Choosing Scrubs Over Bikinis

My first official full day back at Red Cross Children’s Hospital was (of course) a busy outpatient Wednesday. My first full day back in April was also one of these overwhelming Wednesdays. Even though the census was much lower than usual (10 inpatients and 6 outpatients), it was a fairly heavy load for two people. Caroline and I began taking note of the patients set up for procedures when Prof (head surgeon of pediatrics and a loyal fan of child life) invited us to a presentation on “Egyptology”. Not only is it poor manners to turn down Prof’s invitations, it becomes less more obligatory when he adds, “it is important to educate the Americans”. So Caroline and I attended the interesting, educational, but barely relevant seminar. In addition there were also many big players in pediatrics in attendance. Caroline pointed many of them out to me as the crowd settled in.

Caroline and I made it back to C2 (the burn unit) just as they were beginning procedures. I immediately fell into the pace of C2; children were rushed in, handed off, cleaned, bandaged, soothed, and removed…and so the cycle goes. The instantaneous love for the children of South Africa poured over me just as it did on my first visit months ago. Their eyes are so stunning; so soulful. It is easy to surrender to them. One patient was a tiny baby, my guess is 4 months old but I am also way off when I try to guess their ages (as well as the pronunciation of their names). As it often happens, the mother handed me the baby and left the room. The wounds were to her (his?) head and left arm so I immediately positioned her in the perfect comfort hold: close to my chest with her wounds exposed for the sisters to work. The baby calmed almost immediately and stared up at me with tear soaked eyes. I thought, ‘little one, you are far more brave and resilient in your few months than I have ever been in my 27 years.’

I also had what I have dubbed a “Snapshot Child Life Moment”. A little girl (with no nappy I can confidently say it was a girl) of about 3 was getting her hands bandaged. She was reacting as any 3 year old would when your mom leaves the room and you are left with some strangers to touch your very sore wounds. I took out my bubbles and (as it does in most cases) the crying ceased. The little girl looked up at the rainbow colored globes falling around her and giggled. She smiled at me with a single tear just below her right eye. That moment; that picture is the epitome of child life: turning tears to smiles.

I had a number of other positive interactions, some heartbreaking ones and even some comical ones. Like when I gave an 8 year old boy a small squeezable (American) football. Making conversation and proud to teach him something about America I asked him if he knew what kind of ball it was. When he nodded “no” I told him it was a football. I continued pointedly that it wasn’t a soccer football, but an American football. He and his dad laughed then exchanged some Afrikaans with the sisters. I then heard the sister tell him in English, “it’s a rugby ball” before they chuckled some more. My translation: “Americans don’t know anything about sports. It’s a rugby ball.” Laughing, I decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Moments later I presented the ball to Caroline and said, “So if anyone asks, this is a RUGBY ball.”

I was so happy to be back at RCCH and working with the staff and children. It is fulfilling to work hard and see positive results. It is also a wonderful team to be a part of. There are so many truly dedicated and talented people under that roof that it is humbling and truly honorable to be a functioning and valuable part of this elaborate team. So when the music therapist on C2 discovered that my first month was volunteer work, he asked if I was allowed to spend the day at the beach if I preferred. Seemingly sarcastic but in fact serious, I answered, “Why would I want to go to the beach if I could be here?”

Freshly Ground

With just enough time to shower, begin unpacking and talk Caroline’s ear off, Sara arrived to pick us up for Freshly Ground at Kirstenbosch. Kirstenbosch is a breathtaking botanical garden in the city. It is green, lush, and serene against the back drop of Devil’s Peak and the side of Table Mountain. It’s also a fantastic venue for a concert. During the summer they host a concert every Sunday. People bring blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets for the event. Sara Caroline and I found a spot and snacked on apples and cheese, trail mix and rolls with ham. Sara found it odd that we ate our sandwiches dry while she slathered butter on hers. “You don’t put butter on your sandwiches?!?” She asked in shock. Caroline and I exchanged glances and laughed. She asked if we always ate sandwiches so dry, and we told her we usually use mayonnaise or mustard. Culture differences never fail to entertain me. The ordinary day-to-day things can evoke curiosity, laughter, shock, and are always educational. That day I also introduced Sara to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (heaven), American Coins (so much cleaner than rand) Starbucks (yummy) and Country music (Blake Shelton is her first love). The number of things I have learned about South African culture are countless and I know over the next year I will continue to have my mind expanded and my curiosity evoked.

 

caroline, me and sara at freshly ground

Freshly Ground’s performance was amazing. One of South Africa’s most famous groups, the lead singer has an incredibly powerful voice. The effect of it resonating through the mountains and lush grounds of the park was chilling. All in all I could not think of a better first-day-back-in-Africa.

 

the stage in front of the back drop of kirstenbosch

Welcome To Africa

The morning of my departure started at 4:00am (Eastern US time). Kevin and I loaded up the truck and headed off to the airport a little before 5. Saying bye to my mother at home was much easier than saying bye to my mother at the airport. She would be bringing my brother, Brian, and his girlfriend to Manchester airport in a few hours.

Dad and Rosie caught up with Kevin and I while we were still waiting in line to check-in. After nearly an hour of standing in line, I finally made my way to the counter…only to be told that I had to remove 7 lbs from my giant suitcase. Kristen, a friend from Shriners and resident of Winthrop, had shown up with her 2 girls moments before. The group of us tore open bags and juggled toys, crayons, board games, sneakers, and other various items until the weight was distributed into my other two bags. My father left with a vacuum sealed bag of clothes that he promised to mail immediately. We marched on to security check-in where everyone stayed with me right up until it was my turn to pass through. And then I was on my own.

The flight from Boston to London was pretty uneventful. What I did find exciting, however, was that I somehow ended up on a list for a “special meal” which meant that I got served first! I also think they were the vegetarian plates…but who wants to eat airplane meat? Well..who wants to eat airplane anything?! Nearly everything that went into my mouth made me nauseous. I think I used to like airplane food. That must have been before I had to eat it for 24 hours.

With two hours in London, I went on a hunt for internet access. I remembered them having kiosks for short-time use. Having only US currency on me I approached the exchange counter with my situation. A man sat there surrounded by signs that shouted “0% commission!” “Free exchange!” so you can imagine my confusion when he told me that the exchange fee would be more than the 2 british pounds I was seeking and, therefore, not worth it. Noting my perplexed expression, he added, “We only charge commission on US currency” Of course you do! Is what I should have said. Instead, I asked him what he suggest I do. That was to purchase something and receive my change in British pounds. More confusion, lots of math, and 15 minutes later I lost 6 US dollars to a bottle of water and 10 minutes of internet. But what I else would I have done with my 2 hours??

The flight from London to Cape Town wasn’t very memorable. I managed to sleep through most of it and was too excited to do much else but think about Cape Town, the weather there, the mountains, and my friends waiting for me!! 

I made through passport check without flaw and went on to collect my luggage. It took a while, but all three pieces showed up! Here’s something I don’t understand: why so many people think the most productive way to collect their luggage is to hover directly over the carousel…in massive crowds. Not only can nobody else see there luggage, but they end up just standing there, looking like goons inspecting every black bag that passes them. If I could conduct this procedure I would have everyone stand around the outskirts. When you see your bag coming is when you approach the carousel. Perhaps this only makes sense to me because you can see my hot pink Hawaiian print luggage from a mile away. Instead, I end up perched on my trolley peering over the crowd. This is why I have distinguishable luggage.

I passed through customs with nothing to declare and found Sara waiting for me in the lobby. Our timing was perfect as she had just arrived moments before I emerged. It was so wonderful to see her; the first friendly face after 20+ hours of traveling. We trudged on for what felt like miles before reaching the garage she had parked in. Upon getting there, we learned the lifts were broken. All of them. We both looked over my heap of baggage on the trolley and looked bewildered. A parking attendant was gracious enough to come to our aid. And when it was concluded that the best solution was to carry the luggage up three flights of stairs, Sara turned to me and said, “Welcome To Africa”.

the view from our apartment

Adventures in DaniLand is Moving!

I had to remove Internet Explorer from my computer and am now using Safari. The change was going wonderfully, until I learned that Safari does not support blogger.com. Grrr! I found a way to sneak on, but it's not as efficient and I am unable to add pictures. For a year in South Africa, this simply won't suffice. So it is with a heavy heart that I sign up with a new blog site. However, I like to think of it as a new adventure- a new blog!

I have decided to go with WordPress...because that's the first one google showed me. It also appears to work well. My web address is danilandadventures.wordpress.com Look for my first post in the new year!!

Blizzard 2009

This past weekend I ventured to NYC to meet up with my camp friends who live in the surrounding areas. I got a greyhound (to my utter dismay, Bolt was sold out) first thing Friday morning and arrived in the big city just before noon. I quickly met up (by fate alone) with Kaitlin who had come in from Connecticut. Kaitlin and I wandered (somewhat aimlessly) around Port Authority before we realized we were in the wrong building to meet, Lisa. Thankfully Lisa (being from Jersey City) was so well versed in navigating the big city and we met up soon enough. The three of us trekked to Bay Ridge to meet up with Paula. We would be staying at her place for the night. After dropping our stuff and receiving the grand tour of Paula's "cozy" city apartment, we ventured out in search of food. 

It was a firsts of many for our young Kaitlin so we reveled in introducing her to subway transportation, crowded streets, lots of walking, and of course big city rats! Paula mapped out a number of shops and restaurants for us to try and everything was delicious, fun and unique to her neighborhood. After ending the night with a truly amazing italian meal (complete with dessert!) we waddled back to Paula's to watch Love Actually. This is truly one of my very favorite movies of all time. The actors are wonderful, the stories are touching, and the love is tangible. This movie was also another "first" for Kaitlin to check off her list.

On Saturday (though still seemingly full) we went out for brunch. Continuing with the theme, the food was delicious and the company spectacular. We somehow managed to shove every last bit of food into our expanding tummies before heading back into the cold. Speaking of cold, the impending snow storm was beginning to rear its ugly head. Snow was accumulating, sidewalks were getting slippery and the temperature was dropping. We gathered our things and headed for the trains. Kaitlin would head back to CT, Paula to a party in another part of the city, and Lisa and I would go to her place in JC. 

I said my first real goodbyes in a subway station as Paula and Kaitlin went one way, and Lisa and I the other. I'm not very good at goodbyes. I try to remember that (especially with technology nowadays) I'm never completely out of touch with anyone. Furthermore, I am so grateful to have these people in my life to share my adventures with and come home to..where I know we will pick up right where we left off.

With the snow bearing down relentlessly Lisa and I made a few stops in Times Square and then in JC for storm provisions (which consisted of food and drink). In the comfort and warmth of her home we settled in to brave the storm. I learned that my bus for the following morning was cancelled...as was every bus AFTER that. After many phone calls, weather updates, and texting, I surrendered myself to another day in the big city. Asside from missing work, I wasn't upset about this at all. Lisa is wonderful company and I've developed a fondness for Jersey City and her home. If I was stranded in NYC, I couldn't think of a better place...she also feeds me really well.

Lisa and I watched Elf while we snacked and drank hot chocolate while the "Blizzard of 2009" bore down on us. The weather/news tracking the storm and Will Ferrel kept us plenty entertained. 

The city slowly came back to life on Sunday. The roads were plowed and the sun even came out to check on things every now and then. We spent the morning watching TV, baking, and setting out her christmas decorations (so she's a little behind-don't judge!). The place was looking festive in no time and we decided to venture into the city. I had never been to New York City in the winter and longed to see the tree in all its glory: following a snow storm! Lisa, always accommodating to her guests, led the way. We wandered around the city (dodging massive puddles and slush mounds) stopping here and there to check out the random festivities. The streets were abnormally uncrowded due to the big bad blizzard. How convenient for us! The tree was gorgeous, though not nearly as captivating as you might expect. Still, I got my photo and checked "Rockefeller in winter" off my to-do list.

Afterwards, we met up with Trish for dinner. Trish had just gotten off work and agreed to meet up with us at The Coffee Shop. Again, fabulous food. The Coffee Shop is actually a bar, and a pretty funky one at that. We sat for a while chatting and eating. I was psyched that Trish was willing and able to meet up with us. Since she had been working all weekend (and recently returned from London and Paris!) I hadn't expected to see her. My circle of camp friends are very near and dear to my heart. Since most of them live so far from me, the times I get to see them are cherished. Even though there were countless others that I did not see, I was especially grateful to see the ladies that I did before leaving.

Bound and Rebound

My life is picking up speed at January 7th (and my departure for South Africa) draws near. Preparing for the holidays as kept me considerably busy but I have managed to squeeze in a few adventures this month.

December kicked off with a weekend at my friend Lindsay's in South Salem, CT. I took a bus from Boston to Danbury where Lindsay and her little man picked me up. The rest of the weekend was spent in utter relaxation. We cooked (and subsequently ATE) great food, watched TV, googled just about everything we could think of, laughed pretty much non-stop and entertained her adorable little babe. The weekend was everything I needed it to be. On sunday we drove to New Hampshire together. Lindsay was visiting her parents for the week so we coincided my stay with her visit so she would have company for the long ride. 3+ hours with a baby, tons of equipment and a dog that could easily be mistaken for a dinosaur is no small task. Crammed and chaotic as it was, we had a great time playing car games, eating oreos and counting Christmas Trees on passing cars. We were up to 53 when we reached my house. 

I also made a trip to Hamilton, Mass to stay with Caroline's parents. When they heard of my acceptance of the job in Cape Town they insisted on taking me out for dinner. I took a train to the north shore on Monday the 14th. Mickey, Caroline's mom, picked me up and gave me a brief tour of the gorgeous coast and their cozy, very new england, home. 

We ventured to Singing Beach which gets its name for the squeaky noise the sand makes when you step on it. I was told some time back that this noise has something to do with the sand being derived from glaciers, but I never looked into in any further. This also happens to be the place where Caroline and Nick will be wed in June. One of the "cons" to my taking the job in Cape Town is missing this wedding. I was very grateful to have seen the beach club where the ceremony an reception will take place. 

During my stay, I also visited and explored Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester (by the sea) and countless other adorable beach towns along the north shore. For dinner Trip, Caroline's father, met us in town..with flowers for both Mickey and I. So very sweet! The Hargraves were incredibly generous, hospitable, and share in our enthusiasm and respect for Child Life. It was helpful to hear their perspective on Caroline being away from home for so long. It helped me to understand how my own family might be and may feel during my absence. 

We ended the night with a visit from Nick, Caroline's fiance, and rowdy game of backgammon! They also presented me with a journal, a planner, and a book about a Botswana Safari guide for my trip. So incredibly thoughtful! Staying with the Hargraves added a realness to my adventure and connected me further to Caroline and out mission for Child Life and the hospital. I know it must have helped all of them feel more connected as well. Mickey gave me a card and a gift to present to Caroline upon my arrival. A gesture to hopefully ease their last few months apart before Caroline returns home.

Smaller adventures have included spending time with friends and family. I'm beginning to feel the weight of my trip as I consider saying my goodbyes and begining preparations for departure. In situations like this, you realize how many wonderful people are in your life and how much there support and love influences everything you do. It is these people and their undying love that gives me strength and courage to be so adventurous. They are the base on which I stand and allow me to reach great heights.

A Quote from a Disney Short Film Lindsay and I watched:

"Sometimes your up and sometimes your down. 

When you find that your down, well just look around. 

You still got a body, good legs and fine feet.

Get your head in the right place and, hey, you're complete!

...you can reach great heights. In fact, you can soar.

Just get a leg up and you slap it on down.

You find that you're up in what's called the bound.

Bound, bound, and rebound"

Return to Africa

So it looks like I have a good reason to keep this blog open. Not that there hasn't been any events to constitute blogging in the last 4 months or so, I just haven't had the time (or the patience, really) to record them. Let's be honest: there's always blog-worthy news in daniland.

Of course the most exciting news was the addition of Madelyn Grace McCue into my world. She was born on September 1st at 1:03 am. My mom and I remained in the hospital until about 10pm before being convinced that nothing would be happening for a while. Well that little munchkin surprised us all!! She is the most precious thing I've ever seen and I only love her more with each passing day. A couple weeks ago we celebrated her christening. The gown my grandmother made for her was gorgeous and she managed to keep it clean. I can't take credit for those genes, but I might be responsible for her inability to cease crying throughout the ENTIRE ceremony. The girl just wanted to eat!

maddie and her dressmaker

I've also taken a a few vacations in the last months. The first was my 2nd annual trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with my camp peeps. We had picture perfect weather for the entire week and I spent my days running along the beach, boogey boarding, eating great food and mingling with even greater folk. What more could a girl ask for??

me and paula with our personalized boogey boards

My second trip was a weekend getaway to Kansas City, MO. I know; random. But I went to visit Cara, a child life partner in Team South Africa. She arranged a wonderful weekend for us. Her friends were incredibly welcoming and excited to meet me. In between board games, art, touring, delicious food and site seeing, we relived those wonderful memories from Cape Town. Leaving MO was almost like leaving Cape Town all over again! Shame.

me cara and her friend dana at kansas city's annual water fire event

Asside from my classes, a few good books and few hours of work I haven't had much else to keep me busy....that is, until Halloween weekend. It was then that I learned that Caroline's position as Child Life Program Director was not yet filled. Suddenly an idea came into my head, "why don't I do it?!!" to which I immediately replied, "uh, because you have school..and a brand new neice and a plan and it's just crazy to up an move to another CONTINENT for a year."

I spent the following week pondering and contemplating and making lists and considering hypotheticals and talking on the phone and emailing with the staff in SA. It was exactly a week later that a familiar voice spoke up in my head, "Of course you are going to take this job! What on earth could you possibly be debating. This is a dead issue and the answer is undoubtedly, 'GO FOR IT'" So I went for it.

The staff at Connect 1-2-3 were beside themselves with joy...and so was I. It was in the following weeks that I truly realized this was, indeed, my destiny. Everything about felt right and filled me to the brim with happiness. Any thoughts and reminders of South Africa would result in a ridiculous grin spreading across my face. My future was (and still is) more clear than it has ever been. Sister Sara and Caroline have been amazing recievers of my excitement. It is most certainly a good thing that there is a massive ocean separating us because the excitement would surely be the end of one another. Sara offered to pick me up at the airport which stopped me dead in my tracks. Not only is that a sweet jester, but she drove me TO the airport when I left Cape Town. What a wonderful circle.

Today I have confirmed my flight into Cape Town for January 7th, 2009. I will arrive on January 8th at 11:25 Cape Town time (that's 4:25am US time). Sara has offered to "fetch" me from the airport, which is just so sweet. She drove me TO the airport when I left Cape Town so its only appropriate she be the first familiar face upon my arrival. She has also arranged for me to join her to see Freshly Ground at Kirstenbosch that weekend. I am incredibly excited by this as I've been avidly listening to their music and have become a huge fan. So much excitement...so much to do...stay tuned!