A Humbling Experience….

First off I have to say how truly grateful I am for all the generosity, support, and words of encouragement over the last month or two. We have had nothing but positive input. I can not even describe how awestruck I am by the good nature of our community. Whether it is by making a donation, offering further contacts for support, or storing our stuff, this town has pulled together. Not only has the outlying community helped, but close family and friends have been recruited to help with our biddings. Right now my former household items are split into 6 piles in 6 different houses. I can not express enough - thank you thank you thank you!

The big move has taken place and I am now living with Jessica’s parents for two weeks before departure….Countdown is on. Jessica and I were lying in our new rooms thinking, “this isn’t right, it’s different.” How is it going to feel in a few weeks where we will make multiple moves and live in many different VERY foreign places. Can I make a mud hut cozy? Will I have a hot shower on a day where the monsoon rains come? Will Jessica’s mom make me a hot meal in Africa? I better get used to cozy living while I have it.

The attention generated from this trip is immaculate. Everywhere I go I hear, “I saw you on TV today,” or “my mom heard you on the radio yesterday.” Jessica and I have become mini celebrities in Kelowna. I have to say I thought I would enjoy the attention, but it can be trying at times as well. Two days ago I called scheduling to change my contact information and the scheduler on the other line knew of me, the trip, and Jessica’s name. I can’t even begin to express the feelings involved in the process thus far……..

For starters, to hear how “wonderful, courageous, and selfless I am” is extremely humbling. I feel extremely honoured to be the one to teach nurses to be better nurses. By any means I do not feel qualified and feel as though I have been frantically asking myself “how do you nurse again?” “You know this Lianne, you know this,” I keep repeating. What I am trying to say is that I feel that we are doing what we believe in, helping others in need, helping others be better at who they are, and thus helping us become better people as well. Nursing to me has always been about caring for others and wanting to make a difference, what a perfect opportunity!

In Conclusion I want to say that I am honoured to receive as much praise as we have in the last few months. However, I believe that if given the opportunity, anyone would take the chance to make a difference. “A man is the sum of his actions, of what he has done, of what he can do, Nothing else,” Ghandi….

Lianne