Initial Ramblings

I’ve written and re-written the introduction to this entry. I’m having a difficult time conveying the experiences and the responses those created in me today, perhaps because I have yet to sort through them myself. This trip has yet to feel real to me…I’m not sure it ever will. Despite my weakness in communicating the events of my day, I hope you feel a piece of what I felt.

Here is my disclaimer to this entry: In no way are these words written in judgment, but in love for those doing the best they can with the resources they are given.

This day has made me realize what a blessed and greedy people we have become in the United States. I was speaking to my roommate tonight. She is from Zimbabwe and was asking me about the economic crisis we are currently experiencing in the United States. She asked me how it compared to the way people lived here. We had to laugh, because there can be no comparison between the crisis we currently face and the every day lives of many of the people of South Africa (not all obviously - especially not in Cape Town). I am in no way belittling the hardships and struggles experienced by those that have lost jobs in the US, but have been given a new perspective on my life. So often when we talk about the economy, the government, etc and we create a sense of panic. Many like to discuss “conspiracy theory” and evoke mistrust and fear. But aren’t we called to be a people who speak love and hope to the world – not fear and mistrust? Aren’t we – even in the most fearful of times – to look up and rejoice, trusting in the one who is bigger than our trials and hardships? And…how did I get off on this tangent? Back to my day…

This morning I started my day by going down to pay for my electricity. I was given a number that my roommate typed into a box on our wall, prolonging our ability to see at night a little longer. I tell you what – you conserve energy a LOT more when you watch it tick away in front of you every day. Warning to the roommates at home… ☺

Then I joined Caroline and Taylor and headed out for my first day on the job. Caroline is the one heading up this project. She is currently finishing her Master’s Degree at Wheelock. She’s completed all her internships and is a Certified Child Life Specialist. Taylor is completing her undergraduate degree and will be doing an internship in Toronto this summer.

We arrived at the hospital and walked through the metal detector…which beeps for everyone, but no one gets stopped. ☺ The hospital is interesting because there are some new, beautiful wings, like the “theatre” (OR) located just above the older areas of the hospital. The newer areas are the ones I saw when I looked at the website. The older areas are what I imagined I would be working in. The burn unit is one of these older areas. I don’t know what era to compare it to in US hospitals, but kids stay in bays of about 6 kids. There are a couple isolation rooms. The burn unit is very hot – not because the temperatures are regulated like at home, but because the windows are closed to aid in infection control and Cape Town is very hot right now. There is one small room where windows are opened to allow a little breeze. There is a very small room designated for Music and Art Therapy and supervised play, but we haven’t really used it yet. There is also a room for PT/OT. I’m not doing it justice. You’ll have to see the pictures. It reminds me very much of what you all probably pictured I would be doing.

Caroline toured me around the unit including the treatment room. She introduced me to some staff she knew. There are nurses and sisters. Sisters are nurses who have been at the hospital for some time and have more respect/ responsibility. We call everyone sister because it would be seen as disrespectful to call someone a nurse if they are a sister. Then she took me to the pain management team meeting so I could meet some of the other staff – including the lead doctor, social workers, art therapist, etc. This team is amazing! They have a very clear and accurate view of Child Life. There is so much respect given for our profession. It’s very refreshing.

After the meeting we returned to work. I only interacted with one boy today, as I really just wanted to observe, but that one interaction was so simple, yet so powerful. A little boy was lying all alone in his bed (similar to a stretcher with crib rails). I went in to say hi and he did not respond. I asked if he spoke English and he still did not respond. So, I got out my bubbles and began to play. Play IS a universal language. He began interacting right away – popping bubbles with his feet and blowing them when I would hold the wand to his lips. I noticed he was not willing to move his burned arm or hand. I handed him a glitter wand to hold in his burned hand. He held it but quickly reached for it with his unburned hand and began to play. I asked if the other girl in the room was his sister. He said yes and began speaking to me more. I couldn’t tell if he was speaking Afrikaans or if I was just having a hard time understanding, but I encouraged him in his communications. I reached down and stroked the nonburned fingers of his burned hands. He flinched and pulled away. I reached down again and held on to that hand. At first I think he wasn’t quite sure what to do, but soon he continued with his play. When it was time for me leave, I went to pull my hand away, but he was holding it tightly. I tried again and he pulled it back. I assured I would be back to play again and waved as I walked out the door. He waved back at me. He did not smile during this interaction, but he played and he engaged. It was awesome! I can’t wait to go back tomorrow and continue progress. There is so much to be done here!

I’m realizing this is a super long entry, but I had to add a testimony for all who have been praying for the various needs I’ve had in this journey. Originally I was supposed to be in another apartment, but at the last minute I was changed to the apartment I am currently in. One of my roommates I am living with is named Elizabeth and is an intern from Zimbabwe. She is so sweet and wonderful. I couldn’t imagine a better roommate. Tonight we were talking and I asked if she went to church around here. She said yes – that she goes to Hillsong (the very church I was hoping to visit while I’m here!). I asked if I could come along and she said of course! I was so anxious coming here that I would find a friend willing to go to church with me and my prayers have been answered so abundantly! Praise God!!

My other update…there’s a Connect event I wanted to go to this weekend, but no one I know wants to go, so I signed up to go by myself. Those who don’t know me will probably think that’s no big deal – but those who do are probably still lying on the floor in shock. ☺ I’m telling you…you won’t recognize this girl when I get home.

p.s I’m sweaty and needing to go to bed, so I’m not reading this before I publish it, so please forgive me if there are mistakes or if I said anything wrong.

p.p.s. I'm trying to learn some of the Afrikaans and Xhosa. The Xhosa is much more difficult for me because I can't do the clicking part.