Leaving the country!

For those of you who know me, know that I have never been out of the country. For those of you who don't I've never been out of the country. However, at the beginning of November, I left for South America (Ecuador to be specific) with the Hershey Children's Heart Group. We were a pretty big team that consisted of surgeons, doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, perfusionists, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, techs, medical students, high school students and more I'm sure I've missed.
Our Mission: Correct cardiac defects on the children of Ecuador.
Our Goal: Extending life and improving the quality of life.
My mission: To be a blessing to others and share God's love.
My Goal: To do my very best to shine for Jesus.

The very first day of surgery - we had an excess of nurses since we didn't have any patients yet. I was blessed with the opportunity to observe in the OR. I am very grateful for the mandatory mask wearing- because I believe most of the time my mouth was open in amazement. My astonishment mostly stemmed from the capabilities God has given and created us with. Dr. Brian Clark, a heart surgeon, has been blessed abundantly with the ability to save lives and I am very privileged to have been able to work with him and his wonderful OR staff in Ecuador as well as back home in Hershey. I still daze off in wonder about the fact that in just 24 hours time, a child undergoes surgery- having their chest cracked open, their heart stopped- while having their body oxygenated and perfused by a machine- the heart repaired, the blood recirculated through the heart, the heart restarted, the chest closed up, and lastly 12-18 hours later they are sitting up and eating chicken and rice ( A favorite cuisine down there). I am rendered speechless at the thought.





This is a picture of the welcome sign in the Guyaquil airport :-)



This is a picture of my amazing co-workers and friends at el parque del historico de Guyaquil, I am blessed to know each one of them. From the left is Barb-Nurse, Penny-Nurse Practitioner, Melissa- Nurse, Me, Gary- PICU Attending Physician, and in the front, left to right is Karla, Leah, and Leann- Nurses.


This is my native Ecuadorin shampoo because mine got taken at the airport... Clearly, I'm not the expert traveler. :-)



Yes, this was necessary- as the "me" thing to do. :-)



This is a picture of the Clinic at the Hospital de Ninos. We were in the Cardiac clinic- in the two weeks in Ecuador we screen approximately 400+ kids averaging about thirty per day. During the two weeks we complete about thirty surgeries averaging two per day.



The PICU day shift nurses :-)



My experience was life changing. It reminded me to be grateful for everything that I have been blessed with even when it doesn't seem like much. I am very grateful for running hot water. However, the most rewarding part of my trip was being able to see the lives of children transformed. Here is me with some of the kids who came back down to see us before they were discharged to go home.

Erika



Kerly



Fatima and Mommy



The next photo I am sharing I saved for last because it touched my heart. The saddest part of my trip is knowing that we have to tell a lot of families there is nothing we can do to help their child. It is our team with Ricardo and his family. Ricardo was an add on at the end of the week. He was not one of the ones that we were going to operate on - then on the last day they contacted his family and gave them the good news that Ricardo was going to have his heart fixed. After Ricardo got out of the OR and back to the PICU his parents were so grateful to know that he was okay. His parents shared with us the story of Ricardo who is five, and his little brother who is four. Ricardo's little brother loves soccer and loves when his big brother plays with him. His parents stated, "They are heartbroken every time Ricardo can't play soccer or keep up with his younger brother because his heart condition always leaves him out of breath." Nothing can change the image of thankfulness that I saw his parent share after Ricardo came back to the PICU. I remember looking over at them and they held hands and jumped up and down and then hugged each other in thankfulness. My heart broke on the spot- I thank God for giving me this opportunity, not just being a nurse, but the opportunity to have such a positive impact in the lives of others. I hope to glorify Him in all that I do.

Communication

This week I was at the store where I couldn't help but notice a girl's shirt in passing that said, "Textually Active." Technology has put us in a place where face to face communication has lessened and sadly, even voice to voice conversation. Now, it is much easier and sometimes cheaper to send a text message. Last week I went to dinner with a group of 10 or so people where I realized the term textually active is an understatement.
Being at the same table interacting in conversation is what I thought was expected, however, I quickly observed the majority of the table engaging in "text message" conversations with each other even though they were only inches and feet away from the next person.
Personal contact/interaction/face to face communication lessened by the capabilities of technology. Hmm?!?!

With that being said, last weekend I made it to West Virginia safely! I also made it back safely after a weekend of camping and white water rafting. PTL. I got to see Eric, good friend from Ohio- it was a blessing. In the midst of that blessing there were more, clearly, that's how God works- He's amazing. I met a fantastic group of 15 people that I absolutely love and have been inspired by. Here are some pictures of our weekend.

"We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and whatever we can do to benefit and uplift others will reflect in blessing upon ourselves." P&P 534

The Author of my Life! :-)

I am so thankful and blessed in the truth that God knows and supplies my every need. Who else besides our creator knows exactly what is best for us? I'd place a safe bet on no one. Even if He takes away what I think is good, great, or even perfect.

I know He has a reason- even if I don't understand it.

So, who am I to argue, fight, and protest?

He has something else planned for my life, something better in store for me, which will be exactly what I need and even want, and so much more. More than I can imagine.

That's how amazing the author of my life is!

Everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

Today a good friend of mine sent me an email- in it was the encouraging words, "Sing as if no one is listening, dance as if no one is watching, and shine for Jesus!" Amen!

A day of zip lining with some PICU girls!


Our Team!


Sabbath Afternoon with a good friend and an adventure to the Pagoda!

Friends are Friends Forever

"No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth."

Over the weekend, it is fair to say that I was hit, not with one bomb, but two. My heart is still breaking over the fact that two of my very best friends are moving away this summer. My words cannot do justice on how much they both mean to me and how each one has impacted my life. While I know they are responding to God's calling to work in other mission fields, my happiness is selfishly dimmed. I have no doubt that they will be a blessing where ever they may go. Heaven is rejoicing in the fact that it has two God fearing men, spreading the gospel, touching lives, and winning souls for the Kingdom.

I have been listening to the lyrics of Michael W. Smith's song Friends are Friends Forever and it has given me comfort-- and while I know I will miss them like CRAZY-- we will forever be friends... and one day we'll be able to spend eternity together in Heaven! I am anticipating that day!

"Packing up the dreams God's planted, in the fertile soil of you. I can't believe the hopes He's granted, means a chapter in your life is though. But I'll keep you close as always. It won't even seem you've gone. Because our hearts in big and small ways will keep the love that keeps us strong.
And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never, because the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go, In the Father's hands I know, That a lifetime's not too long, to live as friends."

** I have informed both young men that they should be expecting frequent visits -- It's the me thing to do.

Thank you Tristan for always having a listening ear, keeping me focused, on the right track, and building me up. I still might call you for a debriefing now and again. :-) Thank you for being a great friend. I praise God for bringing you into my life it would not be the same without you.

Thank you Micheal for being you, making me laugh, being supportive and always encouraging me to reach for more. I will always smile when I think of you and all the wonderful memories we have! Thank you for being a wonderful friend. I praise God for bringing you into my life. I would not be the same without you.

Many, Many Blessings and Love to Tristan and Micheal.

We make a difference

There was a young man walking down a deserted beach just before dawn. In the distance he saw a frail old man. As he approached the old man, he saw him picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back in the sea. The young man gazed in wonder as the old man again and again threw the small starfish from the sand to the water. He asked, "Old man, why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?" The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.
"But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish!" exclaimed the young man. "How can you make any difference?" The old man looked at the small starfish in his hand and as he threw it to the safety of the sea, he said, "It makes a difference to this one!"
Author Unknown

This story was on a card with a starfish pin that I received from work. The pin says I make a difference. After I read it I was reminded that no matter how small something may seem we make a difference even if it is just to one person, or starfish.

Skiing with good people- along with lodge ministry! A new tradition.




An unplanned common theme :)


A good day with a good friend






Some good people celebrating Tonya's 20th birthday :-)

The Greatest of These is Love

Pediatric Intensive Care

Definition
An intensive care unit, or ICU, is a specialized section of a hospital that provides comprehensive and continuous care for persons who are critically ill and who can benefit from treatment.

Purpose
The purpose of the intensive care unit (ICU) is simple even though the practice is complex. Healthcare professionals who work in the ICU or rotate through it during their training provide around-the-clock intensive monitoring and treatment of patients seven days a week. Patients are generally admitted to an ICU if they are likely to benefit from the level of care provided. Intensive care has been shown to benefit patients who are severely ill and medically unstable—that is, they have a potentially life-threatening disease or disorder.

Although the criteria for admission to an ICU are somewhat controversial—excluding patients who are either too well or too sick to benefit from intensive care—there are four recommended priorities that intensivists (specialists in critical care medicine) use to decide this question. These priorities include:

Critically ill patients in a medically unstable state who require an intensive level of care (monitoring and treatment).
Patients requiring intensive monitoring who may also require emergency interventions.
Patients who are medically unstable or critically ill and who do not have much chance for recovery due to the severity of their illness or traumatic injury.
Patients who are generally not eligible for ICU admission because they are not expected to survive. Patients in this fourth category require the approval of the director of the ICU program before admission.
ICU care requires a multidisciplinary team that consists of but is not limited to intensivists (clinicians who specialize in critical illness care); pharmacists and nurses; respiratory care therapists; and other medical consultants from a broad range of specialties including surgery, pediatrics, and anesthesiology. The ideal ICU will have a team representing as many as 31 different health care professionals and practitioners who assist in patient evaluation and treatment. The intensivist will provide treatment management, diagnosis, interventions, and individualized care for each patient recovering from severe illness.
Reference to www.answers.com/topic/intensive-care-medicine

Peds ICU is where I work in the hospital. I thought it was fitting to show a written example of what type of patients I take care of for a better understanding. There is no way to sugar coat the fact that what I do is very taxing, frustrating, heartbreaking and very rewarding. I not only get to take care of children - I get to care for the entire family. The past few months have been especially draining dealing with sick, sick children and sadly, death. Over the weekend, a long chat with a good friend has my mind refreshed. I am grateful to have such people in my life and I praise God for them. I was referenced to Phillippians 4:7 which says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." Immediately, I thought to myself- who am I to doubt that God put me exactly where I am for a reason. I will have a peace in Jesus. He sustains me. His strength is perfect in my weakness. With that, I put my best foot forward to care for my patients and be a living witness for Jesus not only to the children but to their families. Satan is on the prowl destroying everyone that he can - and if that means taking someone's child away- he'll do it. God puts us in special places to do special things and we may not always agree but I know we better be obedient.

I pray that I am available Lord, to be used by you each day. Guide me, and lead me in what to say and do. May my words and actions be a witness that You are living in me. To someone lonely, help me be a friend. To those with heavy burdens, help me meet their needs. I do not want fame or fortune - I only pray that You use me to glorify Your name. I know that I do not have much to offer, but I will give You my all. Guide me to be what you want me to be.

I was reading on love and the nursing practice and I was impressed by what Roberta L. Messner said,
" Though I articulate the contemporary jargon of nursing, If I have not understanding that touches the heartbeat of my patients, I only generate chatter.

Though I boast of diplomas, awards and publications, and my skills reflect the wonderment of technology, If I have not mastered the gift of compassion, My endeavors are hallow.

Though I impress my colleagues with my intellectual prowess and lofty idealism, If I offer not the instrument of self, I serve my patients with mere activity.

Though I devote my very life to the profession of nursing and forfeit personal desires, If I become cynical, detached and fatigued to the point of indifference, My energy is expended in futility.

Though I integrate the art and science of nursing, translate research into clinical practice, and achieve professional notoriety, If I do not notice wounded hearts and broken dreams, My mission is not fulfilled.

I may be competent, dependable, efficient, but if I fail to communicate the language of love, I practice nursing in vain.

Faith, hope and love- these are all craving of the human spirit- but the greatest of these is love."


Saying goodbye to a good friend is never easy! Jeannie we'll miss you!



Good friends are a blessing! I praise God for them!

A Legacy

I once heard that God's superstars leave a legacy. When I think on the topic I ponder the questions:

How will they remember me?

Do I listen?

Do I pray for people?

Do I encourage others?

Do I bless others?

Do I choose to love?

Life is not merely based on the accomplishments, titles, credentials, or amount of money that one may leave behind. But rather a legacy of people impacted by the way you live your life being a living witness for God. Do you leave behind a legacy of people converted to God's word?

The words to a song by Nichole Nordeman come to mind-

I want to leave a legacy

How will they rememeber me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?

Did I leave an offering?

A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically.

And leave that kind of legacy.

Leaving a legacy for Jesus Christ- Being all about people. All to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

January 28th, 2010 - My brother's birthday celebration

My sister <3 div="">

Blizzard Skiing 2010 - with my favorites

My skiing partner :)

Feeling comfortable--!

A little break lunch break-where anything is liable to taste good :)

Life and Death

Over the weekend I was asked the question if I had the option to choose would I rather die instantly in a car accident or would I rather know 4 weeks in advance. I immediately responded by saying, "instantly in a car accident." After time, actually reflecting on the question and which I would prefer my answer stayed the same.

My thoughts consisted of the fact that we as christians should be living every day as if it were our last. Treating others as if the time I spent with them could be the last time I see them. Asking myself how will I remember this? Did I treat others as God treated people? What message am I broadcasting to the world by the life I live?

Every moment is another gift of life

I'm grateful for each minute, Lord, of walking in your light

Every moment is an opportunity

To dedicate myself to living all you have for me

Time - I only have what's in today

Lord, help me to use what slips away

We never know for tomorrow may not come

Our lives appear then like a vapor they are gone

I want to treasure each day you give to me

Live it as though it's the last I'll ever see

The Pennsylvania Farm Show :)

Some good friends

The Butter Sculpture--aka a heart attack in a glass case

Me behind the apple :)

unASHAMED

unASHAMED the theme of Generation of Youth for Christ 2009.

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, to the Jew first and also the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written. The just shall live by faith.

What exactly does it mean to be unashamed? That as a Christian we are unashamed of the 1. Creative Christ 2. Crucified Christ 3. Coming Christ.

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. Take up his cross daily- it is all about what God wants for my life.

Being unashamed is a lifestyle. The cross may not make many friends but it will make the best of friends. I talk about a crucified Christ- and I daily take up my cross -- and follow Him.

God is love.

Love is the principle of putting others first.

In order to have love we must have others.

Love cannot exist in a vacuum - which suggests that God is not a rigid singularity but a plurality. Not merely loving but IS love.

As I was heading to baggage claim-- this welcomed me to Louisville :)

The City -- On my venture to purchase Vitamin C supplements.

GYC <3

Baltimore next year! Yay!

Some Friends :)

New Year's Eve Dinner

David Asscherick!

Canvassing - AKA- Spreading the Word

Yes, I fell down someone's driveway- it was the me thing to do.

New Friends :)

In addition to all the ways I was blessed over the new year, thanks to Ty Gibson and David Asscherick I am now in the know regarding the 6 non-negotiables in regards to a relationship. Ty said, "If one of these areas is lacking it's a red flag. Run!"

1. Christ Centeredness -- Same spiritual level

2. Character -- Tip: See how they treat family

3. Compatibility - Read Song of Solomon

4. Communication -- is Key

5. Commitment -- Don't consider someone who keeps an open door. When you manage to make it through problems and life's obstacles you will fall more in love with that person because you will have gotten through it together.

6. Chemisty -- speaks for itself.

**Friendship is the better part of marriage**