A little bit of randomness to wrap-up the month of June:
Earlier this month, Dr. Jazmin and I scheduled a community "charla" (interactive health talk) for our CNP moms in the town of Derrumbadero. Scheduling this looked like a random home visit to a family, during which we saw what a nice, big, shady patio area they had at their house and asking if we could hold a little activity for the following week. Mom said "Of course!" and promised to invite the neighbors. We told two other CNP moms in the area as well and asked them to invite other women. We were set for Wednesday, June 9th for 1:30pm so that we could start at 2pm. We had no idea or way to know how many people would show up, but we hoped for the best.
That Wednesday, Dr. Jazmin, her niece, and I rolled in at 2:15pm. There were 2 women sitting in the yard. Keeping my disappointment to myself, I joined them and we sat and talked about life for awhile. Would anyone come? Was this going to be a complete bust?? 2:30pm arrived and then one by one and two by two, more women started to arrive. We ended up with a group of 28(!) adults and many little bitties. How's that to prove me wrong?!
We spent the next hour or so clearing up common myths about breast cancer-- one of the common held beliefs in this area is that moms can pass cancer to their babies by breast feeding. We talked about the importance of early detection, about breast self exams, and with the great educational tools we received from the ONU team in May (Thanks Laurie and Robin!), women could practice "detecting" various sized lumps in a breast model. The level of engagement and interest was inspiring and made my social worker heart smile. We continue to get asked when we're coming back to talk about other topics!
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| Love spending time with Cora |
Life definitely has its twists and turns and there have been many struggles lately leaving me tired and questioning, and craving rest and refreshment. One of these struggles has been the hard realization of the implementation of the Dominican government's "regularization of citizenship" which has left many Dominicans of Haitian ancestry and many Haitians without a place to call home. There are many heated views on this ruling, both here in the DR and world-wide. Close to home in practical terms for the CNP, this has meant that our Haitian families have gone into hiding, thereby pausing the support that we are able to offer their children; children in various stages of malnutrition, some who were making fantastic progress and others who were struggling. Children who deserve to have a chance in life. We pray that they are okay and find sources of support if they are unable to return to our program. It is another reminder for us to be faithful and vigilant in what is within our power to do (in all things, but especially justice issues), and for the rest to continue to pray and trust in God's hands.
My dad is facing cancer again. It's his 3rd bout, and with several heart attacks in his history as well, we're extra worried this time. His positive attitude inspires me. I give thanks for healing that has occurred in his body with past health issues. I give thanks for the healing that has happened in our relationship. and I pray that he beats it. He'll be receiving chemo for a few weeks until a new scan is done towards the end of July to see if the tumor has shrunk sufficiently for surgery. It's hard to be far away in times like these. We're in the process of figuring out when I will make the trip to PA. We're saddened that Wellington wasn't approved for a visa to travel with me this time. |
| Who wouldn't love working with these kiddos?! |
This month has been especially full. I hope that this at least gives you a glimpse into part of my life here. In all honesty, part of me hopes that July is less of a roller coaster, but I know that whether it is or it isn't, we will make it through, and it will be more easily navigated with eyes focused on what really matters. (Now if I can just remember that) <3
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