going into the barbershop to get the barber to close up shop so that he and his wife could come into the clinic; we listened to them talk of the difficulties they were having getting pregnant, as I offered some rudimentary education of how to graph her cycle, monitor temperature, and figure out when she might be ovulating.
The barber and his wife were not the only ones Abie reached out to, (that is to say, dragged) into the clinic. He was relentless. One day he went into the corner bar and tried to convince the waitress/bartender to come in for a check-up. She was afraid to do so, worried that she’d get fired if she closed up the business. So Abie bought two beers to make up for the income of the temporarily shuttered bar.
The barber and his wife were not the only ones Abie reached out to, (that is to say, dragged) into the clinic. He was relentless. One day he went into the corner bar and tried to convince the waitress/bartender to come in for a check-up. She was afraid to do so, worried that she’d get fired if she closed up the business. So Abie bought two beers to make up for the income of the temporarily shuttered bar.
There are so many stories to tell. And so many more that we never heard; so many lives in need of care, of compassion and healing. We ended up making time for a few more of those stories and lives on our last day. Friday was supposed to be a free day, scheduled for some time to see a little of the beauty of Jamaica. But when we closed up on Thursday night, there were still patients who hadn’t been seen during the week. How could we tell them that there was no time or space for them? So we opened up again on Friday morning to see those who had been turned away. And then, we did get to hike up to Dunn’s River Falls, a place of great natural beauty, whose waters flow from the mountains of the island all the way down to the sea.
Jamaica is something of an island paradise. Some 500 miles off the tip of Florida, it is so close to where we live our lives. And yet, it is so far away. And, we know—lamentably—we left the work unfinished, the needs unfilled. As the Coopers hoped thirty years ago, there is hope that others will step up… to create a clinic and provide ongoing care, to supply desperately needed medication, to get inhalers to the children and hypertension meds to the adults—not for one week, but every day.
I’ve been back for just a couple of days and am finding it hard to get back into my daily routine of a life filled with the many privileges for which I am so grateful. I won’t forget what I saw, the terrible conditions, the malnourished faces of underweight children, the shacks in which so many of them live. I also won’t forget the spirit, energy or goodness of my new friends from Xavier. And among the many memories, I’m especially going to remember one little boy—Roger Moore is his name, and he delighted in repeating his name over and over again—who giggled with delight and posed for pictures with us. Roger will remain a powerful reminder of the undying human spirit that survives even the worst of life’s conditions.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Julia C. Final thoughts - "Irie"
As I prepared to travel to Jamaica, I was aware of the poverty I would be facing, but I was not prepared for the distortion I would encounter. The fact that tourists can travel to a country, stay in a marvelous closed-in resort, then leave a week later with the impression that Jamaica is a land of beauty in every aspect is something I still struggle with. It angers me to know that outside the resort walls is a land full of families who struggle to keep food on the table, to provide adequate medical attention for their children and to find shelter in a decent home, as couples nearby indulge themselves in $2000-a-night resorts. Jamaica is truly a beautiful country from East to West, but the light should be shone upon the entire island.
Amongst the poverty, where I expected to find spirits as low as their meager incomes, I met some of the most good-hearted, genuine human beings. As children ran through streets where sewage trickled, I saw smiles bigger than any toy could produce on an American child’s face. The people of Steer Town were not concerned that they lived in houses made out of tin and scrap wood. As long as the sun was shining and laughter was heard, the Jamaican people did not have a trouble in the world. I admire them for that.
We were welcomed with open arms the second we walked off of the plane. I felt so proud to be representing my university in such a positive way, but by the end of the trip, I felt even prouder to know that now I was a true part of the Jamaican community. The values I have learned from the people will shape my future relationships, careers and even my life. The carefree lifestyle of the Jamaicans is truly an example of how life should be lived. The Jamaicans have an expression, “Irie,” which means, “Everything is alright.” Every time I heard “Irie” over the screams of hardship in Jamaica, I knew in my heart that I need to use my medical education to make the rest of the world feel “Irie.”
Amongst the poverty, where I expected to find spirits as low as their meager incomes, I met some of the most good-hearted, genuine human beings. As children ran through streets where sewage trickled, I saw smiles bigger than any toy could produce on an American child’s face. The people of Steer Town were not concerned that they lived in houses made out of tin and scrap wood. As long as the sun was shining and laughter was heard, the Jamaican people did not have a trouble in the world. I admire them for that.
We were welcomed with open arms the second we walked off of the plane. I felt so proud to be representing my university in such a positive way, but by the end of the trip, I felt even prouder to know that now I was a true part of the Jamaican community. The values I have learned from the people will shape my future relationships, careers and even my life. The carefree lifestyle of the Jamaicans is truly an example of how life should be lived. The Jamaicans have an expression, “Irie,” which means, “Everything is alright.” Every time I heard “Irie” over the screams of hardship in Jamaica, I knew in my heart that I need to use my medical education to make the rest of the world feel “Irie.”
Brittany's final Jamaica reflection January 10, 2010
Now that I am back home, looking back on my trip to Jamaica, some images haunt me and others make me smile. This trip was the best of my life. It has truly humbled me and made me so grateful for all that I have and all of those who promote my success. It is so easy to travel to countries and never truly see them. You walk around in all the safe tourist areas and talk to natives who deal with foreigners frequently and totally miss what the country really has to offer. I feel we saw the real Jamaica, because we talked to the people, we went into the villages, we ate the food and we learned to value the things they value. We may have only been there one week, but it felt much longer. In each single day, I had more experiences than I have had in months. Getting to know the people was the best part of the trip for me. It hurt to learn that so many young children are malnourished and sick. It hurt to see fathers who could not provide for their families. Yet, listening to their stories and praying with them brought me peace. It is hard to explain but only one part of helping them was providing medications, while another was sharing burdens with them. Letting others know that they are in your prayers and that you care for their well being, I believe, made - and makes - a difference.
They seemed to be so thankful for our presence. At first I thought they might look at us as intruders but it was the complete opposite. Before really getting to know us they welcomed us into their homes. The children showed us their favorite toys. Some women offered to feed us; even giving us their last. They were overall a happy people, humble and loving. The environment was so positive it radiated from everyone and made me want to give more. For that reason it made it very hard to turn people away. There came a point when we had to close the doors to the clinic and turn many people away, sending them back to their homes without care. Some of them just wanted a check-up and others seriously needed our help. It was very difficult. The people were a bit angered and as we walked out of the building I couldn’t look any of them in the eyes. I understand that there is only so much we can do but I just wish that our giving had no limitations.
I have gained so much from this trip and I am sure all who went feel the same way. I wish everyone could go and see this side of a developing nation. I feel this has changed my life for the better, forever.
-- Brittany B.
They seemed to be so thankful for our presence. At first I thought they might look at us as intruders but it was the complete opposite. Before really getting to know us they welcomed us into their homes. The children showed us their favorite toys. Some women offered to feed us; even giving us their last. They were overall a happy people, humble and loving. The environment was so positive it radiated from everyone and made me want to give more. For that reason it made it very hard to turn people away. There came a point when we had to close the doors to the clinic and turn many people away, sending them back to their homes without care. Some of them just wanted a check-up and others seriously needed our help. It was very difficult. The people were a bit angered and as we walked out of the building I couldn’t look any of them in the eyes. I understand that there is only so much we can do but I just wish that our giving had no limitations.
I have gained so much from this trip and I am sure all who went feel the same way. I wish everyone could go and see this side of a developing nation. I feel this has changed my life for the better, forever.
-- Brittany B.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Jenna's reflections after returning home
As much I would like to be able to describe my experiences with the Jamaica trip to everyone, I know my words cannot come close to conveying the impact of this trip. As our mission leader said, only the eighteen of us will be able to understand our experiences. What we can do, though, is try to explain what happened in Jamaica during this past week with the hope that others will be inspired to travel abroad and make similar memories of their own.
We may have been in Jamaica for only a week, but upon my arrival back to Cincinnati, I feel I have been gone for months. The clinic work kept us busy from sunrise to sunset. We would come home exhausted, both emotionally and physically, but there is not one moment I regret. I gained firsthand experience in the medical field while growing individually and spiritually. It is easy to forget about the pain and suffering in the world when secluded in our safe community at Xavier with our new buildings, cars, clothes, etc. Whether or not we acknowledge that there are mothers unable to feed their children each day and people walking miles to work each day barefoot does not mean these sad situations don’t exist. I believe it is important for every student to make trips such as this in order to remind themselves of the suffering and motivate them to use their good fortune to help those in need and stop the suffering.
What I am most thankful for is being able to witness the human spirit at its best. Here were thirteen students, two faculty members, two nurses and one doctor giving their time and skills to help those less fortunate. I am so very thankful for meeting and getting to know the 17 amazing individuals who were with me during this week. Their kindness and faith is truly touching, and gives me hope for the future of our world. I know there are others with these same attributes scattered across our world, and that helps me stay optimistic for the future. Not only was the spirit of our group uplifting, but also the spirit of the Jamaican people. Despite their depressing situations, they were smiling and thanking God for their blessings. Our last station in the clinic was the prayer station, where we would offer the patients the opportunity to pray with us. The majority agreed and several offered prayers for us. It was almost ironic. These people are destitute, in situations we cannot even imagine spending one day in, yet they still want to ask God to keep us safe, healthy, and blessed. While part of me wanted to feel guilty accepting these prayers, I was also touched. If these individuals were able to keep their faith despite their suffering and pray for us, then there must be a power so much greater than ourselves guiding us and giving us strength to live. In a world of war, poverty, and illness, it is easy to forget about the good of the human nature. This trip helped show me how much can be achieved when the “good” of the world collaborate and work together.
Yes, I saw extremely sad, depressing situations. As much as I want to cast these memories from my mind, I am thankful to have experienced them. I can see the smiling faces of children given vitamins, the eyes of parents who have just received medications to cure their infection, hear the thanks of praise from voices of men, women, and children. I will keep these memories with me each day, and remind myself that no matter how difficult my life may seem, I must give thanks for the fact that I was born into a home where I was offered the opportunity to reach my dreams, whatever they may be. I have always had food on my plate when hungry, clothes on my back when home, and a home to protect myself from the cold. We all must recognize how blessed we are to be here and use our blessings to help those who have not been as fortunate.
We may have been in Jamaica for only a week, but upon my arrival back to Cincinnati, I feel I have been gone for months. The clinic work kept us busy from sunrise to sunset. We would come home exhausted, both emotionally and physically, but there is not one moment I regret. I gained firsthand experience in the medical field while growing individually and spiritually. It is easy to forget about the pain and suffering in the world when secluded in our safe community at Xavier with our new buildings, cars, clothes, etc. Whether or not we acknowledge that there are mothers unable to feed their children each day and people walking miles to work each day barefoot does not mean these sad situations don’t exist. I believe it is important for every student to make trips such as this in order to remind themselves of the suffering and motivate them to use their good fortune to help those in need and stop the suffering.
What I am most thankful for is being able to witness the human spirit at its best. Here were thirteen students, two faculty members, two nurses and one doctor giving their time and skills to help those less fortunate. I am so very thankful for meeting and getting to know the 17 amazing individuals who were with me during this week. Their kindness and faith is truly touching, and gives me hope for the future of our world. I know there are others with these same attributes scattered across our world, and that helps me stay optimistic for the future. Not only was the spirit of our group uplifting, but also the spirit of the Jamaican people. Despite their depressing situations, they were smiling and thanking God for their blessings. Our last station in the clinic was the prayer station, where we would offer the patients the opportunity to pray with us. The majority agreed and several offered prayers for us. It was almost ironic. These people are destitute, in situations we cannot even imagine spending one day in, yet they still want to ask God to keep us safe, healthy, and blessed. While part of me wanted to feel guilty accepting these prayers, I was also touched. If these individuals were able to keep their faith despite their suffering and pray for us, then there must be a power so much greater than ourselves guiding us and giving us strength to live. In a world of war, poverty, and illness, it is easy to forget about the good of the human nature. This trip helped show me how much can be achieved when the “good” of the world collaborate and work together.
Yes, I saw extremely sad, depressing situations. As much as I want to cast these memories from my mind, I am thankful to have experienced them. I can see the smiling faces of children given vitamins, the eyes of parents who have just received medications to cure their infection, hear the thanks of praise from voices of men, women, and children. I will keep these memories with me each day, and remind myself that no matter how difficult my life may seem, I must give thanks for the fact that I was born into a home where I was offered the opportunity to reach my dreams, whatever they may be. I have always had food on my plate when hungry, clothes on my back when home, and a home to protect myself from the cold. We all must recognize how blessed we are to be here and use our blessings to help those who have not been as fortunate.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Abie from the old slave shacks 1-7-10
Tonight we traveled into the era of slave shacks - extreme poverty. We were literally practicing bush medicine. Passing meds hand over hand across mud and through rain to get from shack to shack. Students were scribbling BP readings and vitals on their arms by flashlight. We were amid the shacks in darkness but could not dismiss the children pulling at our arms to see their mothers. Half the students went home; they made and waited with dinner until we got back. Brenda R. from Kenya did a nice blessing before our food. Now we are trying to resurrect our intake forms from the numbers written on boxes, scraps and arms. Then, we will offer reflections and get some sleep.
Friday 8am we start in Steer Town. Then we will lunch in Ocho Rios and purchase breads to use as tonight’s Shabbat challah. We will make a brief visit to the Falls and then return for Shabbat dinner. And unbelievably - it's over. Our students have had hands-on medical experiences with over 500 patients - infants and elderly, well and terribly sick. And, they have had hands on human experiences with the exact same people. Did we see Jamaica? Maybe more than any tourist ever has. Not a hint of a tan or beach sand in anyone's shoes. Incredible.
Friday 8am we start in Steer Town. Then we will lunch in Ocho Rios and purchase breads to use as tonight’s Shabbat challah. We will make a brief visit to the Falls and then return for Shabbat dinner. And unbelievably - it's over. Our students have had hands-on medical experiences with over 500 patients - infants and elderly, well and terribly sick. And, they have had hands on human experiences with the exact same people. Did we see Jamaica? Maybe more than any tourist ever has. Not a hint of a tan or beach sand in anyone's shoes. Incredible.
Fariba from Jamaica January 7
I would have to say that one of the most memorable points of this trip happened when we went to a small girls' home the other day. I was told the girls living and studying there are victims of sexual abuse. They were removed from their homes and families and placed here for safety and ultimately hope for a better life and future. These girls were not here out of choice, rather because someone or, in some cases, multiple people put them through pain and harm which forced them to leave everything and anything familiar. It was heart-wrenching to hear some of the stories of what these girls had been through. I became very close to one girl in particular; she opened up to tell me she had been raped three times in her sixteen years of life. I froze when hearing those words. I have never been in such a situation and I honestly did not know what to say. So I listened. She told me she isn't going to let those things affect the rest of her life in a negative way. She was going to keep smiling and rise above all the negativity and suffering. She said that what she really wants to do is speak the word of God to those around her. She wants to be the one to give strength and wisdom to others during their times of difficulty. I couldn't believe it. This sixteen-year-old girl who had been through things I could never even imagine was looking to move beyond it and remain strong and faithful. This was the highlight of the day for me. At that moment, I felt so honored and grateful to be where I was. I am so thankful that I spent a little more time talking with and getting to know this young girl. It's during moments like these that we realize how important it is to not only talk but also just listen to others. By opening our ears and hearts to other individuals, we give so much. And, we get so much. Sometimes, all someone needs is a friend to talk to and share their thoughts with. What I will take with me from this trip is that, in addition to continuing to work hard and pursue my goals of becoming a physician and helping those less fortunate in similar situations, but I will also remember to be a good listener along the way and when I do reach that point. I want to be a physician to whom my patients are comfortable revealing themsleves and with whom they will share aspects of their lives. This is my goal thanks to the experiences I have been so fortunate enough to have here in Jamaica.
Fariba K.
Fariba K.
Amber from Jamaica January 7, 2010
The people in Jamaica never cease to amaze me. I have enountered a lot of hardship over the past couple of days and have experienced the uncanny ability of the Jamaican people to count their blessings in spite of that hardship. Today I was blessed to be at the prayer station for the whole afternoon. Praying with so many people for so many hours was a wonderful experience for me, and afterward I realized how much the Jamaican people have helped me grow in my faith. Person after person taught me how to pray. Earlier this week when I was at the prayer station, I gave those who came through the option for me to offer the prayer or for them to offer it, and each time they asked that I offer it. Today I began to just ask them to say a prayer and I listened and prayed with them silently. I was deeply moved to hear the gratitude they felt to God for all of the blessings in their life and how thankful they were that we were there to serve the community. In their prayers they never forgot to pray for their community and to praise God for his mercy and love. Wow...to be so thankful when you have so little. It was a reminder for me to never cease to thank God for the tremendous blessings he has given me and recognize that everything that I have is a wonderful gift from God.
Amber B.
Amber B.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Abie on 1-6-10
We are truly an interfaith group. A Rabbi is leading a mission from a Jesuit Catholic university. IsleGo, our Jamaican service host, is non-denominational Christian. Our first visitor for a presentation was a Rastafarian. Our clinic was set up today in a Methodist church in Golden Spring. Tomorrow we are in a Baptist Church in Liberty. Sunday, we went to Catholic Mass in Ocho Rios and tonight spent ywo hours in the mosque in Ocho Rios with their Imam. Friday night we will have Shabbat dinner in St. Ann's, the parish near Ocho Rios. Perhaps a first, since the island's 200 Jews live in Kingston. I see it's a small world every time I travel it.
The Imam tonight was erudite and eloquent, raised as a Catholic by parents who thought he might be a priest. He went London to study and the rest is history. Truly a model of devout Islam with genuine interfaith knowledge. A fascinating experience for our students.
We have been resolute - every minute has been filled with medical service and interfaith. Xavier's name is really being broadcast for good. We will see over 500 patients. At this point, 4 patients have been sent to the hospital with very serious conditions. Of the 500, but a handful have not accepted our students' invitations at the end to join them in a prayer for healing.
Nice food treat today. I walked down the dirt rural street during a rain break and bought two fresh coconuts. The owner's son cracked 'em and all of us had delicious coconut for an afternoon treat.
The Imam tonight was erudite and eloquent, raised as a Catholic by parents who thought he might be a priest. He went London to study and the rest is history. Truly a model of devout Islam with genuine interfaith knowledge. A fascinating experience for our students.
We have been resolute - every minute has been filled with medical service and interfaith. Xavier's name is really being broadcast for good. We will see over 500 patients. At this point, 4 patients have been sent to the hospital with very serious conditions. Of the 500, but a handful have not accepted our students' invitations at the end to join them in a prayer for healing.
Nice food treat today. I walked down the dirt rural street during a rain break and bought two fresh coconuts. The owner's son cracked 'em and all of us had delicious coconut for an afternoon treat.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Xavier University Students Begin 2010 on Interfaith Jamaica Medical Mission Trip
From January 2-9, 2010 before classes resume at Xavier University in Cincinnati, thirteen Xavier students will cut short their holiday breaks and travel to Jamaica on an interfaith/medical mission trip. Dr. Richard Fry, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Paula Niederbaumer, RN and nurse practitioner from TriHealth Cincinnati will join the group, as will Bonnie Herscher, a nurse from California. The founding director of Xavier’s Office of Interfaith Community Engagement, Rabbi Abie Ingber, is leading the group. The students will shadow the medical professionals in the mountain health centre in Steer Town, Jamaica and will meet with theologians of different faith traditions common in and native to Jamaica.
“In the midst of America’s passionate debate about healthcare,” says Ingber, “Xavier students will come face to face with a Jamaican community desperate for medical attention. The students will shadow professionals from TriHealth in serving hundreds of impoverished residents of Steer Town, Jamaica. While immersing themselves in Jamaican culture, they will also reflect on the multicultural and interfaith diversity of their own group members. Not only will our college students to do good, they will grow professionally in the process. As we spend our week in the midst of this poverty, I want them to reflect on the diversity of this world and on how their different faith traditions brought them all to this same place to use their education to serve an impoverished community. Simply put, we are trying to develop the next generation of American leadership both at home and in our larger world community.”
About Interfaith Community Engagement
Xavier's Office of Interfaith Community Engagement works to create and strengthen a sense of community among those of diverse faiths on campus, in Cincinnati, and on regional and national levels. Interfaith Community Engagement is a student-centered initiative that allows individuals to both deepen their personal faith and enhance their understanding of other traditions. It serves the larger community in areas of social justice, shared religious teachings and leadership development.
TriHealth (the community partnership of Bethesda and Good Samaritan Hospitals) is the Mission Sponsor of the Xavier Medical/Interfaith Service Trip.
“In the midst of America’s passionate debate about healthcare,” says Ingber, “Xavier students will come face to face with a Jamaican community desperate for medical attention. The students will shadow professionals from TriHealth in serving hundreds of impoverished residents of Steer Town, Jamaica. While immersing themselves in Jamaican culture, they will also reflect on the multicultural and interfaith diversity of their own group members. Not only will our college students to do good, they will grow professionally in the process. As we spend our week in the midst of this poverty, I want them to reflect on the diversity of this world and on how their different faith traditions brought them all to this same place to use their education to serve an impoverished community. Simply put, we are trying to develop the next generation of American leadership both at home and in our larger world community.”
About Interfaith Community Engagement
Xavier's Office of Interfaith Community Engagement works to create and strengthen a sense of community among those of diverse faiths on campus, in Cincinnati, and on regional and national levels. Interfaith Community Engagement is a student-centered initiative that allows individuals to both deepen their personal faith and enhance their understanding of other traditions. It serves the larger community in areas of social justice, shared religious teachings and leadership development.
TriHealth (the community partnership of Bethesda and Good Samaritan Hospitals) is the Mission Sponsor of the Xavier Medical/Interfaith Service Trip.
Mena and Jenna from Jamaica January 4
10:12 pm
This is Mena B. and Jenna H. from the Jamaica Interfaith Medical Mission Trip. We would like to offer the following reflection to keep everyone in Cincinnati updated on the work being done here in Steertown.
Jenna: "Today was our first day at the clinic. All in all I would say things went well. We were able to treat 140 people today. I was truly touched by the people of Steertown's joyful spirit. Despite their unfortunate situations, they still greeted each of us with smiles. This spirit and hope is what drives me to continue on my path towards working in a healthcare profession. It is also what deepens my faith and trust in humanity. In the small amount of time I was with each person, I was able to form a relationship with them and feel a common bond between us. I am so thankful that I have been given such an amazing opportunity to experience the interconnectedness of human nature. I am unbelievably touched by the experiences and relationships I am forming here. I know that this is only the start of mission work for myself, and look forward to the days when I can lead one of my own trips. "
Mena: "As Jenna mentioned, today was a beautiful day, and as Rabbi and told us earlier, today was the day we would truly get to experience Jamaica. There are many ailments that afflict the people here. From diseases such as AIDS, parasitic infections, hypertension, a plethora of STDs, to malnutrition and lack of education. However, we all felt that in seeing Jamaica we gave hope to the people here, and in turn were given it. We were able to help treat patients, while getting to know them and their families, and this is what truly provided that sense that we were finally seeing Jamaica. Through the people we treated, we all seemed to find a looking glass into the essence of humanity, and thereby came to appreciate more fully Jamaica, the medical practice, and humanity as a whole. We now look forward to another day of intense experiences and reflection."
This is Mena B. and Jenna H. from the Jamaica Interfaith Medical Mission Trip. We would like to offer the following reflection to keep everyone in Cincinnati updated on the work being done here in Steertown.
Jenna: "Today was our first day at the clinic. All in all I would say things went well. We were able to treat 140 people today. I was truly touched by the people of Steertown's joyful spirit. Despite their unfortunate situations, they still greeted each of us with smiles. This spirit and hope is what drives me to continue on my path towards working in a healthcare profession. It is also what deepens my faith and trust in humanity. In the small amount of time I was with each person, I was able to form a relationship with them and feel a common bond between us. I am so thankful that I have been given such an amazing opportunity to experience the interconnectedness of human nature. I am unbelievably touched by the experiences and relationships I am forming here. I know that this is only the start of mission work for myself, and look forward to the days when I can lead one of my own trips. "
Mena: "As Jenna mentioned, today was a beautiful day, and as Rabbi and told us earlier, today was the day we would truly get to experience Jamaica. There are many ailments that afflict the people here. From diseases such as AIDS, parasitic infections, hypertension, a plethora of STDs, to malnutrition and lack of education. However, we all felt that in seeing Jamaica we gave hope to the people here, and in turn were given it. We were able to help treat patients, while getting to know them and their families, and this is what truly provided that sense that we were finally seeing Jamaica. Through the people we treated, we all seemed to find a looking glass into the essence of humanity, and thereby came to appreciate more fully Jamaica, the medical practice, and humanity as a whole. We now look forward to another day of intense experiences and reflection."
Brenda from Jamaica January 3
10:38 pm
Jamaica, Day 2
My roommates woke me up this morning at 7:50am. I was so surprised. I had slept like a log the entire time. I am normally able to wake myself up and considering that I slept for 8 hours instead of my normal 5-6 this time round. The day started well, the breakfast was sumptuous and whole with uncanned fruit and one of the yummiest bananas I ever ate. We immediately left for church, and on the way, I couldn’t help but notice tiny shack shops and small buildings: hair salons, clothes stores, supermarkets, you name it, it was all there; it kinda reminded me of home (Kenya) because of the set up. A couple of people mentioned this is like going back a couple of years; to me it was like going home, a very humbling experience to draw such similarities across thousands of kilometres of sea. We got to the church itself which was beautiful, with glass windows directly facing the beach. It was hard to imagine how anyone was able to concentrate on the service with the beautiful waves beating down on the shore right behind the priest. There was more, the church was bright inside with colorful writings on the wall. Being there gave me 'happy vibes.' It was not a big church as I had expected, but it was big enough. It was the second Mass I had ever attended in my whole life. The people were extremely friendly. The music was the best part of it I must say. There were drums, a flute and a jiggy piano tune. They almost had me going on a little dance there. The whole day was really good, but my highlights came later on. The first, when we were handing out flyers to the surrounding community at Steer Town letting them know about the clinic. It was very surprising how welcoming and friendly they were, welcoming us through their gates right to the compounds of their houses. The place is very hilly so we had to climb some slopes and descend some valleys to the houses, but the people were very happy to see us. There was one woman I met, she had been diagnosed with pneumonia a few days back, but she was still ill because she had no money to purchase the medication. Of course, I urged her on to come to the clinic, thinking to myself this is the reason why we are here. For me, I am looking forward to meeting the people, learning about them, their life here in Jamaica, their perspective on life. That is one of the main things I am looking forward to in the coming days. They talk really fast in 'Patwa' broken Jamaican, so it is difficult to catch what is being said, but that is not a problem as they are pretty comprehensible in what they say. In the words of David, our Rastafarian friend who came to address us: Jamaica is about getting to know the Jamaican people for who they are and it may be very different from what is presented to us at face value.
Brenda R.
Jamaica, Day 2
My roommates woke me up this morning at 7:50am. I was so surprised. I had slept like a log the entire time. I am normally able to wake myself up and considering that I slept for 8 hours instead of my normal 5-6 this time round. The day started well, the breakfast was sumptuous and whole with uncanned fruit and one of the yummiest bananas I ever ate. We immediately left for church, and on the way, I couldn’t help but notice tiny shack shops and small buildings: hair salons, clothes stores, supermarkets, you name it, it was all there; it kinda reminded me of home (Kenya) because of the set up. A couple of people mentioned this is like going back a couple of years; to me it was like going home, a very humbling experience to draw such similarities across thousands of kilometres of sea. We got to the church itself which was beautiful, with glass windows directly facing the beach. It was hard to imagine how anyone was able to concentrate on the service with the beautiful waves beating down on the shore right behind the priest. There was more, the church was bright inside with colorful writings on the wall. Being there gave me 'happy vibes.' It was not a big church as I had expected, but it was big enough. It was the second Mass I had ever attended in my whole life. The people were extremely friendly. The music was the best part of it I must say. There were drums, a flute and a jiggy piano tune. They almost had me going on a little dance there. The whole day was really good, but my highlights came later on. The first, when we were handing out flyers to the surrounding community at Steer Town letting them know about the clinic. It was very surprising how welcoming and friendly they were, welcoming us through their gates right to the compounds of their houses. The place is very hilly so we had to climb some slopes and descend some valleys to the houses, but the people were very happy to see us. There was one woman I met, she had been diagnosed with pneumonia a few days back, but she was still ill because she had no money to purchase the medication. Of course, I urged her on to come to the clinic, thinking to myself this is the reason why we are here. For me, I am looking forward to meeting the people, learning about them, their life here in Jamaica, their perspective on life. That is one of the main things I am looking forward to in the coming days. They talk really fast in 'Patwa' broken Jamaican, so it is difficult to catch what is being said, but that is not a problem as they are pretty comprehensible in what they say. In the words of David, our Rastafarian friend who came to address us: Jamaica is about getting to know the Jamaican people for who they are and it may be very different from what is presented to us at face value.
Brenda R.
Brittany from Jamaica January 2, 2010
10:45 pm
Hello from Jamaica! I have never been to a country where so many of the people are like me. That is the first thing I noticed when I deplaned. Yet, when I turned to my peers I saw the same thing. Although we are not the same physically I saw in them the same motives that I have. We are all from so many different backgrounds, ethnic groups and religions, but we are all here in the name of service and God. Even though we have just begun our week journey I already see God and good faith in our actions. I am anxious to get my hands dirty; I am ready to learn and actually physically contribute. All of my years of biology and chemistry do not compare to what I will learn in this week. This trip is surreal. I have high expectations and at the same time, I have no expectations. Yet all the while I do not know what to expect. I hope to help a lot of people but I also know that there will be hundreds we will turn away. Whether they are turned away in lieu of a sicker patient or whether they are turned away when we have to close our doors on Friday, still we will have to turn them down. It makes me feel like I am only making a small dent in much larger problem. Contrastingly, I know that even helping one person makes a difference and that gives me hope for our mission. When we started our day at 4 am this morning the town of Steer Town seemed so far away and distant. However, after only being here a few hours and being so warmly welcomed by the people I feel comfortable and like we were destined to come here.
Brittany B.
Hello from Jamaica! I have never been to a country where so many of the people are like me. That is the first thing I noticed when I deplaned. Yet, when I turned to my peers I saw the same thing. Although we are not the same physically I saw in them the same motives that I have. We are all from so many different backgrounds, ethnic groups and religions, but we are all here in the name of service and God. Even though we have just begun our week journey I already see God and good faith in our actions. I am anxious to get my hands dirty; I am ready to learn and actually physically contribute. All of my years of biology and chemistry do not compare to what I will learn in this week. This trip is surreal. I have high expectations and at the same time, I have no expectations. Yet all the while I do not know what to expect. I hope to help a lot of people but I also know that there will be hundreds we will turn away. Whether they are turned away in lieu of a sicker patient or whether they are turned away when we have to close our doors on Friday, still we will have to turn them down. It makes me feel like I am only making a small dent in much larger problem. Contrastingly, I know that even helping one person makes a difference and that gives me hope for our mission. When we started our day at 4 am this morning the town of Steer Town seemed so far away and distant. However, after only being here a few hours and being so warmly welcomed by the people I feel comfortable and like we were destined to come here.
Brittany B.
Kevin in Jamaica January 2
11:05 pm
We landed in Jamaica around 3pm. Customs was quite the ordeal. Thankfully, we were able to smooth over one of the customs officers with our first medical handout of albuterol. We drove about an hour and a half east to Ocho Rios, but the view made us want it to never end. The condo where we are staying is equally beautiful. It’s a stone’s throw from the beach and the back patio turns any meeting into a resort get away. We sat down to discuss the plans for the week and are now heading to bed after a long day. We hope to have one or two people writing you a day. Please let us know if there is anything specific you would like to hear about. Yea man!
Kevin C.
We landed in Jamaica around 3pm. Customs was quite the ordeal. Thankfully, we were able to smooth over one of the customs officers with our first medical handout of albuterol. We drove about an hour and a half east to Ocho Rios, but the view made us want it to never end. The condo where we are staying is equally beautiful. It’s a stone’s throw from the beach and the back patio turns any meeting into a resort get away. We sat down to discuss the plans for the week and are now heading to bed after a long day. We hope to have one or two people writing you a day. Please let us know if there is anything specific you would like to hear about. Yea man!
Kevin C.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday in Biloxi
Sorry I haven't gotten to this in the past few days. We've been very busy. Wednesday was a day of service learning. We put on an appreciation luncheon for teachers at an elementary school in Gulfport. We also did projects around the school. In the afternoon we went to a Boys/Girls Club and helped with homework and art projects.
There was a crawfish boil on the beach in the evening, but crawfish gross me out so I stayed behind.
Thursday we were split again doing construction (I can now probably do drywall in my sleep) and working to save osprey. We also got a chance to speak with teachers who went through Katrina and how it is affecting children here.
They said it took about a year for some of the reaction to show. One teacher said since there were no parks for 3-4 year olds at the time many of them don't know how to skip or run... they didn't have any place to go. That helped us understand why saving parks is very important. Another teacher mentioned teens are living in crammed trailers with no quiet place to do homework, etc. One student he mentioned talked about burying the dead after the storm... not those killed in the storm... but those whose graves had been washed away.
We've heard many stories about people still waiting for their homes to be repaired to rebuild. Many are moving out of the FEMA trailers because they are not safe.
I hope we can all be ambassadors to remind people the work down here is not done. It will be interesting to hear from the other Xavier groups working in the area and in New Orleans.
Today we're splitting up again working to help feed the homeless, the volunteers and do work around Hands On. Tonight we cook dinner for the group. There is also a dance party and then we hit the road back to Cincinnati where I see it is in the 40s!!
We did get many texts on the game and Emma called her dad to get a play by play of the last minute. We also got a play by play of the last minute of the Duke game from Heide's dad.
This has been a very eye opening experience and has made me think about a lot of things... especially how fortunate many of us are to have a home, friends and family.
There was a crawfish boil on the beach in the evening, but crawfish gross me out so I stayed behind.
Thursday we were split again doing construction (I can now probably do drywall in my sleep) and working to save osprey. We also got a chance to speak with teachers who went through Katrina and how it is affecting children here.
They said it took about a year for some of the reaction to show. One teacher said since there were no parks for 3-4 year olds at the time many of them don't know how to skip or run... they didn't have any place to go. That helped us understand why saving parks is very important. Another teacher mentioned teens are living in crammed trailers with no quiet place to do homework, etc. One student he mentioned talked about burying the dead after the storm... not those killed in the storm... but those whose graves had been washed away.
We've heard many stories about people still waiting for their homes to be repaired to rebuild. Many are moving out of the FEMA trailers because they are not safe.
I hope we can all be ambassadors to remind people the work down here is not done. It will be interesting to hear from the other Xavier groups working in the area and in New Orleans.
Today we're splitting up again working to help feed the homeless, the volunteers and do work around Hands On. Tonight we cook dinner for the group. There is also a dance party and then we hit the road back to Cincinnati where I see it is in the 40s!!
We did get many texts on the game and Emma called her dad to get a play by play of the last minute. We also got a play by play of the last minute of the Duke game from Heide's dad.
This has been a very eye opening experience and has made me think about a lot of things... especially how fortunate many of us are to have a home, friends and family.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day Two AB in Biloxi
Today's service was a bit different. We worked with some people from Americorps to help save live oak trees. It involved what's called vertical munching and that means using power tools!! We used an ager to deep a foot-deep hole and then filled it with much and compost. It will help nurish the trees that are suffocating from being in the packed down earth.
We also got to see examples of trees that had been treated and are now doing much better. We also got a tour of Biloxi and learned more about the challenges the city still faces. One of the stops along the way was the Katrina memorial.
A great part of AB is the nightly reflection, thinking about what we've done and what it means. It's great to hear the students perspective of this trip and how it is touching their lives.
The group is getting along very well, a lot of laughter and smiles all the time. Everyone is eager to try new things to help out.
Tomorrow we head to a school to help with a teachers appreciation lunch and art projects with the kids.
We also got to see examples of trees that had been treated and are now doing much better. We also got a tour of Biloxi and learned more about the challenges the city still faces. One of the stops along the way was the Katrina memorial.
A great part of AB is the nightly reflection, thinking about what we've done and what it means. It's great to hear the students perspective of this trip and how it is touching their lives.
The group is getting along very well, a lot of laughter and smiles all the time. Everyone is eager to try new things to help out.
Tomorrow we head to a school to help with a teachers appreciation lunch and art projects with the kids.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The first day was off to a late start. A few miscues on scheduleing from Hands On and we missed the boat to the island. However, six AB members were able to catch another boat where they battled rough waters for an hour and a half to get to an island half an hour away. They worked to save birds affected by the storm.
The rest of us headed into Biloxi and spent the day drywalling, installing insulation and other construction work on a new home to replace one lost in the storm.
Patti, a Hands On worker, told us that in Mississippi alone last year they built 3,600 new homes. They need to build 36,000 more.... that is 10 years of work... not to mention the business, roads, churches and schools.
Tomorrow we head to Turkey Creek... wonder what that will be about.
The rest of us headed into Biloxi and spent the day drywalling, installing insulation and other construction work on a new home to replace one lost in the storm.
Patti, a Hands On worker, told us that in Mississippi alone last year they built 3,600 new homes. They need to build 36,000 more.... that is 10 years of work... not to mention the business, roads, churches and schools.
Tomorrow we head to Turkey Creek... wonder what that will be about.
It is 6:45 a.m. on Monday and we are getting ready to start our first day of service. Yesterday we spent the day in New Orleans. It was wonderful to see the French Quarter, Jackson Square and Cafe DuMond, packed!! There were people everywhere. (We even ran into another XU AB group) I remember seeing Jackson Square full of water during Hurricane Katrina.
That was not the case driving into New Orleans. For miles before we entered the city, even from the highway, we could see homes that had been destroyed and not repaired, blown over trees, vacant lots scattered with debria, downed fences, repairing going on on older buildings... there was also lots of evidence of new buildings.
One member of our group was in New Orleans on AB last year. She said she saw some improvement, but there is still much more to be done... and so we begin our chance to help.
Today Xavier is headed for the Gulf Coast Islands to help with beach/animal conservation. Everyone is excited, though already tired, still all 175 people here are starting to stumbled out of the sleeping bags (which now cover the floor of the loft) and bunks to get ready for what every assignment they might have.
I will post more later and see if one of the students would like to post as well... in the meantime GO X!!! #3 Seed!!!
That was not the case driving into New Orleans. For miles before we entered the city, even from the highway, we could see homes that had been destroyed and not repaired, blown over trees, vacant lots scattered with debria, downed fences, repairing going on on older buildings... there was also lots of evidence of new buildings.
One member of our group was in New Orleans on AB last year. She said she saw some improvement, but there is still much more to be done... and so we begin our chance to help.
Today Xavier is headed for the Gulf Coast Islands to help with beach/animal conservation. Everyone is excited, though already tired, still all 175 people here are starting to stumbled out of the sleeping bags (which now cover the floor of the loft) and bunks to get ready for what every assignment they might have.
I will post more later and see if one of the students would like to post as well... in the meantime GO X!!! #3 Seed!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
We have made it to Biloxi. Took about 13 hours. Will drove the entire way!! We are staying at a large metal building behind a church. It has a big open room for meals, meetings, etc. and the students stay in the lofts above the room. It is all very open, dorm room style. There are no lights in the loft so the flashlights come in handy. Many other students are camping out side. They've come from Wyoming, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
There is one men's bathroom, one women's bathroom and 4 outdoor showers for everyone!! About 175 total. The students love it. For me it was a bit of an adjustment but after finding a good airmatress to sleep on I'm set... as it says on the wall as you enter this building... it's NOT about you!
Today is a free day. We will travel to New Orleans and then maybe the beach. Our work starts tomorrow at 7am. We are scheduled to go to the Gulf Coast Islands but not sure what work we will do. Every day we will do something different. One day we'll work here cleaning, another working in what we think is a bird sancutary and one day with school children.
The weather is beautiful and it is hard to believe this area was once so devastated but you still see bits and pieces of evidence everywhere in blown over trees, empty lots scattered with debris and lots of NEW buildings, which I think replaced the old.
That's it for today.
There is one men's bathroom, one women's bathroom and 4 outdoor showers for everyone!! About 175 total. The students love it. For me it was a bit of an adjustment but after finding a good airmatress to sleep on I'm set... as it says on the wall as you enter this building... it's NOT about you!
Today is a free day. We will travel to New Orleans and then maybe the beach. Our work starts tomorrow at 7am. We are scheduled to go to the Gulf Coast Islands but not sure what work we will do. Every day we will do something different. One day we'll work here cleaning, another working in what we think is a bird sancutary and one day with school children.
The weather is beautiful and it is hard to believe this area was once so devastated but you still see bits and pieces of evidence everywhere in blown over trees, empty lots scattered with debris and lots of NEW buildings, which I think replaced the old.
That's it for today.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Getting Ready for AB Trip
This Saturday, March 15, hundreds of Xavier students will be heading out on Alternative Break trips. I will be with them. This is the first time I've participated in this club and I'm very excited about it. 21 other faculty/staff members are also taking part in the trips.
Our group, which is a great group of Xavier students from freshmen to seniors, will be driving to Biloxi. (12 hours on the road!!) We will be working with Hands on Gulf Coast to help with hurricane relief. It's seems so strange that two and a half years later they are still rebuilding that part of the country.
We're not quite sure what we will be doing. It could be anything from helping rebuild houses to working with animals. We will work Monday through Friday with time for reflection in the evenings (and watch Xavier in the NCAA tournament!!)
Our first day in the area is open so we will be heading to New Orleans for a visit. I was in New Orleans before Katrina and I'm anxious to see how this wonderful city has rebounded. It is one of the most unique places I have even been.
I'm also excited about working with the students and getting to know them better. I am always amazed at how wonderful, caring and intelligent our students are. Being around them is inspiring and rejuvenating!!
I will try to blog as much as possible while in Biloxi. Hopefully I wouldn't be so exhausted that I'll fall asleep right after dinner!! Right now my biggest concern is trying to get all my stuff into a carry-on size suitcase... hmmm... could be tricky. deb
Our group, which is a great group of Xavier students from freshmen to seniors, will be driving to Biloxi. (12 hours on the road!!) We will be working with Hands on Gulf Coast to help with hurricane relief. It's seems so strange that two and a half years later they are still rebuilding that part of the country.
We're not quite sure what we will be doing. It could be anything from helping rebuild houses to working with animals. We will work Monday through Friday with time for reflection in the evenings (and watch Xavier in the NCAA tournament!!)
Our first day in the area is open so we will be heading to New Orleans for a visit. I was in New Orleans before Katrina and I'm anxious to see how this wonderful city has rebounded. It is one of the most unique places I have even been.
I'm also excited about working with the students and getting to know them better. I am always amazed at how wonderful, caring and intelligent our students are. Being around them is inspiring and rejuvenating!!
I will try to blog as much as possible while in Biloxi. Hopefully I wouldn't be so exhausted that I'll fall asleep right after dinner!! Right now my biggest concern is trying to get all my stuff into a carry-on size suitcase... hmmm... could be tricky. deb
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
It's been a long time
I know it's been way too long since we've posted here. It's just because there is so much going on.
First, let me share the word of our president, the Rev. Michael J. Graham, S.J., about the events in Illinois last week: "
It is with sadness that we follow the tragic events at Northern Illinois University. Our prayers are with the victims of the shootings as well as their families and the entire Northern Illinois campus community.
Events such as the one at Northern Illinois, serve as a reminder that none of us, as individuals or as a campus community, is immune from the possibility of a tragedy, but working together to keep Xavier students and employees safe is a top priority. Ironically, Xavier’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) had been planning for some time a training exercise on an “active shooter” scenario for Friday, February 15, the day after the NIU shootings. As part of this training exercise, campus police officers and 200 Cincinnati and Norwood police officers participated in an “active shooter” simulation on Xavier’s campus last December. Based on this simulation, the ERT went through all the response and recovery actions that need to happen if such an event would occur on our campus.
The ERT, made up of representatives from every division on campus, meets every other week to review our campus emergency plans. The team is continually looking at new ways to keep the campus safe, informed and operating during a crisis or emergency situation. In such a situation, communication is critical. During an emergency, the University will communicate to members of the campus community by voice and text messages via XU ALERT ME, through the Xavier portal and website, and through local media. If you have not signed up for XU ALERT ME, I encourage you to go to the campus portal to sign up.
In addition to XU ALERT ME, the ERT has recommended several other security measures that have or will be implemented this year. Campus emergency procedures were posted in every classroom; card access has been installed on the exterior doors of the five residence halls; and locks will be installed on classroom doors. During a crisis it is important for individuals to remain calm and to follow emergency procedures and the directions of emergency personnel. For information regarding campus emergency procedures go to www.xavier.edu/emergency.
I know that you will keep the entire Northern Illinois University community in your thoughts and prayers. May God bring them some sense of peace and comfort during this very sad and tragic time."
Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin will be here tomorrow. He'll give a presentation in connection with his latest CNN documentary, titled "Planet in Peril: Environmental Threats of the 21st Century." He is in the Cintas Center from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will have a book signing afterwards.
A couple of professors took some biology students to Costa Rica to study ecology.
Our own Sister Rose Ann Fleming, academic advisor for our student-athletes, was featured with the men's basketball team in a “Race to March Madness” segment. It aired nationally on ABC-TV Saturday, Feb. 16, at 3:00 p.m. and is being rebroadcast Friday, Feb. 22, at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU and Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 3:30 pm on ESPN2.
Check it out. For more than two decades, Sr. Rose Ann has been the academic adviser for the athletes. Now Xavier is known nationally for student-athlete graduation success.
Speaking of basketball, Mike Bobinksi, our athletic director, has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. He will start September 1 and serve for five years.
Xavier will honor the first two African-American female graduates of the University—Cleaster Whitehurst-Mims and the late Alice Campbell—on Saturday, March 1. Ladies With Emphasis on Achievement and Distinction (LEAD)is also honoring an outstanding female student from Xavier at the celebration.
Raised on a peanut farm in Enterprise, Ala., Whitehurst-Mims put herself through school for a bachelor's degree in communication and English and a master's degree in education. She started the Marva Collins Preparatory School of Cincinnati, modeled after the teaching methods and techniques of the Chicago educator. The school provides an education alternative for children others have given up on teaching, says Mims. She also taught three days a week at Xavier.
Campbell received her master’s degree in education from Xavier in 1969 and was a dedicated long-time teacher at McKinley Elementary in the East End of Cincinnati. She died in 2003 at the age of 65. Her late husband, Robert, also a teacher, was at Hughes High School in Clifton.
In addition to honoring the astounding achievements of Whitehurst-Mims and Campbell, LEAD is also awarding a deserving African-American female who embodies the same excellence in service, leadership and purpose. The nominees’ commitment to LEAD, campus involvement, academic accomplishments and service endeavors are taken into account.
I'll try to keep in touch better!
First, let me share the word of our president, the Rev. Michael J. Graham, S.J., about the events in Illinois last week: "
It is with sadness that we follow the tragic events at Northern Illinois University. Our prayers are with the victims of the shootings as well as their families and the entire Northern Illinois campus community.
Events such as the one at Northern Illinois, serve as a reminder that none of us, as individuals or as a campus community, is immune from the possibility of a tragedy, but working together to keep Xavier students and employees safe is a top priority. Ironically, Xavier’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) had been planning for some time a training exercise on an “active shooter” scenario for Friday, February 15, the day after the NIU shootings. As part of this training exercise, campus police officers and 200 Cincinnati and Norwood police officers participated in an “active shooter” simulation on Xavier’s campus last December. Based on this simulation, the ERT went through all the response and recovery actions that need to happen if such an event would occur on our campus.
The ERT, made up of representatives from every division on campus, meets every other week to review our campus emergency plans. The team is continually looking at new ways to keep the campus safe, informed and operating during a crisis or emergency situation. In such a situation, communication is critical. During an emergency, the University will communicate to members of the campus community by voice and text messages via XU ALERT ME, through the Xavier portal and website, and through local media. If you have not signed up for XU ALERT ME, I encourage you to go to the campus portal to sign up.
In addition to XU ALERT ME, the ERT has recommended several other security measures that have or will be implemented this year. Campus emergency procedures were posted in every classroom; card access has been installed on the exterior doors of the five residence halls; and locks will be installed on classroom doors. During a crisis it is important for individuals to remain calm and to follow emergency procedures and the directions of emergency personnel. For information regarding campus emergency procedures go to www.xavier.edu/emergency.
I know that you will keep the entire Northern Illinois University community in your thoughts and prayers. May God bring them some sense of peace and comfort during this very sad and tragic time."
Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin will be here tomorrow. He'll give a presentation in connection with his latest CNN documentary, titled "Planet in Peril: Environmental Threats of the 21st Century." He is in the Cintas Center from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and will have a book signing afterwards.
A couple of professors took some biology students to Costa Rica to study ecology.
Our own Sister Rose Ann Fleming, academic advisor for our student-athletes, was featured with the men's basketball team in a “Race to March Madness” segment. It aired nationally on ABC-TV Saturday, Feb. 16, at 3:00 p.m. and is being rebroadcast Friday, Feb. 22, at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU and Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 3:30 pm on ESPN2.
Check it out. For more than two decades, Sr. Rose Ann has been the academic adviser for the athletes. Now Xavier is known nationally for student-athlete graduation success.
Speaking of basketball, Mike Bobinksi, our athletic director, has been appointed to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. He will start September 1 and serve for five years.
Xavier will honor the first two African-American female graduates of the University—Cleaster Whitehurst-Mims and the late Alice Campbell—on Saturday, March 1. Ladies With Emphasis on Achievement and Distinction (LEAD)is also honoring an outstanding female student from Xavier at the celebration.
Raised on a peanut farm in Enterprise, Ala., Whitehurst-Mims put herself through school for a bachelor's degree in communication and English and a master's degree in education. She started the Marva Collins Preparatory School of Cincinnati, modeled after the teaching methods and techniques of the Chicago educator. The school provides an education alternative for children others have given up on teaching, says Mims. She also taught three days a week at Xavier.
Campbell received her master’s degree in education from Xavier in 1969 and was a dedicated long-time teacher at McKinley Elementary in the East End of Cincinnati. She died in 2003 at the age of 65. Her late husband, Robert, also a teacher, was at Hughes High School in Clifton.
In addition to honoring the astounding achievements of Whitehurst-Mims and Campbell, LEAD is also awarding a deserving African-American female who embodies the same excellence in service, leadership and purpose. The nominees’ commitment to LEAD, campus involvement, academic accomplishments and service endeavors are taken into account.
I'll try to keep in touch better!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)