We're Here

Julia and I made the trip fairly uneventfully, although we had a number of delays along the way. Paris Charles deGaulle is quite an experience. They load you into buses, keep you confined on the bus for 15-20 minutes, drive 50 feet, and let you off. Then, you go to another area to which you have been directed and catch another bus. It was all very interesting and inefficient.

On the plane from Paris to Lome, Julia and I slept most of the time--we were wiped out. Customs in Togo wasn't bad. However, there are a lot of people there willing to help you who apparently don't work there (at the airport). Also, TP is not provided in the WC--you get a small amount and then tip the person. I also had a man going through my purse after it had gone through the scanner. He was VERY interested in my dried fruit, Gardetto's snack mix, and, especially, my gum. I offered him the gum and he took a few pieces. Thinking back on it, I don't really think he worked there.

Driving through Lome to the ship was fascinating. There is quite a nightlife (when it's cooler) with TV's mounted on stands on the sidewalk, street vendors, nightclubs, etc. There are scooters everywhere! I'm not sure what time we got to the ship. We were given some paperwork, some food, and a key to our cabin. I am in a 6-berth cabin, all the way to the back, and on the top bunk. I found my bed made, with a water bottle, coffee cup, cookies, and a welcome message. What a blessing to a weary traveler. All my cabin-mates had gone to Ghana, so I was by myself. I took a quick shower and slept like a baby.

Today, we had a ship tour provided by Amy. I had breakfast with Deniece and Rob, and Deniece was nice enough to let me use her computer to send an e-mail to Jackie. I met the group for the tour. Now, I sort of know where everything is. We have wi-fi, a Starbucks, a snack bar, a store, a bank, a laundry, a library--unfortunately, the pool isn't quite ready. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and orientation. It'll be nice to know exactly what I'll be doing during my time on Africa Mercy.

1 More Work Day

One more work day in Smokey Point and a few hours in Seattle on Friday morning. Tomorrow, I'll work with Cheryl on Tonopen practice.
I've spent the last few days apologizing for my haircut. I'm hoping it'll be a little easier to control by Sunday, but Dr. Rostov says it's very edgy which I liked.
I've ticked nearly everything off my list, except the final charging of my electronic gadgets. Now, if only I could sleep.

Counting my blessings

I am so lucky to have support from a wonderful husband who has never questioned my decisions. How did I get so lucky! I have had many moments of doubt in my ability to be of real service in this endeavor, but I have so many who have given me words of support and offered their prayers. Thank you!

As the day when I leave draws near, I find it difficult to sleep at night. My mind is so busy ticking items off my to-do list, realizing how much I'll miss my family, and I just can't seem to quiet my mind--I'm really feeling tired.

It's Getting Close!

8 days to go!

I have spent quite a lot of time working in the clinic with our technicians. They are awesome! They have patiently taught me a variety of technical skills (tonometry, refraction, slit lamp, retinoscope). I wish I could say I have mastered these skills, but it wouldn't be true; however, I hope I have retained enough to do my trainers proud.

I have completed 13 1-hour strength-training workouts and 6 1-hour cardio workouts since March 1. I've lost about 15 pounds, but the strength and flexibility I've gained are what I've appreciated most. I have two more strength and one more cardio workout before leaving.

I'm gradually gathering most of the items I need to take with me to Togo. It's difficult to know exactly what might be needed. Of course, I've referred to the list of recommended items, and I'm trying to strike a balance between what I really need and the inclination to overpack.

I'm not sure I'll be posting again before I go to West Africa. I plan to work for a few hours the morning of May 7, then, I'll drive to SeaTac, get checked in, and meet Julia at our gate. Our flight for Paris leaves at 1:45 p.m. In Paris, we'll connect with other volunteers who will accompany us on our flight to Lome, Togo. This is all very exciting!

Technical Preparation

I have such appreciation for and am so grateful to: 1, My Supervisor Jan; 2, Tech Supervisors-Tina, Claire, and Kathy; 3, Technicians-Anthony, Amy, and Christy. Thank you for being so willing to assist me in this effort to bring my skills to such a level that I may be of assistance to the Mercy Ships Ophthalmic Crew. Your teaching and patience have already been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this educational experience with you.

I learned some technical skills 20 years ago, but the facility at which I worked didn't require the level of skill from technicians as that required at my current employer. For instance, retinoscopy was always performed by the M.D. , autorefractors were used in the screening process, only air puff tonometry was performed by the technicians, and few techs had the ability to use the slit lamp.

I am feeling much better about my ability to perform refractions, I have learned some slit lamp skills, and performed a very poor retinoscope evaluation. I am hoping to learn applanation tonometry and Tonopen tonometry this coming week. As I attain these skills, I will then practice, practice, practice.

Anthony recommended a book called The Ophthalmic Assistant. Thank you, Anthony! I study this book every evening, and it helps me to further understand what I covered with the Techs earlier in the day.

Information about Togo

The capital city of Togo is Lome, and this is the city in which Julia and I will serve. The Africa Mercy arrived in Lome the week before last. Mercy Ships volunteers have begun their pre-screening processes, and they have begun serving the citizens of Togo.

Togo is a very small country, long and slender, in West Africa. It is sandwiched between Ghana to the West and Benin to the East. It was under French Colonial rule until 1967 when it gained independence and Eyadema became its President. There is an area in Northern Togo which has gained status as a World Heritage Site because of its unique and interesting residential and farming structures, which are quite beautiful.

Unfortunately, for many British, Dutch, and French Colonies, there was a price to be paid for independence-sometimes in the form of dictatorial rule and/or economical struggle for the citizens of the former colonies. Certainly, the Togolese have suffered some of both. There is a Presidential election looming in 2010.

The Lome area of Togo is quite warm, but this is tempered by ocean breezes to the south and a lagoon to the north. The rainy season extends from April through July.

We're getting closer!

Julia and I have found a flight on Air France so we can go to Togo together. We'll be leaving from Seattle on May 7 at 1:45 p.m. We'll fly into Paris for a five-hour layover, then we'll head to Lome where we'll arrive at 6:50 p.m. on May 8. The flight is quite expensive, but the living fees on board the ship will be fairly low.

I'll begin working with the technical staff at NW Eyes next Tuesday and hope they can bring me up to speed over the next two months.