Thursday May 31 - Getting to work in Indonesia

Talked to home today. Got 10 min with Colette and 5 each with Mont, Madeleine and Danielle.

Tried to straighten my hair but just a bit of humidity.

Went out on deck and saw the island and the city on shore. They said it is about a 1/2 hours trip from ship to shore. Today was the first day of patients and people coming on board. The first group we x-rayed was group of nursing and medical students that will serve as our interpreters for the patients. They all speak English very well. The second group was Indonesian military. They had no English. We then got a student to interpret and had her for 2 hours before they decided they wanted her in nursing. It was nice to have her for a short time.  She could clarify the Indonesian phases we had typed up and help us shorten the commands so they will understand us better. Will have to send a newer list of the phrases and the phonetic pronunciation.

Worked from 7 am till 7:30 pm. I am feeling better with the equipment and was able to do one view chest by myself by the end of the day. Very long day and very tired with "brain fuzzy". I had one of the MH1 ask me to help him write up the step of how we're have tried to evaluate and resolve the island x-ray darkroom and equipment. I guess he is doing a problem solving /communication evaluations for a class and a promotion. It's fun to have them want me to help them, as I do the basic outline and they finalize the work. I am doing half the work, but it is in my head or I have developed it so they can understand the basic process. Don't feel like they are using me, I'm just helping them succeed. You should see all the studying they have to do to pass things off for rank promotions.

The Indonesian people are nice, quiet and seem very happy to see us. We did have to send one guy away because the doctors could not tell if the spots on his lungs was old or new TB so he was sent off the boat and will not get his surgery. They did have 10 cases on shore with TB, so they did not get on the shuttle boat to the ship. Our total patients to day about 70 with one CT, so we are busy but not swamped.  We get 20 or so at a time then have about 1 1/2 hour break till the next boat arrives.

Going to bed tired but happy.

Caroline

Wednesday 30 May - Arrival in Indonesia

Happy birthday! (to me).  Woke up at 3:30 and then went back to sleep till 5:20. Decided to try and do my hair but it is what it is. Jen, who is in X-ray with me, found out yesterday that her brother's friend was killed in a plane crash in St. George. Sad for her.  

Called home and talked to Maddie and got Mont at work. Tried Colette and Danielle but they didn't answer. The caller ID says 5000 so everyone things it is a wrong number and doesn't answer. Left them all voice messages. 

Had people wishing me happy birthday all day today. In the department, Danielle Taysom gave Jen and I pens and key chains from Guam for our birthdays. Jen's was just before we left on the trip. Then the x-ray staff went to the ship store and bought me and Chief Cantorna chocolate Hostess donuts and jelly cookies and put a candle on each. His birthday was yesterday. They sang and Jen gave me a cold bottle of  Ocean Spray cran-grape juice. Tastes so much better than the watered down juice in the dining. 

Cleaned bathrooms as usual. We will only muster in our departments in port, as there are too many going ashore and with assignments. We had Madison Burr come to our department and go over the phrases we will need to say to the patients who come in for the chest x-rays. He served over here on his mission about 4 years ago. 

The first port Manado is one of the areas he served in, so he is hoping to get off ship to maybe see someone he knows. He is going to translate to the media for Commodore Hickman who is like the second in command on the ship. Pretty big stuff for him. Jen and I recorded him pronouncing the phrases so we can listen if needed. He then spelled out the phrase and I typed them up and we now have them printed out and put up in the rooms so we can see them or point to them so the patients know what we want them to do. The language is pretty much phonics as you read the word. You pronounce every letter. The "R" is rolled and a is ah and e is I. The verbs switch around like French and Spanish so I might be able to fake it. 

We will be doing the second stage TB chest screening. If they have any symptoms we x-ray them and if they have TB they can't come on the ship. We are the double check after the questions are answered on the papers to come aboard. They figure we will see about 50 - 100 people per day. Jen is going to help at the hospital on shore to screen any patients not yet x-rayed. They have pre x-rayed a lot of the scheduled patients so our doctors are going to review and say yes or no if they have TB. 

We started passing some of the islands so I took a picture of a small one. Very green!! It was fun to see something other than water.  I helped in the food services for dinner. I was signed up to help wash the dishes but we had too many so I served on he food line. May job was he veggies and with the gravy. I was on the officers line. I had so many people say thank you for helping out. It really was a blast and the 1 1/2 hours went really fast. There was only me and a coleman doing our line. He was a nice guy from Texas. 

We were supposed to have a meeting in the department but looks like no one is coming. Things are really laid back and get cancelled or changed a lot. Sometimes I am not sure what the schedule is. The ladies have planned a movie night for the last night before we start the work and my birthday. I really need a shower so my hair will be dry enough in the morning and I don't have to get up at 4:30 to dry it all out. I am going to open the letter for the family as my birthday gift from them. Has been a great birthday even though I was far from home and family. We drop anchor about 4:30 am so the project is about to get into full swing!!!

29 May - Note Home

Just finished breakfast. Had to start taking malaria medication today.

Keep waking up at 4:30 - so I just get up, do my hair, dress in the dark and go charge the iPad in the lounge.

Doing pretty well. Still a bit anxious about when we start seeing patients. We will do mostly chest films to double check for TB. Just got an email from the navy about the film processing set up and was told thank you very much for doing such a good job. Also got an email from Shaila with an attachment for army field dark room set up.

Still not sure what I really am going to do. Not going off ship to do port side chest films and the other lady for LDS in x-ray is going out one day for school sports but I did not get assigned to leave the ship, so looks like I will stay on the ship while we are in Indonesia.

Will try to keep you posted every morning as the wifi works best in the mess hall then.

Just tell everyone I still get to do bathrooms every morning and dishes and sweep and mop. We have clean each day at 8-9. The vents spit out dust and we just keep sweeping it up.

They watch movies in the department on a 32" flat screen, so I have seen The Vow, bits of Man on a Ledge, 5 min of Battleship. You name it, they have it or can get it.

Have a fun week and tell Maddie,  to enjoy her last few days as a 7vie.

Thanks for all the info e-mails.

Love to all, Caroline

Tuesday 29 May - New Time Zone

Had to turn the clocks back last night with moving over a time zone. Woke up at 4:30 and decided I may as well get up and do my hair before the crowd of 100 plus in the bathroom. Got dressed and came and sat in the lounge for 30 minutes before going to breakfast.

Started taking the malaria meds so we will see how that goes. Have to take with food so just pocketed the pill and had it with breakfast. The food is actually pretty good. Hot breakfast like pancakes, eggs cooked to order, sausage and oatmeal cereal then you can choose from fruit, breads, yogurt, milk and hot drinks. They told us if we are going to have hot chocolate to put it in the juice glass so people do not think we are drinking coffee.

Reported as usual at 7:30 but really show up at 7:15. Opened emails and saw Shaila had sent me the whole army manual about setting up a field dark room processing unit. It was just what I needed. 

I have volunteered to clean the 3 bathrooms very day as I feel this is something I know how to do. We spent the morning helping the men in the department make fishing poles. Very interesting way to spend the time. 

After lunch I spent 1 1/2 hours revamped the shopping list to look for supplies to set up this darkroom on one of the islands we will be getting to in 5 days. Was frustrated as I typed it then tried to cut and paste it into an email to the departments and it kept replacing what I had typed in the first out line. I had to retype and revamp the whole thing 2 times, with it disappearing into nowhere both times. I have no idea if I can retrieve it in the notes program. After doing it a third time I finally sent a copy to the home email and then copied and pasted it from there. Very frustrating as I almost missed dinner. 

They seem to think it will help them look and see what we have to work with HM2 Bollinger leaves in the morning to helicopter out to see what they really have on hand and take pictures. They will be doing the same at the hospital.  I was supposed to go on to shore the second day in to screen patients before being boated to the ship but they want me to be in the department to answer questions and help figure what they has and what they might need. I guess is am the person who gets this OLD stuff with hand developing of films. There is a hint I may get to go to shore when we come back after doing the island circle. 

The Jarstads (our group leaders) gave us all armor of god coins and they announced it was my birthday tomorrow. Will be helping in the dish room tomorrow night for 4 plus hours. Plenty hot - it should be fun. We get to set back our clocks 1 hour again so I guess I will be waking up at 3:30 now. 

28 May - Note to the Family

Hello to everyone back home. It has taken until today for me to get Internet access. Sorry about that.

My other difficulty is there is only to places on the ship I can get strong enought connections to send and receive emails. The system is so slow it took 10 mins just to open the blog site.

Hope to get to you all every few days. It is an interesting life. Many stairs and many long hallways with twists and turns. We counted the other day. It is 85 stairs to get from the sleeping area to the dining hall. They said when you do a complete up and down of the stairs 6 times it is 1 mile. Legs are getting strong. The sleeping area has the lights out from 10am till 6pm do the night people can sleep. Since the lockers with my stuff is in the same area I have to use a flashlight to see to open the combination locks. There is no sitting or talking in there during that time.

Right now I get up at 4:30 or 5, get dressed and eat about 6:30. I need to report at my department at 7:30, which in navy time it means you be there at least 15 min early. Mormon standard time does not work here! I have met a lot of wonderful people so far and have already given a talk in our 1st sacrament meeting.

I will try and keep you posted. If not, contact my family to have the emails forwarded to you. Thanks for everyone's support!

Love, Caroline

Monday 28 May - Getting Closer to Indonesia

Today I decided to get up at 4:30 so I could get ready and have time to flat iron my hair before the rush in the bathroom. It did pretty well since I went to bed with damp hair. Braided Trudi's hair for her. Called home and talked to Mont for a few minutes. He was in a meeting with the Bishop. Called from the department and was able to talk to everyone before they went to the cemetery.

Reported to department and not too much for us to do today. Had an in service about Indonesia and what the island will be. The first stop is Manado, Siau and the city Bec?,  Sangihe and the city Tahuna? and then Talaud and the city Ondong?  Not sure if I got all the names and on the right island(s). We will drop off at each place and then comeback and pick up. Some people will be at their drop off location for 5-6 days. Some will be camping it out in their area and some in hotels. Jennifer is going out on a humanitarian on the 11 June to a school to play sports. I have not been given any assignment for this country but I am OK with it. I was asked to help look at a picture the engineers sent with an X-ray machine at a clinic they are setting up in a village. Looks like it is a small portable machine but able to do chests and abdomens. I was asked to come up a list of what is needed to set up a hand dipping film processing. Really had to look in the books and think way back to x-ray school. I did finally call Jeff to call Shaila so I could pick her brain on what else I need for the set up in case they need to make the whole thing from scratch. It was nice to be able to do something. It took about 2 hours to get it all typed and checked over. Will see what they can use. 

There was a mention at one time of me going out on the 5 day with the group going there but I think they are going to send Bollinger out to take pictures and send to the department and then we evaluating what is there and what they will need to make it set up. I guess since I had experienced switch hand processing I have something they could use. Prayed as I was typing that I could remember what I had learned 35 years ago and would be able to type it so they knew what was needed and how it would be put together. 

Finally am able to email but it is slow!!! Nice to get the emails. Did try and blog but it took almost 10 mins to open up to where I could type in it. We may be emailing and then typing it into the blog and adding pictures. 

Having FHE tonight and hear we are doing a scavenger hunt and learning about Indonesia from Madison Burr, who is one of our interpreters and served his mission here about 4 years ago and putting the LDS Charities stickers on all the hygiene kits we brought. 

Feel a bit more comfortable but an nervous about running the equipment with patients and using the portables. We will not be doing the port side machines here so have time to get the one repaired. I pray daily to feel at peace and have my mind opened so I can learn and know what I need to do so do my job.

Sunday 27 May - Church

Today was considered a regular work day. We muster in the causality receiving area that is located next to x-ray. I would guess we meet there, as the commander over the  whole DCSS has his office in x-ray. 

Helped do the sweeper (cleaning) of the department. We had to sign forms to be able to access the computers for patient data entry. Was shown where to take the paper garbage down to the incinerators. They separate the garbage into paper, plastic, metal/bones. They burn all the paper and then store the other garbage on the top deck till the ship docks in a port. Nothing is supposed be thrown off the ship. Had to have the NG mask fitted again. Since our forms were in the berthing, we did the whole breathing in the mask and were given a mask to keep with us.  

Jennifer showed me a few things with the name identification on the cassette and loading into the machine. She seems to warm up at times and then is off without a word. I can tell she is same age as a lot of them in the department so I want to step back and let her enjoy the time. She will be with them three months so there will be some closer bonding for her. I guess I am just the mom in the place. 

The officer asked what type of things we would like to go off shore to do for charity and sounded like playing at the schools and that type of thing. We will see how it goes. Unloaded the portable machine so the mechanical department could come and look at it again to order the part to have delivered to the ship. 

We met for our first Sacrament meeting. I offered to give one of the talks since I had some notes with me. It was a bit harder to put together since I was looking for scriptures and haven't quite figured out how to search on the iPad. Just wrote out a quick talk with some stories and personal points. I feel I was able to share what I felt was in my heart.  I hoped the members were able to feel the impressions I have received.  

X-ray was in charge of the ship's evening activity which was a movie on the flight deck. Went to help set up the chairs and found out it had been cancelled due to repairs on the helicopter. Went up to the deck with Julia Chappell to take pictures of it. They turned the boat around for some reason while they did the repair so we saw how slowly they turn the ship in a big circle. Saw trash floating by and found out they do put the bio degradable cups and items in the sea. They really do sort the garbage. 

Really is interesting how there are so many people I can walk to places with or talk to so easily even though I have known them for less than a week. I really enjoy having Commander Taysom in the area I am assigned. I do not want to make her feel like she needs to cross the line of duty and church. I am still nervous about using the equipment. It pray that I can do the things I need to to help make x-ray run smoothly.

Saturday 26 May - Abandon Ship Drills

Getting up at 5, because everyone is so noisy even though we are supposed to be quiet in the berthing until 6. Today we had the rules given about what you can and cannot do in the berthing area. No talking from 10 am till 6 when the lights are out for the day sleepers. Had information meeting about the rules in the berthing area. Showers, what your bed can have, how you can dress and wear shoe wise, how to climb into your rack and what you can have in there (no food, no clothing or personal items), how to keep the bathrooms clean and the rules on garbage. Way too many rules and too many people tell us different things. 

Had fire and abandon-ship drills. We are supposed to be able to get 1200 people from the whole ship to pick up their life jackets and line up in life boat groups on the flight deck in 7 minutes. Today we made it in 15. Practice will make perfect. 

Helped unload one of the new portable x-ray machines. Did the first warm up and blew out the centering light so the default circuit will not let it work until there is a light field. There are older 2 back-up units we can use if needed. 

Did laundry as we get the privilege only on Saturdays and Wednesdays. It probably was 90 degrees in there with all the dryers running. 

Had our first devotional/meeting with our group. I am giving one of the talks tomorrows as I brought some notes with me to draw on. 

It is fun to sit and talk with all the other groups at meals. I have met some very diverse people. We mostly sit with the Australians and other NGO (non-governmental organizations, like Project Hope) people. 

Will see if I get off the ship to do one humanitarian trips but I will hopefully get off to do some chest screenings.

Friday 25 May - Getting Oriented to X-ray

Today was our first in the department. Seems very similar to normal radiology departments. Pretty low key.

At muster (roll call) the main commander over DCSS ( support departments like radiology and pharmacy) said if we had any questions to come to his office if we didn't want to ask in front of anyone. The radiology group is fun and pretty laid back. We have 4 rooms and a CT unit, 3 C arms and 4 portables and 2 ultra sound units plus a mobile ultra sound. Was able to watch a CT abdomen.

The resident radiologist took me up to the ship store and I was able to get 2 shirts, hat, a back pack, coins and a drink. Only 5 people are allowed in the store at a time so they line up outside the door and rotate in as one leaves.

Danielle Taysom, the head radiologist and our Relief Society president gave me some other type of motion sickness pills to take before we pulled out of port.

The ship pulled out of port at 16:00 (4:00 pm). Everyone was up on the deck watching as the tugboats pushed, pulled and turned the ship about to proceed out of the harbor. We were able to see the submarines docked. Tried to stay on deck to get a picture of the sunset but too many clouds.

Attended a mandatory information in service meeting, which was basically the same as the power point we had emailed us.  I had a very hard time with the rocking of the ship.

Thursday 24 May - First Day on the Ship

LDSC (Latter-day Saint Charities) met together in the chapel after breakfast. Just a few rules with the phone and getting computer access. 

Had to check in to radiology to get info about mustering tomorrow. Required to have a buddy to check out for liberty. Went with Marie McWilliams,Trudi Poole and Jenni H to get our liberty and base ID. Julia and her sister Marylee joined us. We went and purchased items for the lockers to store things neater. Got an alarm clock and swim suit as we decided to go to the beach. 

Went and walked the main beach in town and bought magnets, shirts, other items. Went back to the PX and got more storage and then dropped in at the boat and the bus driver Johnny took us to Gaba beach. Walked in the water seeing a sea cucumber and small jelly fish. We kept it short, as we did not want to get sunburned. The driver helped us get pictures it the sub that will follow the ship and the base entrance, and the Navy base sign. He even took the pictures so we could all be in them. 

Went to dinner in town but ended up at McDonalds as we were running out of time and it was getting dark. 

Interesting event happened while we were shopping at the ABC Store for shirts and souvenirs. Jenni went to go sit outside on a bench as the AC was very cold in the store. She was outside for a few minutes and then had a very distinct impression that she needed to back in the store right then. When she told us at dinner it gave the goosebumps to all of us.  Every time we leave or return to the ship, we have to sign in a book in the department we are assigned to and list who are shore buddy is. They are very particular as to knowing where everyone is. 

Got the experience of taking a nice navy shower and cleaned and organized the smaller locker. (A navy shower is water on for 10 seconds, turn the water off, soap up, lather up, and quickly rinse).  The baskets in our lockers make it so much easier to find things. Will hopefully leave the baskets for the ladies coming on when we leave. 

Set our watches and jumped into bed, as we get up at 5:20 to get ready to go eat. First muster (roll call) will be at 9:30 and you need to arrive at least 15 min early. There is no mormon standard time here.Hope I sleep better to night. Taking 1/2 ambien to help. 

I am tired but having fun. Stressing a bit with the unknown tomorrow.

Wednesday 23 May - Crossed the Date Line

Since we crossed the date line I missed most of the 23rd. Got into Guam late.  

Very interesting getting all the stuff on board the ship last night. It was nice that when we got to the ship they let us put our bags on a trolley cart so we didn't have to carry on our bags up stairs. Did have to carry my stuff down to the birthing, but I was one of the first and had space and time to set up.  The wheels on the new bag didn't work with all the weight.  Took about 2 hours to get assigned. 

I changed bunks as one of the girls Alysa Reese didn't want to spend her three months climbing on to the top bunk. Just got to the point of throwing things in the locker and getting into bed. Took a short shower and tried to sleep but worried about the cell phone not working for an alarm and having roaming charges. 

I may have got 3-4 hours of waking-up sleep. Have about 18-24 inches from bed to ceiling. Makes getting into bed interesting.