Home at last....some parting thoughts

I arrive to Boston at 2pm on Sunday after almost 24 hr of travel.   I was both tired and happy to be home.   I was picked up by my daughter Kristin who filled me in on all the news i missed for the last 3 weeks.   She did a wonderful job of keeping my plants watered and cats happy and it was nice to walk into my home and relax.   Kristin wanted to know if i wanted anything to eat and i told her a steak would be nice and in no time i had a greek salad with med rare steak tip delivered (  she had gone to work across the street at the Greek pizza company);   all the flavors i had been missing....thank you.. a hot bath,  warm PJ's and my bed welcomed me to a long 10 hr sleep.....today i feel wonderful!

My Team Heart mission was very rewarding this year.   Our team worked very well together and did what it took to get the job done.  ICU nurses worked in the ward and the ward nurses worked in the ICU;  some volunteering extra shifts and all of us doing 12 hr shifts ; an average of 7 out of 9 days.   No one complained ( at least not much) as we were there for our beautiful patients;  most adolescents from 14-20 yo.  The staff of King Faisal Hospital was tremendous and helpful and will keep us updated on our patients progress.  Thank you to all the great team members i work with for the first time and the others that have been part our this project for years.   5 year team members Chip and Ceeya Bolman and Suelleen Breakey;   Our ICU resource nurse Connie ;   My "work wife" Alysia who shared most of my shifts with me and my roomate for the second year,  Michelle, who's generous spirit was felt by all;  not to mention she is a lot of fun.   Kevin McWha, who's passion for this mission has been renewed in a big way;   your the best!   

I love this work as it renews my soul and confirms why i love nursing.   The patients of Rwanda are so grateful for a chance at life;   they understand it is a gift.    They recover from surgery in a most miraculous way;   within a day they were all off  IV heart medicine, out of bed and eating.  This  would take days and weeks at home to accomplish with our patients. 

   They bless your work with prayer. Their eyes are soulful and honest.  There is a spirituality felt working with them that transends anything else i have ever done .  

 I love Rwanda and it's people and i will return;  God willing. 

 Thanks for following my 2012 trip.   Love ,  Susan

Our Rwandan patients have huge hearts both literally and figuratively

Dr Pat Come and Diondonne our triple valve pt.   She worked hard to have him placed on the list

Celestine and Jean De Dieu;   a beautiful pair of boys

My five year relationship with Clementine has seen lots of changes;   She is now engaged to be married to Afrodes .
 A beautiful couple;   they will marry in August 2012

Emmanuel has been our respiratory therapist for the 5 years i have been coming to Rwanda.
  He works hard and is so gentle and kind.

Alysia having some fun 

Leslie working in the ward with our Rwandan colleague and pt. Diodonne

combo of MGH and BWH  staff at our thank you party at the roof of the Top Tower hotel.  Most of our team are from these 2 Boston hospitals but we also have team members from many states.
  We sure do clean up good!

Felicity and Placid at the thank you party;  Both King Fisal Hospital nurses did a fantastic job in the ICU

Everyone  knows i love to dance.    This is me and Dr Joseph " getting down" at the party
note Kevin McWha and Clemantine and Bonnie in the back.   we had a great time!