A Fond Farewell

I said goodbye, actually, more like "see you later" to New York City this past July. I left New York with the knowledge that 1. once an ER nurse always an ER nurse, 2. you need to find your passion (especially when volunteering), and 3. to quote Frank "if you can make it here you can make it anywhere."
I have been fortunate enough to spend these last 2 months at home and prepare for the adventure ahead. I got all my vaccinations (9 shots in total - ouch!). My bags are packed (& locked) all 110 lbs of them - thanks to Laura & Mands for helping me weigh my behemoth bags on my bathroom scale.
I was accepted into the Catholic Medical Mission Board's Medical Volunteer Program and will be spending the next 8 months in Karungu Kenya (a small village on the southern banks of Lake Victoria). I am also happy to report I have surpassed my $5,000 fundraising goal and raised $7,150 to date towards my medical mission!
I will be putting my nursing skills to work at the St. Camillus Mission Hospital which was founded in 1997 by the religious order Servants of the Sick or Camillians. Part of the hospital's mission statement reads,

"At the St. Camillus Hospital, we are committed, day after day, to satisfy the needs of the sick, especially of the most indigent. Our mission is to show unconditional love to those who are suffering by offering them attention, solidarity and hope, in addition to appropriate medical treatment."
Wow - I can't wait to be a part of this!

But I couldn't go and care for the sick so many miles away if it wasn't for all the encouraging words, notes, hugs, and prayers from my family and friends. I had the most fabulous time at my bon voyage party yesterday. What a treat to have so many of the people I care about in one place!

I am going to NJ tomorrow for an orientation where I will be meeting my fellow volunteers and then off to Kenya this Friday, October 2nd. To be continued…..