I slept through my alarm because I had such a busy, fun birthday yesterday, and I was exhausted. So when I woke up I had little time to dress, brush my teeth, fix my crazy curly hair and eat breakfast before my shift started. Thank the Lord for peanut butter and banana sandwiches that you can eat on the run and be quite satisfied!
It was a fairly quiet day – none of my patients were very sick or needed much. Three of them went home, so I did a lot of discharge teaching preparing them for success at home. However, I had one patient who went to surgery this morning quite early. He had a “major-ectomy” (in my words that means something really big to remove), which was making life difficult for him. This surgery would definitely be life changing, almost to the same degree as a VVF surgery is revolutionary in a woman’s life. I walked him to the OR and prayed with him before he went in to surgery. He was really excited and had an obvious faith in God.
It was a long procedure, and in the end he needed some blood due to blood loss. The coolest part of my day was that I was able to donate blood for the very first time, and it was for him! The reason I can’t donate blood by Canadian standards is that I lived in England for more than 3 months, and I might have mad cow disease! I’m saying that facetiously! I guess it’s important to be super careful not to give people blood borne diseases, so screening is essential. I’ve always been a bit choked that I wanted to donate, was perfectly healthy and was not able to because of the England thing! Donating today was very special, especially because I knew that my own blood was giving him life. He would not have survived without blood donors today. What a true gift of life that is. I felt SO privileged to be able to give him that gift. He is in ICU now, but I think he’ll pull through okay. Your prayers would be much appreciated!
This afternoon I went to the tailor to pick up my skirts. Only one was done, but it’s really nice. The only problem is that it’s a bit too big. In fact, I can pull it down over my hips, without unzipping it, so I’ll have to go and get it taken in. I’m going to have an African dress made, which I’m quite excited about.
It was super hot and humid today, and I hadn’t drank enough after giving blood, so I felt a bit woozy when we were at the tailors. Since I got back to the ship, I’ve drank at least 2 litres of water, and I feel a bit better.
This evening I read many lovely birthday messages on facebook and by email, and I really thank you all for your love and care for me! I feel very valued and loved.
I played a massive game of Settlers of Catan tonight. A guy on the ship, Tom, is really into it, and has created his own version combining Seafarers, Settlers, Knights and Cities, and his own additions. It takes about 2 hours or more to finish, but it’s pretty fun. I won!!! I couldn’t believe it, because most of the game I was really confused and lightheaded from giving blood, and kept missing things, but I guess I was mostly lucky, and somewhat skillful!
Tomorrow I’m going on an adventure trip to an old hydro plant. Should be fun!
The pictures:
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