It's been difficult to get the time to blog--or the privacy. This is my weekend to work, and it has been great! Yesterday I went for lunch out on the dock and sat in the sun with my feet up. In the afternoon we took most of the patients up to the 7th deck where they can sit outside. It was a beautiful sunny, breezy day. Lately it has been cloudy and muggy so this was a blessing. The patients seem to really love it up there because there is such a good view. I took some pictures and I am going to try to post them. I feel like I finally connected with some of the patients yesterday. They asked if we got paid good, and I explained to them that we volunteer and actually pay to be here. I explained to them that it is definitely worth the time and money and we are blessed hugely with this experience. We all agreed that money doesn't buy everything, and that life experiences are so much more important than making money etc. They have such great testimonies and stories these patients. One of the men has been out of work for 2 years due to his leg injury. He had surgery at JFK Hospital twice and it still wasn't fixed. I pray this time it heals so he can go back to work. He is a harvester and he has two kids that he showed me pictures of. I also took care of 2 three year old girls in casts. I am not used to taking care of kids and calculating their medication dosages. Actually, it was not too difficult because it was just Tylenol and iron and the typical stuff mom's give at home.
One of the patients asked me if it is harder here or at home. That is a difficult question to answer because it's just so different. We see things here that we would never see at home. But I would say that the stress level is cut in half. We actually have time to talk with the patients because the paperwork is manageable. At home, I don't actually take breaks where I leave the floor. I was thinking yesterday how awesome it was to eat lunch outside and then spend about 45 minutes with the patients outside on the 7th deck. I have to get back to working so I will try to add more later.
4 comments:
I was talking with a cancer kid of mine the other day. He said what he wants the most is to get some fresh air (he's been in the hospital for over two months). I can totally understand and it made me sad. I'm glad you guys have the 7th deck :) Can only imagine it does wonders...
Lynnel,
It is soooo beautiful today in Chicago...the perfect day weather wise...sunny and warm, but not too hot...We all love you and miss you, 1 more month before you're home!
Dear Lynnel,
Reading your blog makes us realize how much we take for granted here. We try to read it every day to keep up with you and are glad your're doing this blog.
We pray gor you and for the people you've come in contact with. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you.
Love
Elaine & Ted
Dear Lynnel,
Forgot to tell you ----we think it's a great that your're thinking about New Zealand. Always wanted to go there soooooo you go first and then we can come visit.
Love
E
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