Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Feeling Better
I suppose I should write about my health since some of you may be wondering how I am doing. The respiratory and nasal problems are all gone for the most part. I'm still taking Mucinex DM until the box is empty just to be on the safe side. I've also started taking a pill of 1000 IUs of Vitamin D everyday. I've heard that around here it's very important to get plenty of D, even when it's not total darkness most of the day. The weather can really take a toll on a person as you can imagine, so I need to keep an eye on my health better.
Other then that I've only got one more bottle of Celexia (clinical depression medication), so I'll have to get more refills in the future, especially with the harsh winter coming up and complete darkness this place is said to become rather depressing. I'm keeping my spirits up however, and trying my hardest to be active in the community.
We were all told that the first three months of our service are the hardest. I for one have experienced this on the ground of physical health. And because of that I've had less chances over the past month and a half to be out in the community because I was feeling so bad. I'm praying though, and I realize that this is my first month here, that things will start to get better.
One issue I've always had in life is dealing with patience. I personally am a very impatient person to be honest and I want things to happen fast. I don't know if this is because of the fast paced life style of Northern Virginia, but I have a feeling that could play a part in it. The one thing about missionaries is that they have to adapt, and adapt quickly.
I have not yet gotten the respect of the youth around here, and I have a long way to go in that area. The majority of the youth here end up raising themselves and have no respect for elders, people older then them, or authority. I suppose no discipline has been carried out. It's sad, but it will take time to get to where God needs me to be with these youth.
All in all, I'm feeling better in health and remaining optimistic. I'm doing my absolute hardest to find the silver lining in everything. Optimism goes a long way in the midst of struggle.
+PeAcE+
Other then that I've only got one more bottle of Celexia (clinical depression medication), so I'll have to get more refills in the future, especially with the harsh winter coming up and complete darkness this place is said to become rather depressing. I'm keeping my spirits up however, and trying my hardest to be active in the community.
We were all told that the first three months of our service are the hardest. I for one have experienced this on the ground of physical health. And because of that I've had less chances over the past month and a half to be out in the community because I was feeling so bad. I'm praying though, and I realize that this is my first month here, that things will start to get better.
One issue I've always had in life is dealing with patience. I personally am a very impatient person to be honest and I want things to happen fast. I don't know if this is because of the fast paced life style of Northern Virginia, but I have a feeling that could play a part in it. The one thing about missionaries is that they have to adapt, and adapt quickly.
I have not yet gotten the respect of the youth around here, and I have a long way to go in that area. The majority of the youth here end up raising themselves and have no respect for elders, people older then them, or authority. I suppose no discipline has been carried out. It's sad, but it will take time to get to where God needs me to be with these youth.
All in all, I'm feeling better in health and remaining optimistic. I'm doing my absolute hardest to find the silver lining in everything. Optimism goes a long way in the midst of struggle.
+PeAcE+
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Advocacy Issue #1 : Alcohol
HI ALL! Since I have been here in Nome for a month in a half now, I've been soaking in all the different things that the people live with here in this northern city. Other then the freezing temperatures, crazy weather and harsh winters one of the great issues that is hard to battle here in Nome is the situation involving alcohol. After living here for a bit, I for one can see and feel the hardships alcohol abuse can cause on individuals, families, social circles, employment, economy, the whole system.
There is a significant amount of alcohol abuse here in Nome, which is also might I add, one of first things I heard about Nome before I ended up moving here. One of the first nights living here in the city, I took a walk down the shore as far as I could before the tide was no longer rolling up the sandy ground, but crashing against the rocks. I made a stop at a gas station and then made my way walking back to my apartment. The road I walked is called Front St. and it is the oldest road in Nome, and the home of the bars here in the city. Walking down I had many encounters with sights of people unable to even keep their feet as they made their ways out of bars and people who I could tell were homeless that were in the same condition.
There is a significant amount of alcohol abuse here in Nome, which is also might I add, one of first things I heard about Nome before I ended up moving here. One of the first nights living here in the city, I took a walk down the shore as far as I could before the tide was no longer rolling up the sandy ground, but crashing against the rocks. I made a stop at a gas station and then made my way walking back to my apartment. The road I walked is called Front St. and it is the oldest road in Nome, and the home of the bars here in the city. Walking down I had many encounters with sights of people unable to even keep their feet as they made their ways out of bars and people who I could tell were homeless that were in the same condition.
These people I see are fathers, brothers, sons, cousins, nephews, members of someone's family. And with that known, I hear about many situations where children suffer family problems because of drinking and families being torn apart because of alcohol addiction. Here, it's part of normal life for the town. Personally, I have not been able to imagine an issue like this just being "part of life" before I moved here to Nome. After this realization I felt very sheltered, but also, I feel spiritually grown. I indeed thank God that he has brought an experience to me that has brought about a new way of thinking.
The social justice issue here is that the bars bring in a lot of money, money that does filter back into the economy of Nome. The issue I have is that IT'S BARS! It's a vicious cycle, a cycle hard to beat. Recently, the PFD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Permanent_Fund_Dividend) checks were released to Alaskan residents. Once the residents received this check, a great number of people from the local villages and people in Nome end up blowing the entire check on alcohol. You see the problem here?
It's a problem that has made me feel smaller. Because of this issue here in the city, and because I am a missionary and person after the Lord's heart I have had to set up boundaries for living. I have not been able to bring myself to go into bars, or even be seen with alcohol. The United Methodist Church states that it "affirms our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons." On top of this there are a series of scriptures that go against drinking alcohol:
Genesis 9:20-26
It's a problem that has made me feel smaller. Because of this issue here in the city, and because I am a missionary and person after the Lord's heart I have had to set up boundaries for living. I have not been able to bring myself to go into bars, or even be seen with alcohol. The United Methodist Church states that it "affirms our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons." On top of this there are a series of scriptures that go against drinking alcohol:
Genesis 9:20-26
Genesis 19:30-38
Leviticus 10:9-11
Numbers 6:3
Leviticus 10:9-11
Numbers 6:3
These are all good examples of what alcohol does to family, judgement, and in terms of holy ritual.
Matthew 24:48-51
Luke 12:45
These are words of Jesus Christ that mention drinking being a problem.
If you would like more resources, and I mean scriptures to look at and not break down sentences of scripture, I found this site: http://www.scionofzion.com/drinking.htm. Again, I didn't look at the websites break down of the scripture, I just looked at the scripture myself to see what it is telling me.
Alcohol abuse is a societal issue, but it is also an addiction. Addictions can be passed down through bloodlines, and this makes the future of some even harder. I ask for your prayers for those that struggle with this battle or who may struggle with it in the future. +PeAcE+
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Video Blog Episode 3
Better late then never.
Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKh_UWvX99A
Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKh_UWvX99A
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Self Care
HI ALL! Let's talk about self care shall we?
So most of you know that I've been sick for about three weeks now. I think I may have had strep and pneumonia all at once (I'm no doctor), but either way, it's now become a respiratory and nasal infection! After going back to the doctors on Thursday I was finally given an anti-biotic to fight this fiend. I'm doing better now, people here have been telling me that I seem more like myself! If I didn't mention, I couldn't hear in one ear for about two weeks, and I can hear now. I have a follow up appointment with the Audiologist on Monday. Unfortunately, these hospital bills are going to be quite costly! This brings me to the important topic of self care.
You see, during Missionary Training we were told the importance of self care; mentally, emotionally and physically. I sure have been handling the mental and emotional portion okay, so don't worry about that. The physical bit not so much. I was exercising regularly, but not dressing right, and I may not have been eating right either. Since this is my first time living on my own, AND I don't have a room mate to keep an eye on my might I add, it's been quite trialing learning how to stay healthy in terms of diet and, need I say, adapting to the Alaskan Environment!
I'm learning now, but I can't express enough how important these aspects are, especially in an area that isn't self-sufficient at all! I only mention the self-sufficiency bit because, being so far up north, everything is imported. Because of this, everything is more expensive, EVEN DOCTOR VISITS! If you live alone, it's better to buy things that will keep you healthy then pay for doctor bills, this is true. So now that I know, I have to toughen up a bit, start really paying attention to my diet, bundle up, and take better physical care of myself.
I've been staying in mostly because breathing in the cold causes the mucus to solidify and makes my chest tight, so I can't be out too much. Good thing I got my desktop with video games and I have plenty of reading material, I've been keeping myself busy. Don't worry though, I've got plans for the future as I plan to try to be doing something every night of the week except for Saturdays, those days are sacred to me.
So remember, physical health is just as important as mental and emotional health. They all work hand in hand:
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”
~2 Corinthians 6:19–20~
+PeAcE+
So most of you know that I've been sick for about three weeks now. I think I may have had strep and pneumonia all at once (I'm no doctor), but either way, it's now become a respiratory and nasal infection! After going back to the doctors on Thursday I was finally given an anti-biotic to fight this fiend. I'm doing better now, people here have been telling me that I seem more like myself! If I didn't mention, I couldn't hear in one ear for about two weeks, and I can hear now. I have a follow up appointment with the Audiologist on Monday. Unfortunately, these hospital bills are going to be quite costly! This brings me to the important topic of self care.
You see, during Missionary Training we were told the importance of self care; mentally, emotionally and physically. I sure have been handling the mental and emotional portion okay, so don't worry about that. The physical bit not so much. I was exercising regularly, but not dressing right, and I may not have been eating right either. Since this is my first time living on my own, AND I don't have a room mate to keep an eye on my might I add, it's been quite trialing learning how to stay healthy in terms of diet and, need I say, adapting to the Alaskan Environment!
I'm learning now, but I can't express enough how important these aspects are, especially in an area that isn't self-sufficient at all! I only mention the self-sufficiency bit because, being so far up north, everything is imported. Because of this, everything is more expensive, EVEN DOCTOR VISITS! If you live alone, it's better to buy things that will keep you healthy then pay for doctor bills, this is true. So now that I know, I have to toughen up a bit, start really paying attention to my diet, bundle up, and take better physical care of myself.
I've been staying in mostly because breathing in the cold causes the mucus to solidify and makes my chest tight, so I can't be out too much. Good thing I got my desktop with video games and I have plenty of reading material, I've been keeping myself busy. Don't worry though, I've got plans for the future as I plan to try to be doing something every night of the week except for Saturdays, those days are sacred to me.
So remember, physical health is just as important as mental and emotional health. They all work hand in hand:
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”
~2 Corinthians 6:19–20~
+PeAcE+
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sickness
One month has passed since I started my new life here in Nome. As a missionary, I should tell you that it has been a blessing of an experience so far, I don't regret this decision at all. I only say this because I've been battling some sort of Virus for two and a half weeks now. Some of you may have been able to tell from my Video Blog last week that I wasn't feeling at all like myself. It seems to be some sort of Nasal and Respiratory issue I have been fighting. Some days I have a sore throat, some days I don't. I always have a runny nose. The coughing has at least become much less violent. And every once in awhile I get really tight chested, like someone has just punched me. Though, I must tell you I am getting better.
This is my first time living under my own roof instead of under the roof of my parents, and it's an experience. I don't know about you who is reading this right now, but I wonder if it is easier with a roommate? Sickness can sometimes leave you helpless, I found myself praying more. Not to alarm you, I just don't ever get sick. I don't take being sick easy at all. I miss exercising, And being able to breath without the worry of another violent cough attack. I don't know why, but I am looking at being sick a lot different now.
Back home in Northern Virginia, I never really had to worry. I get sick, I know there are well trained doctors very close by who can pinpoint what I have and give me the medication I need. Here, it is different. I have been told that I'm not going to find a medical facility here in Nome like I have back in Northern Virginia. Usually, the hospital here can handle itself and patients, but the care is different I've been told. Doctors come and go, which is usually how Nome works, a lot of people always come and go. I was told that if I want a really good medical facility I can find one in Anchorage. But let me tell you what I have learned.
God bless the doctors who choose to work here. True, I probably should have been prescribed something stronger then Psuedophed, but I've been able to tough this out pretty well. When I wasn't able to hear, the Audiologist was very correct in why I was having trouble hearing. I could tell he is VERY good at what he does. This goes for doctors here in Nome and everywhere else, their job is NOT easy, God knows it never has been. I've always "known" that doctors are brilliant people who don't have easy jobs, all the schooling they have to go through is enough to say that. Doctors have to deal with the same kind of customer problems as any other working individual, but when it's health on the line, it's that much more severe.
We NEED to take care of ourselves; self-care and self-appreciation go a long way. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need Doctors if you think about it. But we do, and we should be more thankful for them when we take them for granted. Thankful for pharmaceuticals, Lab Technicians, all the staff that make those facilities work. Even when I can't get the best care, at least I can get some care. If only we could figure out the insurance and paying bit a little better, it WOULD make things easier, there is always that. That wall is what I think causes a lot of the customer issues within hospitals.
Anyway, I think this blog was more of just a rant. Oh well, I suppose there will be one of these every once in awhile. Know that I am holding up though, even if I am still feeling rough. I have money to afford medicine, I have a bed to sleep in, clean water and food. I would say God has provided me with the means to survive.
This is my first time living under my own roof instead of under the roof of my parents, and it's an experience. I don't know about you who is reading this right now, but I wonder if it is easier with a roommate? Sickness can sometimes leave you helpless, I found myself praying more. Not to alarm you, I just don't ever get sick. I don't take being sick easy at all. I miss exercising, And being able to breath without the worry of another violent cough attack. I don't know why, but I am looking at being sick a lot different now.
Back home in Northern Virginia, I never really had to worry. I get sick, I know there are well trained doctors very close by who can pinpoint what I have and give me the medication I need. Here, it is different. I have been told that I'm not going to find a medical facility here in Nome like I have back in Northern Virginia. Usually, the hospital here can handle itself and patients, but the care is different I've been told. Doctors come and go, which is usually how Nome works, a lot of people always come and go. I was told that if I want a really good medical facility I can find one in Anchorage. But let me tell you what I have learned.
God bless the doctors who choose to work here. True, I probably should have been prescribed something stronger then Psuedophed, but I've been able to tough this out pretty well. When I wasn't able to hear, the Audiologist was very correct in why I was having trouble hearing. I could tell he is VERY good at what he does. This goes for doctors here in Nome and everywhere else, their job is NOT easy, God knows it never has been. I've always "known" that doctors are brilliant people who don't have easy jobs, all the schooling they have to go through is enough to say that. Doctors have to deal with the same kind of customer problems as any other working individual, but when it's health on the line, it's that much more severe.
We NEED to take care of ourselves; self-care and self-appreciation go a long way. In a perfect world, we wouldn't need Doctors if you think about it. But we do, and we should be more thankful for them when we take them for granted. Thankful for pharmaceuticals, Lab Technicians, all the staff that make those facilities work. Even when I can't get the best care, at least I can get some care. If only we could figure out the insurance and paying bit a little better, it WOULD make things easier, there is always that. That wall is what I think causes a lot of the customer issues within hospitals.
Anyway, I think this blog was more of just a rant. Oh well, I suppose there will be one of these every once in awhile. Know that I am holding up though, even if I am still feeling rough. I have money to afford medicine, I have a bed to sleep in, clean water and food. I would say God has provided me with the means to survive.
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