Me in my beautiful Myanmar home.
This year is fast coming to an end and as I start thinking up my new year’s resolutions I can’t help but reflect on my last year.
People often say ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ but I like to think that, this year, alongside time I too have flown reaching heights I never thought possible. This journey has been both professional and personal, it has been hard and sometimes frustrating; but for the most part – it’s been nothing short of amazing.
A sudden shaking.
I sit here in my kitchen, which not so long ago was shaking due to an earthquake. 6.8 on the Richter scale and only 30 or so kilometres away- it’s safe to say I was petrified! Every part of me shook alongside the jolts of the building. It’s was a scary thing. The first thought that crossed my mind was “is this it?”, my loved ones seemed further away than ever.
As the kitchen slowly settled back to a haunting stillness, a big fear flashed through my mind, ‘will I be allowed to stay here?’ and I was hit by a massive wave of sadness as I thought about going. There’s no way I want to leave early, I want to be here for every last minute.
Luckily, after communicating with the VSO team they decided that it was safe for me to stay and I’ve never been happier. Though many buildings and temples were damaged, the people remained as safe and resilient as ever. In true Myanmar form, my neighbours came to me as soon as the trembling stopped, and we began laughing about the event, drinking sweet tea and playing with the children in the garden. Together we began planning our next steps, how to help rebuild the most affected areas. Moments like this really make you realise that you are now a valued member of a community and no longer a visitor.
Me and my wonderful friends.
There is no easy way to summarise just how incredible this year has been. Our aims and targets for this project have not only been met, but exceeded. Though the focus was on imparting my knowledge and sharing skills, I had not considered the vast amount of skills and knowledge I would gain myself. Each and every person I have met on my journey, whether for a short chat in the tea shop or a colleague I work alongside have truly touched me. Kindness, acceptance, understanding and empathy oozes out of every corner of this beautiful township I call home. The earthquake has made me reflect on friendships I have made and that I hope with every part of my being will be maintained. My female colleagues have become like sisters – taking trips to the salon, watching movies (and talking about boys!), my male colleagues taking on brotherly roles – making sure I am safe and taking me on incredible trips on their motorbikes to places I never imagined I would see or experience.
Helping out at ‘The Baby Show’.
Recently, I joined my Maternal and Child Health colleagues at what is known here as a ‘baby show’. This is a daylong event that is treated and advertised as a kind of party. All the children receive a free lunch of eggs and lentils (quite a standard and nutritious meal here), some soap and a teddy bear. There are a variety of competitions that take place within each age group, and the winners all receive a small gift from the government. It was great to see all the kids’ excitement, it was such a lovely day.
However, it wasn’t all about fun. The main purpose of the day is for us to be able to assess the height, weight and development of the children. It is our chance to provide them with a general check-up and make sure that they are healthy. It can be hard to convince families how important these kind of check-ups can be, but by noticing things early we can change the lives of many of these children.
Over 200 children attended this year, and we had our work cut out ensuring each had a full medical check-up, received their portion of lunch, and hardest of all, was kept entertained. I have to say today has exhausted me far more than a day at the ward could.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
As I’m spending this Christmas away from my friends and family, I wanted to make something to send them, to show I’m thinking of them. After the baby show we took a photo that I just loved and have turned into a Christmas card to send home. I’ve uploaded it on to the blog as well because I really wanted to share my Christmas wishes with all of you too. I do hope you have a lovely time this festive season.
You don’t realise how much your support has meant to me. Anytime I talk about you guys to Su and the other midwives they say that my face just lights up. Thank you so much for being there for me.
Very best wishes,
Sam
