Cultural Differences
Yet another discovery today highlighting the cultural differences between the Bande Achens and the Americans (or most Western countries)...and some of the "holes" in their health care system:
One of our doctors was in the laundry room (aka the Sauna from Hell) doing her wash. Some of the translators that are aboard ship where in there also doing their laundry. They made pleasantries with Em and then, noticing her putting her clothes into a dryer, they said, quite innocently and earnestly, "Shouldn't the nurses be doing that for you?"
'nuff said!
On a more serious note:
Fourteen days ago, I left my home, my family, my friends, and my colleagues to embark upon a grand discovery and humanitarian relief effort. It goes without saying that this adventure would never be possible if it were not for the tremendous selflessness of those very people I have left behind.
I am so grateful for the wonderful nurses that I work with, and for the enouragement I recieved from my bosses. People have had to cover my shifts for me, and I understand we had been pretty busy, opeing our "overflow" unit. These wonderful colleagues have readily and happily accepted this so that I could go and do what so many of them wish they could. I owe them so much, and think about them everyday. Thank you all for supporting and believing in me.
I know all of you on PM's enjoyed the cookies and breads that Sandy brought to you. If it wasn't for him, I would never have come on this mission....he has made extraordinary sacrifices so that I could make this trip, and without his continual encouragement, sage advice, and whimsical funny e-mails, I never would be accomplishing what I have. He helps me keep my rudder in the water and my sails set and filled with the wind!
Because of you all, I have been able to do simple things in extraordinary ways in a land surreal.
posted by donna mirenda @ 1:20 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Thanks for thinking to share your experience with me, Donna. Your blogs are a priceless reminder of your sense of humor and caring nature that you shared with me in Berkeley so long ago. I still remember waking up to a hot piece of toast, spread with peanut butter, on my pillow, courtesy of my loving roommate. Thanks to you for being an ambassador for the wonderful, generous side of America. It's important to demonstrate thatwe all have strong human connections, above and beyond an identity with any particular country where we were born. I hope to be in the Bay Area this spring (mid April) and maybe again before the year is out. Would love to see you.
Donna. I am now known as the bake guy. I think I'll write a cook book and use the gang at El Camino Hospital to test the goods. :-)
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