Wednesday, May 09, 2007

B's Back in Town

By Britt:
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I had an awesome time back in the states, but at the same time it is nice to be back home and getting back into the swing of things. I have some kind-of-deep thoughts on re-entering (both places; it was harder for me to come back here this time...) but those will have to wait for another time/post. I think Peanut is the happiest to have me back, that dog is in love with me - she is my sweet moose.
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Over the past three weeks, I was in seven states, visited four schools, and got to see lots of family and friends. Oh and we ate out too - entirely too much in my opinion- I definitely got my fill of restaurants. American food is good, but my stomach can only take so much at once. :) Thanks so much to everyone who fed us and let us crash at their house, we felt so loved. The highlights of my trip were the pit-stops (you know who you are) along our Midwest road-trip and getting to be in S. Florida (& at the beach) with Chris and his family last week. I also visited one last school last week (Barry University) that I think is "the one." So that is very exciting. And then I came home to the surprise blessings for my scholarship fund. I am kind of very overwhelmed with how blessed I am. Whew. God is good.
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I had a rather eventful first day back yesterday. First of all, I regret that I haven't posted much in the last few months. I was gone for some of March and most of April, but also there really haven't been very many interesting cases, which I guess is a good thing since that means less people having major problems. Anyway, I was excited to have an eventful day yesterday; I enjoy the cases that require more work and problem-solving techniques. Here's a quick run-down of some of the 'bigger' problems from yesterday (sorry to those of you who have been enjoying the extended break from guts and gore) :
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This is the back of a boy named Oriel's leg. He is eleven and was riding his bike yesterday when a motorcycle hit him. He did really well throughout the entire stitching process, which took about a half-hour. Here's the after:


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I know it kind of looks like a mess, but I think it will heal well. I'll be sure to post after pictures when the time comes to remove the sutures.

After Oriel, I saw a 12 month old boy that was walking/playing and fell into a cooking fire. The burn was pretty minor and should heal after a couple of weeks of dressing changes.
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I also did a minor operation on a man's shin; I'll tell more about that later when I have the pictures to go along with the story.
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I have the three Haitian-sensations at home with me today while the other half of the tribe tries to conquer Port-au-Prince. (Good luck with that, guys!)

We hope you have a wonderful Wednesday and Happy ANNiversary, Gran & Poppy! (That's how Nebraskans pronounce it - so I felt it fitting to spell it as such. :)

~B avek I, H, & P
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P.S. - We had a pretty big storm roll through here last night; lots of wind, rain, and lightning. Anyway, this morning it was still raining and so .... none of the kids showed up for school. A rain-day??? I always thought Minnesota was wimpy for minor snow-days, but this is just silly. Now it has stopped raining and is overcast - but still no students. Hmmmm ... wish I could follow suite and call off my school for a 'not-perfectly-hot-or-sunny' day. ;)