Friday, August 6, 2010
Editorial
Today is actually Friday August 6th. I have had more than a difficult time getting internet access at all and when we do have it, it is extremely slow and will not allow for pictures to be uploaded. I decided to journal all the notes in word documents on my laptop and then to transfer then into this blog when things were working. Of course, everyday we were told it would be "in a couple hours", "tomorrow", or when we get to the next location. Problem..."tomorrow" never came. We stopped in Guantanamo Bay for a few days and I was able to get my laptop working at a Starbucks on base. I went to transfer my journal entries to my blog and my computer wouldn't turn on. SO....I need to make an appointment with the ship IT guys and see if I can get into my computer before I can transfer any of my journal entries over to this blog. For now...I want to thank everyone for thinking about me as I have received some communication from my family and via facebook. I have an incredible story to tell and one that I not only want to share in words but in pictures as well. I will get this together...it may be after my mission is over. Just so you know... I am safe, well fed and exercising a lot, learning a great deal about the military, third world medical care and their cultures, meeting amazing people, and most of all...I am learning about ME. This has become a journey of self-exploration. Thanks for being patient with me and I miss you all. PEACE OUT
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 4, 5, 6 :July 21st thru July 23
These three days were spent on the ship exploring, meeting new people, getting lost, working out, missing home, attending meetings, and unable to use a cell phone and almost always without internet. Thought I'd just post some pictures:
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 3- Tuesday July 20th (continued)
After nursing muster, all of medical had a muster called "quarters" on the flight deck. They line up in formation and the civilians were instructed to fall-in. It was kind of cool. Each branch of the service recited their "promise" or "pledge". They then update the entire group on different things. The next hour of every day is spent cleaning. I decided to go back up to the flight deck for a run. Up and down the landing strip ten times is 3 miles. Sandi and I ran for a good hour. We met the Commodore (top dog of the ship) although we had no idea who he was. He was very appreciative of our being on board and thanked us for giving of our sweat to the mission. We were like.."who is this emotional navy guy". Later that night when we were at the Continuing Promise 2010 meeting and it was announced, "attention for Commodore", and everyone jumped out of their seat to stand at attention. In walks the man we met on the deck running!
After our run we went back to our berthing area for a shower. Several army officers had come on board and had to share our space. They were not very happy about it as the officer's quarters are like the Ritz compared to our Motel 6. I had just got into the shower and was beginning to shampoo, when my curtain was ripped back and some deep voiced army brat was screaming, "do you think this is Hollywood?" I was in frickin' SHOCK. She then went on to describe how my showers were to be conducted for the remainder of my stay. "Turn the water on and get wet (10 seconds), turn the water off, wash/shampoo (30 sec), turn the water on and rinse (30 sec), DONE, no conditioner, no shaving, no more than 2 minutes ( and that includes drying). Of course her description was a loud bark of one word increments followed by "ma'am....do you understand ma'am?" This is going to be a long-ass trip...
After our run we went back to our berthing area for a shower. Several army officers had come on board and had to share our space. They were not very happy about it as the officer's quarters are like the Ritz compared to our Motel 6. I had just got into the shower and was beginning to shampoo, when my curtain was ripped back and some deep voiced army brat was screaming, "do you think this is Hollywood?" I was in frickin' SHOCK. She then went on to describe how my showers were to be conducted for the remainder of my stay. "Turn the water on and get wet (10 seconds), turn the water off, wash/shampoo (30 sec), turn the water on and rinse (30 sec), DONE, no conditioner, no shaving, no more than 2 minutes ( and that includes drying). Of course her description was a loud bark of one word increments followed by "ma'am....do you understand ma'am?" This is going to be a long-ass trip...
Day 3- Tuesday July 20th
At our morning muster, we learned that we would not be leaving again today. Everyone keeps telling us that if you had any expectations, forget about them. "Hurry up...and wait" is a common theme in the military. Although I am frustrated; no cell phone unless off the ship, no Internet at all, and tired of being on this stinkin' boat, I am still hopefully expecting that this is going to be a great adventure. We met with our DNS (nursing director) of the entire operation: Continuing Promise 2010. The schedule they gave us was very disappointing. This is where I first learned when we would even arrive in Haiti. Today is the 20th and we are expected to arrive on the 23rd. Holy sh... will I ever get off the boat. (BTW: it is very disrespectful to call this vessel a boat. It should always be referred to as a ship and several of us made that mistake more than once). Anyway my schedule is off till the 28th, work two shifts (day 12 hours and then night 12 hours). It is very apparent there is a power struggle between the different branches of the service, the different ranks, and as always nurses are accustomed to "eating their young". The two of us project HOPE nurses were lost in the shuffle. Marilyn (our DON) said we could talk about it at lunch. Being stuck on this boat is creeping me out!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 2 (Monday July 19th-continued even longer)
Muster:We all met in a group with Ryan (the liaison between all the civilians or NGOs-special interest groups) and the Navy at 5pm. These meetings will forever be referred to as "Muster". (Matya, Marilyn, Sandi in our Muster area the Flag Mass). He told us some of the practices that we would have to acclimate to while being on a military vessel. He also told us that we would not have access to the Internet until tomorrow, nor could we use our cell phones on the ship. We could only go to the flight deck for air if they weren’t involved in flight operations and never after dusk. There are no windows or port holes to see the outside world, no lido deck, and no lounge chairs, bars, casinos...completely void of any extra-curricular activities. This made me more anxious than ever. He then said we were at liberty to take a cab into Miami and suggested that we did as it was nearly 6 pm and the Ward Mess (cafeteria) was closed. A feeling of impending doom has overcome me.
Liberty:I have quickly developed a core group of friends: Sandi (my guardian angel), Matya, Melissa, and then Susie and Marilyn. They have realized my anxiety (although they continually tell me how funny I am), and are quick to change the subject, crack a joke, or just say "it's going to be an amazing adventure, we're going to experience so much, you're going to be great!" We all went into Miami….and Thank GOD….I could not have handled one more minute secluded in the “steel skin” of that ship. Sandi and I broke off from the others to breath in the hot muggy yet delightful air on the pier at Hard Rock Cafe and ate dinner. Neither of us were able to really eat much (I choked down maybe 5 bites). We had to be back by 10 pm if wanted to be able to see anything and the ship converts to red lights then. Otherwise everyone had to be back on by 2am. We got back at ten and it was a good thing as it was extremely dark. Can not navigate without a flashlight for sure. Shut my arm in my bunk though for sure it was broke. Perhaps I was wishing that as I could go home then…I did contemplate going home many many times since leaving the hotel. Extremely anxious and uncomfortable. The Sandi threw back a couple margaritas….me 50 of Benadryl, a dramamine, and cursed myself from not bringing some of Craig’s old xanax. Got out the Bible Abby gave me. Opened the cover to read with my flashlight and read the inscription she wrote me….heard Craig tell me how proud they all were of me…how he believed in me as he always has…and I silently cried tucked into my bunk praying for my mind to sleep.
.
Day 2 (Monday July 19th-continued)
11am:
First group to shuttle to the ship...
ABSOLUTELY a military warship. NO STAIRS! (forget about an elevator…there is only one off the side of the ship directly into medical for incoming casualties). To navigate up and down levels, one must climb a single wide ladder, go through hatches, shimmy up/down port holes in the floor, and every passageway is a single person wide and is separated by “knee-knockers” (12 inch high steel bottoms of the hatch doors). Had to carry all belongings up many ladders (could not role luggage through passageways either). Two pieces of luggage meant two trips up and down at every section. HELL OF A WORKOUT. Oh and did I mention that when at port, passageways are NOT air conditioned.
Berthing:
OMG!!! So this is our “barracks” our “dormitory” our “living quarters”. The original picture they sent us was pretty overwhelming but take note of my living space now.... It’s f
ilthy. The racks are stacked 3 high, mattresses are about 3 inches thick and 6 foot long X 3 foot wide. All belongs have to be stored under the mattress shelf (steel shelf mattress sits on and extremely heavy). Curtains close off each bunk for better sleeping. Our area holds 30 bunks and was completely filled. Two steel showers, two toilets, and two sinks for 30 women. We have two TVs that do not work, a water fountain that do not work with the front case hanging open and leaking all over. The sheets are filthy (some soiled with urine), blankets are wool, pillows smell horrendous definitely filled with dust mites. Our instructions were to get our things put away and stay in berthing area until the rest of our team mates arrived. We cleaned what we could (no cleaning products other than the sani-wipes we all brought)….and then we stood (as there was one chair that was broken and you could not sit on your bunk….it is only 18-24 inches high)…..and stood…..and stood. 6 hours. No lunch, nothing to drink, no cell phone use or Internet connection, and unable to see the outside world. I swear the room was losing air. I felt completely imprisoned, anxious, panicky.
The bunk mates in my rack are Matya and Melissa. I am in the middle.
First group to shuttle to the ship...
ABSOLUTELY a military warship. NO STAIRS! (forget about an elevator…there is only one off the side of the ship directly into medical for incoming casualties). To navigate up and down levels, one must climb a single wide ladder, go through hatches, shimmy up/down port holes in the floor, and every passageway is a single person wide and is separated by “knee-knockers” (12 inch high steel bottoms of the hatch doors). Had to carry all belongings up many ladders (could not role luggage through passageways either). Two pieces of luggage meant two trips up and down at every section. HELL OF A WORKOUT. Oh and did I mention that when at port, passageways are NOT air conditioned.
Berthing:
OMG!!! So this is our “barracks” our “dormitory” our “living quarters”. The original picture they sent us was pretty overwhelming but take note of my living space now.... It’s f
ilthy. The racks are stacked 3 high, mattresses are about 3 inches thick and 6 foot long X 3 foot wide. All belongs have to be stored under the mattress shelf (steel shelf mattress sits on and extremely heavy). Curtains close off each bunk for better sleeping. Our area holds 30 bunks and was completely filled. Two steel showers, two toilets, and two sinks for 30 women. We have two TVs that do not work, a water fountain that do not work with the front case hanging open and leaking all over. The sheets are filthy (some soiled with urine), blankets are wool, pillows smell horrendous definitely filled with dust mites. Our instructions were to get our things put away and stay in berthing area until the rest of our team mates arrived. We cleaned what we could (no cleaning products other than the sani-wipes we all brought)….and then we stood (as there was one chair that was broken and you could not sit on your bunk….it is only 18-24 inches high)…..and stood…..and stood. 6 hours. No lunch, nothing to drink, no cell phone use or Internet connection, and unable to see the outside world. I swear the room was losing air. I felt completely imprisoned, anxious, panicky.The bunk mates in my rack are Matya and Melissa. I am in the middle.
Day 2 (Monday July 19th)
Met with several Project HOPE folks at breakfast. Marilyn (DON) first person I met, asked me to join her for breakfast. Matya (NP), Sandi (NP) and Susie (Nurse/School Counselor) joined us. All very nice. So far...
Marilyn: a PhD, FNP, professor from Texas has been on a project HOPE mission prior. She will be serving as our medical director. (about 60y/o)
Matya: RN, FNP, recently worked in New Mexico now in Southern California. Travelled extensively. (about 30). Single no children. Red head and fair. Very pleasant.
Sandi: RN, FNP (for over 30 years). Works peds and internal medicine in Maine. (Mid-50s). Married, two grown children, 4 grandchildren. Bit of a pitbull.
Susie: RN, Counselor. From northeast. Background in NICU and women’s health. Last several years has been working as a high school counselor. (about mid-50s). Two grown children, recently divorced. Very soft spoken, seemingly nervous/anxious.
First meeting with Matt:
(apparently the last as he is not going on mission with us…just learned)
Brief and vague overview of mission discussed. Announced that it didn’t appear that we would be leaving Miami today.
Met rest of Project HOPE team:
Mike: MD, expert in tropical medicine/ER doc. Spends 6 months of every year on volunteer missions, many times with projectHOPE. Very to self, not sharing anything personal. (md-late 50s).
Manish: MD, emergency doc from D.C. First time on mission, very bright, three young children at home, anxious about missing his family especially when we learned that he will not be able to use his cell phone ever. He will be serving as our Medical Director. (late 30s)
Marty: Retired military. (late 60s). Serving as our operations officer (administration). Has been on other project HOPE missions including the USS Comfort after the Haiti earthquake. Divorced twice. Seems lonely.
Eric: photo/journalist. (23y/o) just graduated from college. Major French, minor photography.
Jenny: translator (20y/o)
Dina: Translator (20y/o)
Melissa: MD (pediatrician). Tavelled the world between college and medical school and between medical school and residency. Not really working (per diem/moonlights) between trips. Not sure where her interests are. (35 y/o from Oregon). Never married, no children.
Marilyn R: Nurse midwife out of northeast. Stays to self by choice. (? Late 60s).
Sam and Steve: cousins to each other and relatives of the Secretary of Defense. (18 and 19 years old, only here through Haiti)
Instructed many military personnel are on board from all branches. Should there be an adverse weather conditions that develop causing a castrophy ( as we are in hurricane season), our mission of Continuing Promise 2010 will be aborted and we will divert to area needed and will be a rescue and recovery mission. No one will be released until after the mission stabilizes (regarding civilians only).
All these “ firsts” have been not only eye opening for me but for all as well. (Anxiety is rapidly increasing)
Marilyn: a PhD, FNP, professor from Texas has been on a project HOPE mission prior. She will be serving as our medical director. (about 60y/o)
Matya: RN, FNP, recently worked in New Mexico now in Southern California. Travelled extensively. (about 30). Single no children. Red head and fair. Very pleasant.
Sandi: RN, FNP (for over 30 years). Works peds and internal medicine in Maine. (Mid-50s). Married, two grown children, 4 grandchildren. Bit of a pitbull.
Susie: RN, Counselor. From northeast. Background in NICU and women’s health. Last several years has been working as a high school counselor. (about mid-50s). Two grown children, recently divorced. Very soft spoken, seemingly nervous/anxious.
First meeting with Matt:
(apparently the last as he is not going on mission with us…just learned)
Brief and vague overview of mission discussed. Announced that it didn’t appear that we would be leaving Miami today.
Met rest of Project HOPE team:
Mike: MD, expert in tropical medicine/ER doc. Spends 6 months of every year on volunteer missions, many times with projectHOPE. Very to self, not sharing anything personal. (md-late 50s).
Manish: MD, emergency doc from D.C. First time on mission, very bright, three young children at home, anxious about missing his family especially when we learned that he will not be able to use his cell phone ever. He will be serving as our Medical Director. (late 30s)
Marty: Retired military. (late 60s). Serving as our operations officer (administration). Has been on other project HOPE missions including the USS Comfort after the Haiti earthquake. Divorced twice. Seems lonely.
Eric: photo/journalist. (23y/o) just graduated from college. Major French, minor photography.
Jenny: translator (20y/o)
Dina: Translator (20y/o)
Melissa: MD (pediatrician). Tavelled the world between college and medical school and between medical school and residency. Not really working (per diem/moonlights) between trips. Not sure where her interests are. (35 y/o from Oregon). Never married, no children.
Marilyn R: Nurse midwife out of northeast. Stays to self by choice. (? Late 60s).
Sam and Steve: cousins to each other and relatives of the Secretary of Defense. (18 and 19 years old, only here through Haiti)
Instructed many military personnel are on board from all branches. Should there be an adverse weather conditions that develop causing a castrophy ( as we are in hurricane season), our mission of Continuing Promise 2010 will be aborted and we will divert to area needed and will be a rescue and recovery mission. No one will be released until after the mission stabilizes (regarding civilians only).
All these “ firsts” have been not only eye opening for me but for all as well. (Anxiety is rapidly increasing)
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