Thursday, March 5, 2009

MORE STUFF and LOVE too

Thursday Evening, 3/5/09--MORE STUFF!

Well, okay. My 2 large, carefully packed-full bags turned into 3 large bags when, on my last day seeing patients in the office, my first patient gave me $200 "for whatever will help those moms and babies"...and then the Citranatal drug reps walked in with a trolley and 3 enormous cases of prenatal vitamins!! So, a third bag was borrowed and packed, with EVEN MORE STUFF, and I'll use some of the money to pay the $100 extra-bag fee that the airlines charge. I feel so grateful for the the donations of baby supplies, salvaged medical supplies, baby items new and used, and of course, finances. I've received financial support from my midwifery practice (thanks, Margie...), Goose Creek Friends Meeting, and several patients and friends. Many of the Loudoun Community Midwives staff and patients, friends and neighbors have donated diapers, onesies, blankets, pins, medicine, soap, sheets, and more. The staff at Loudoun Hospital's Birthing Inn saved me many pairs of unused gloves, gauze, suture, cord clamps, IV catheters, and much more. I even have a fair amount of healthy snack food I was advised to bring, for taking breaks with the students...apparently the students have gotten very familiar with granola bars thru the American midwives!---how appropriate. There is a lot of STUFF but I really know there is a lot of love and goodwill in the bags. I couldn't begin to make this trip without the support, love, and prayer that I know goes with me.

I think I feel ready, or as ready as one can. I started taking my anti-malaria doxycycline today, made rounds at the hospital for the last time in a while, and wrapped up admin. work at the office. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, and wishes me luck. I'm on call until morning, theoretically, but Margie's additional gift to me is that I can call her early to take over call, in time to get myself to the airport for a 6 am flight. Fortunately...no one is laboring so far, and I can tie up loose ends. I hope to learn how to better use my son Stephen's camera, and also hope to get a bit of time to be with my husband, Greg, until I can fall asleep and get a nap..before the 3:15 wakeup call. He and I've never spent this many days (9) apart and that will also be different. I'll miss him, and my whole life here.

After several huge challenges in 2006-08, including losing my mom to ovarian cancer, personal health and family crises, and business stresses, I decided to focus on a point of view that I consider my mom's legacy: Do More Good/ Have More Fun!
I hope this trip will do some of that.

8 comments:

  1. Yay Wendy!! I'm so excited to hear all about your journeys in Haiti... Our prayers are very much with you during this incredibly exciting time, and I hope that you are able to enjoy every single second of it all!
    ::HUGS::

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  2. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. These women are so blessed to have you come into their lives. I know how much you have blessed us and we all wish you a safe and fulfilling journey.
    Love,
    Marya, Ben, David, and #2

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  3. I saw you yesterday and totally forgot to say good luck! Hope your flight is going well!

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  4. Go Wendy! You are the designated family angel. We will be thinking of you all the time you are away. Take care of yourself as you care for others. Love you!
    JL

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  5. Yey Wendy! I can't wait to hear more about your journey and all the good you will do down there! All women who have met you are blessed to know you!

    Love,
    Misty, Chris and Alex Turner

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  6. Even though your trip means you most likely won't be the one to deliver my baby (I'm due Monday!) I wish you well and hope to see you when you return.

    - Hillary Winstanley

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  7. Wendy--you delivered my baby in late 2007 and I am forever grateful for the wonderful support and experience you gave me. I'm so happy to hear you'll be taking your awesomeness to women in need.

    Blessings and Godspeed.

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  8. We have only seen you a few times when my first baby was born in Sept 2007 and then with a recent appointment for our second due in June. But, we love what you and LCM have done for us and look forward to hearing about your trip. Is it too late to donate funds for your trip?

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