Yesterday was so exciting. Mainly, because we had three deliveries in three hours, but really because it was my first chance to really assist a Nepali woman through labour. There are so many brick walls I face daily when attempting to work with women- the language barrier, other staff, women being confused by a blonde, white person, indifference, a lack of trust, cultural barriers, along with everything else that comes with a labouring woman. A smile is universal and it's always a good indicator of my welcomeness. Today I was blessed. A woman returned my smile and needed assistance getting comfortable. Usually the family provide a lot of help, but only her mother was present and appeared frail. Next thing I knew all doors were open and she tried to communicate with me. I spent time helping her move, rubbing her lower back and holding her hands during and between contractions.
I've become aware of the fact that interns on an OB/GYN placement usually hate is. One commonly voiced reason is the mess, but an underlying factor seems to be the lack of control they have over the situation. Today I loved the fact that my entire agenda for the day flew out the window because that woman needed to hold my hands and have me be with her while she laboured. It's not that I need to be needed, but that I thoroughly enjoy being what is required by the woman in her time of need.
Update: currently all 3 mothers and babies are doing well.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Week 2: Stark realisations
Monday was exciting. Not because of my first delightful experience with 'travellers bowels' for the trip, but because we met our host families. Honestly, I was more excited to be able to unpack my bag and not have to pack it again for another 7 weeks! My family is beautiful, I'm sure I'll have more stories to share along the way.
What marked this week more though was my experience in the Obstetrics/gynecology department at the hospital. I have seen physical and emotional abuse in all sorts of epic proportions. It's the sort of stuff no one should ever see, but mostly the sort of stuff people should never have to experience. Some people would openly share all the details publicly, but people have a right to not know information of they wish, just as they have a right to information if they want it. Just know that either you as a woman, or the women you know are so freaking blessed it's ridiculous. Most likely, you are treated morally and ethically well, and most definitely humanely, and not as a piece of meat. Also, being stoic throughout your stay is not a concern. Here, I have the utmost respect for the women undergoing dressing changes, c-sections, deliveries and abortions. I don't believe I have ever respected anyone quite as much. They need to go down as the definition of bloody troopers.
What marked this week more though was my experience in the Obstetrics/gynecology department at the hospital. I have seen physical and emotional abuse in all sorts of epic proportions. It's the sort of stuff no one should ever see, but mostly the sort of stuff people should never have to experience. Some people would openly share all the details publicly, but people have a right to not know information of they wish, just as they have a right to information if they want it. Just know that either you as a woman, or the women you know are so freaking blessed it's ridiculous. Most likely, you are treated morally and ethically well, and most definitely humanely, and not as a piece of meat. Also, being stoic throughout your stay is not a concern. Here, I have the utmost respect for the women undergoing dressing changes, c-sections, deliveries and abortions. I don't believe I have ever respected anyone quite as much. They need to go down as the definition of bloody troopers.
Week one: Kathmandu
Problems quickly begin immediately after one lands. It's just how it works. I thought my luggage was lost, that the driver taking me to my hotel for the night way taking me down some back alley, then I was taken to the wrong hotel and knew no one. I now have fond memories of laying on that bed, arms sprawled out, crying and asking myself 'What the hell am I doing here?'
After picking myself up I got out of the hotel the next morning, found the right hotel and explored the city. Kathmandu, well Thamel anyway, is a 24/7 hustle bustle. So much is going on it actually drives you nuts. The horns, the music, the talking, the smells, the lights, are endless. I suppose that's why I ended up hating being in Kathmandu after a few days. I'm glad I arrived early and got to explore the city, but I'm not a lover of touristy check list destinations, and unfortunately that's exactly what Kathmandu is.
I found some fabulous shops and incredibly cheap and beautiful food, but everything and everyone is in your face. It's a tough way of life for Nepalese people, but it's also tough for tourists.
I look forward to visiting Kathmandu again. Mainly because this time it means I'm almost home.
Xx
After picking myself up I got out of the hotel the next morning, found the right hotel and explored the city. Kathmandu, well Thamel anyway, is a 24/7 hustle bustle. So much is going on it actually drives you nuts. The horns, the music, the talking, the smells, the lights, are endless. I suppose that's why I ended up hating being in Kathmandu after a few days. I'm glad I arrived early and got to explore the city, but I'm not a lover of touristy check list destinations, and unfortunately that's exactly what Kathmandu is.
I found some fabulous shops and incredibly cheap and beautiful food, but everything and everyone is in your face. It's a tough way of life for Nepalese people, but it's also tough for tourists.
I look forward to visiting Kathmandu again. Mainly because this time it means I'm almost home.
Xx
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Eggs please!
So, I have arrived in Pokhara. If I had more time at the moment I'd catch you up on the last seven days but I don't, so instead I'll catch you up on a slice of today.
One of the most unfortunate aspects of living in the 21st century first world is the inability to partake in or see first hand biblical concepts that seem primordial, but still exist in countries such as Nepal. I was given the unexpected gift of seeing such a concept today.
On the bus ride from Kathmanu to Pokhara majority of the land is used for farming. Most of the ground has been ploughed and seed sown. That can't be said for one man along my merry way. He had two buffalo (now endearingly called 'buff' by me for the rest of my posts) yolked together, ploughing his land. My thoughts were simple- the buff worked so effortlessly and naturally together. I remembered Gods command to not be unevenly yolked with another, and the reference to the buff could not have been better. Without attaching an emotional, heart tangling story here (I make it sound more dramatic or realistic than it actually is), I, for once, had a simple and tangible image of a concept of how I'm meant to marry. Mind blown.
On another note, I realized how at ease I am with being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone. Thats normal for some people I'm sure, but the contrasting factor is that my heart weighs heavily at home. Yes, my heart should be here. But, isn't it awesome that this feels so incredibly normal. I feel at home (mainly when the power, and thus hot water are working).
Over and out from the glory that is Pokhara.
Xx
One of the most unfortunate aspects of living in the 21st century first world is the inability to partake in or see first hand biblical concepts that seem primordial, but still exist in countries such as Nepal. I was given the unexpected gift of seeing such a concept today.
On the bus ride from Kathmanu to Pokhara majority of the land is used for farming. Most of the ground has been ploughed and seed sown. That can't be said for one man along my merry way. He had two buffalo (now endearingly called 'buff' by me for the rest of my posts) yolked together, ploughing his land. My thoughts were simple- the buff worked so effortlessly and naturally together. I remembered Gods command to not be unevenly yolked with another, and the reference to the buff could not have been better. Without attaching an emotional, heart tangling story here (I make it sound more dramatic or realistic than it actually is), I, for once, had a simple and tangible image of a concept of how I'm meant to marry. Mind blown.
On another note, I realized how at ease I am with being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone. Thats normal for some people I'm sure, but the contrasting factor is that my heart weighs heavily at home. Yes, my heart should be here. But, isn't it awesome that this feels so incredibly normal. I feel at home (mainly when the power, and thus hot water are working).
Over and out from the glory that is Pokhara.
Xx
Monday, 26 December 2011
Don't dare call me lucky!
Firstly, my apologies if this does not relate to you as it is a ranty blog post.
So today I am T-minus 7 days until I leave. No, that's not scary, but possibly frustrating. Mainly for one reason only. The closer I get to leaving, the more people I have asking me how I know I want to be a midwife and work overseas in that role. It has been and always will be God's responsibility for bestowing me with that privilege, honour and responsibility. Some people also have the hide (or make the mistake) of telling me I'm lucky that I know my 'purpose' in life. Let me assure you that the two words "lucky" and "purpose" have never worked together and I doubt they ever will. There is no said "luck" attached to the fact that I have been chosen to serve childbearing women. None what so ever. If you, for example wanted to bake a cake, you purposefully planned that this morning you would bake a double choc cake, where is the luck in that? Maybe in the way the cake turns out- it might not taste that great, it might not rise as much as expected, heck it might just be a dud. BUT the plan to go and make a cake was never "luck", it was "purpose".
Now I can imagine an rebuttle that knowing what you want to do with your entire life is a slightly more weighty decision than how to spend your morning. I agree. However we are all presented with choices. Life is one giant box of chocolates (not plagiarising that, I'll reference somewhere), and each chocolate is a choice. Just as choosing how to spend one's morning is a choice, so is choosing how to spend one's entire life. Sure I may have had a giant arrow in life to point me in the right direction, but that is MY blessing. Let me assure you, you have yours too. Many a time people have voiced that I am lucky to know my purpose. I call it blessed. I don't call that fact that you have an entire family that is committed to following the Lord lucky, that is an absolute blessing that has purposefully been given to you. I'm sure alot of people are long time Christians because of their parents. For me, knowing my purpose is pivotal, and I'm sure God is very much aware of that. When I struggle with my faith, I can't help but remember that without God I have no purpose, that if I was to continue along the path set out for me, without God, it would be empty. That is my blessing, there is no luck in it. Your blessing is there too, you might not realise it though...
So today I am T-minus 7 days until I leave. No, that's not scary, but possibly frustrating. Mainly for one reason only. The closer I get to leaving, the more people I have asking me how I know I want to be a midwife and work overseas in that role. It has been and always will be God's responsibility for bestowing me with that privilege, honour and responsibility. Some people also have the hide (or make the mistake) of telling me I'm lucky that I know my 'purpose' in life. Let me assure you that the two words "lucky" and "purpose" have never worked together and I doubt they ever will. There is no said "luck" attached to the fact that I have been chosen to serve childbearing women. None what so ever. If you, for example wanted to bake a cake, you purposefully planned that this morning you would bake a double choc cake, where is the luck in that? Maybe in the way the cake turns out- it might not taste that great, it might not rise as much as expected, heck it might just be a dud. BUT the plan to go and make a cake was never "luck", it was "purpose".
Now I can imagine an rebuttle that knowing what you want to do with your entire life is a slightly more weighty decision than how to spend your morning. I agree. However we are all presented with choices. Life is one giant box of chocolates (not plagiarising that, I'll reference somewhere), and each chocolate is a choice. Just as choosing how to spend one's morning is a choice, so is choosing how to spend one's entire life. Sure I may have had a giant arrow in life to point me in the right direction, but that is MY blessing. Let me assure you, you have yours too. Many a time people have voiced that I am lucky to know my purpose. I call it blessed. I don't call that fact that you have an entire family that is committed to following the Lord lucky, that is an absolute blessing that has purposefully been given to you. I'm sure alot of people are long time Christians because of their parents. For me, knowing my purpose is pivotal, and I'm sure God is very much aware of that. When I struggle with my faith, I can't help but remember that without God I have no purpose, that if I was to continue along the path set out for me, without God, it would be empty. That is my blessing, there is no luck in it. Your blessing is there too, you might not realise it though...
Monday, 19 December 2011
The final countdown (ba da da dum, ba da da da dum)
At this point, I can do nothing but laugh, and crap my pants. I leave in 14 days. When did that happen!?
I'm spending my time doing all the important things, like buying undies, writing instructions for my Ma on how to use my iPhone, teaching my hair how to last more than a few days without being lathered up and trying to decide on the best textbook to take that doesn't weight a million kilo's. Sounds easier than it is.
At the 4 week mark I decided that when it was 3 weeks to go I'd be getting jittery. Then 3 weeks came and went and suddenly it was "just over 2". Oh man, and now its 2. The scary thing about all this is that I almost forgot about Christmas. Who forgets Christmas? I'll be honest. The biggest worry thus far is not my safety, being home sick, the fact that I might not enjoy my time in Nepal, or anything like that. It's been money (Yyu know you're an adult when you have dollar concerns!). I have not worked regularly since September. I have relied upon around 20 hours total casual work since then and fundraising. I planned to work full time for the 5 weeks between finishing uni and jet setting. At this point, I can safely say that hasn't and won't happen. The shocking part about all this is that it took someone else to say to me a few days ago that this was a way of stretching my faith in God. WOAH I've never heartily concurred more with anything in my life. You bet this is stretching. And if it isn't stretching, then I don't know what "stretching" is! And why didn't I realise this earlier?
As days go on, I am given the opportunity to increase my faith. I thought my faith was decent in the beginning. When you get to the point of desperado-crying you realise your faith ain't quite what you thought it was. Once again, I'll be honest (I can't fool anyone anyway, I've always sucked at it), with 2 weeks to go, I have 1/3 of the money I planned on leaving with. That's kind of scary. Maybe even really scary. Yep, I'm going with the latter. However, there is one thing that I know, and know more than ever before. I am the daughter of a God that provides and always will provide for my every need. I am reminded of Matt 6 and how God provides for the birds daily, so how much more will he provide for us as His children. Conveniently I have 2 birds inked on my wrist. What a reminder of my blessing and provision!
A big thankyou to everyone who has helped out in some way, shape or form. I sincerely appreciate every last 5 cent coin, help or advice.
Until next time
xx
Update: I ended up lasting 4 weeks without straightening my hair. MIRACLE!
Matt 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I'm spending my time doing all the important things, like buying undies, writing instructions for my Ma on how to use my iPhone, teaching my hair how to last more than a few days without being lathered up and trying to decide on the best textbook to take that doesn't weight a million kilo's. Sounds easier than it is.
At the 4 week mark I decided that when it was 3 weeks to go I'd be getting jittery. Then 3 weeks came and went and suddenly it was "just over 2". Oh man, and now its 2. The scary thing about all this is that I almost forgot about Christmas. Who forgets Christmas? I'll be honest. The biggest worry thus far is not my safety, being home sick, the fact that I might not enjoy my time in Nepal, or anything like that. It's been money (Yyu know you're an adult when you have dollar concerns!). I have not worked regularly since September. I have relied upon around 20 hours total casual work since then and fundraising. I planned to work full time for the 5 weeks between finishing uni and jet setting. At this point, I can safely say that hasn't and won't happen. The shocking part about all this is that it took someone else to say to me a few days ago that this was a way of stretching my faith in God. WOAH I've never heartily concurred more with anything in my life. You bet this is stretching. And if it isn't stretching, then I don't know what "stretching" is! And why didn't I realise this earlier?
As days go on, I am given the opportunity to increase my faith. I thought my faith was decent in the beginning. When you get to the point of desperado-crying you realise your faith ain't quite what you thought it was. Once again, I'll be honest (I can't fool anyone anyway, I've always sucked at it), with 2 weeks to go, I have 1/3 of the money I planned on leaving with. That's kind of scary. Maybe even really scary. Yep, I'm going with the latter. However, there is one thing that I know, and know more than ever before. I am the daughter of a God that provides and always will provide for my every need. I am reminded of Matt 6 and how God provides for the birds daily, so how much more will he provide for us as His children. Conveniently I have 2 birds inked on my wrist. What a reminder of my blessing and provision!
A big thankyou to everyone who has helped out in some way, shape or form. I sincerely appreciate every last 5 cent coin, help or advice.
Until next time
xx
Update: I ended up lasting 4 weeks without straightening my hair. MIRACLE!
Matt 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Shooting people
Another day, another blog, another story to share. I look forward to the day where I don’t have the finger muscle capacity to capture it all digitally for you. So in preparation for Nepal I have most definitely up graded my DSLR. There are three plans for Nepal- work with women (preferably almightily pregger ones), hike and take more photos than my CF card can handle. Now for the record I’m in no way, shape or form a photographer. I thoroughly enjoy taking photos and covering my walls with them, but I’m no better than the average person with an excellent camera. In saying that though, the only people I know that take more photos than me for the fun of it are paid photographers. I’m not sure of what to make of that. I mostly enjoy portraiture and macro photography. I do love a good sunset, or if I’m uber enthusiastic in the morning, sunrises aren’t so bad either. I have more photos of flowers on my portable hard drive than I know what to do with. They are usually my subjects purely because they are willing and Ma likes gardening so they are available. The way their colours react to morning and evening light definitely helps their case as to why they should be shot down by me.
It takes effort to shoot a sunrise or sunset. It really does. I have to get my boots on, trudge my way through the bush (so it happens to be next to my house but that’s beside the point), go to my little cliff face clearing and wait. Then, chances are the clouds will decide to audibly laugh at me by inhabiting the souls of kookaburras momentarily, followed by their congregation right over my focus point. Mother earth one, Kate zero. At this point I feel like my time is wasted. Not much good comes out of one massive clump of clouds. That is until I feel compelled to sit and wait around in silence. Alas, I get asked one question off hand, when no one is around more frequently than I ever imagined. “How do you know God loves you?”. Easy answer. One day God asked me what my favourite colour was- pink. From then on He has shown it to me every morning and every evening. The clouds might have ruined my photo opportunity, but if I wait around, I’ll see that God loves me. His love never fails.
On a whole other perspective, during one sunset shoot attempt. Conveniently a cloud smothered failure. I thought of how much I will miss the smell of eucalyptus trees and seeing the sunset over them in the evenings. That was until I remembered that no matter where I go, the sun will follow, and so will my pink sky. How beautiful it is that my sunset is someone else’s rise. That somewhere else in the world someone is pausing their to-do list to breathe in life and the glory that is God.
I am so excited to share portraits of worn, weary, yet joyful and appreciative faces with people at home. At the end of the day the Nepalese landscape is gorgeous, but it’s the people I am going for. If I’m blessed I’ll get a good face in front of a pink sky and know that God loves them too.
xx
Update: Nepal is turning me into a headband wearing woman. Currently I look like I’m wearing a turban. The fact that I have gone 12 days without a hair straightener is to be credited for this situation. I have to be honest, having the trusty old straightener die on me has been incredibly good practice for Nepal. I have also learnt that this trip is far more God ordained than I ever imagined it would be. My mind continues to be blown.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"- Romans 8:28
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