Trip home started at 5:30 am on Tuesday, Oct. 12 and ended at 8:30 pm Tuesday, Oct 12 with the losing of the nine hours I lost on the trip over. I was very tried by the time I got to Sioux Falls, SD.
Discovered in Atlanta that my luggage was not there and probably still in Moscow. Fill out a lost luggage form in Sioux Falls. Well the luggage came on Wednesday night through JFK. They broken the lock which Kerry said was the lock that the TSC people had a key for and almost repacked the whole suitcase. Everything came through ok except for two globe candies for Conrad and David.
I had to be on Campus at 8:30 Wednesday morning. Needles to say I crashed about 2pm. Went home and rested for an hour. On Thursday I crashed at about 3:30 but had 1 1/2 hours of lab left to do. On Wednesday night I finally got to sleep most of the night so Friday was a much better day.
Thank you Kerry for a great visit. Thanks Jakes for putting up with "Grandma".
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Pediatric Clinic
This morning Kerry and I met Galina, a retired doctor who specialized in TB. She gave us a tour of one of the children's clinic where she used to work.
There were general Pediatricians, and specialist in ear, eyes, lungs, heart, kidney, bone and possibly of others. Kerry was our interpreter and between the two of us we did ok. I helped with some of the medical terms and she took care of the rest. They had x-ray, ultrasound, EKG, a surgical room and a laboratory. Also physical, light, wax, magnetic and massage therapy rooms. Other rooms were for checking sleep apnea, immunization center and well baby checks. Some of immunization they give are polio, flu, and TB, The general Pediatrician's would see the patients at the clinic and then make house calls. The clinic runs from 8 am to 7 pm. It was a walk in type of clinic. No appointment and you waited your turn. From our observation there were no men working. However we did not see everyone. They also had a area that you could come for the day and receive treatment and then go home at night. A lot of the medications are given by injection.
Afterwards we visit about the type of training they have here. For nursing there are three levels. The first one sounded like our LPN's with vocational training which took three years. The second one was more like our RN's which took one more year and was able to do more nursing. The last one is similar to our Nurse Practicer or Physician Assistant and took 5 years. This person could provide care in villages where there was not a doctor if the problem was not serious. All levels have a test to pass.
The physician goes for 6 years and has to decide before beginning if they want to work with children or adults. After the 4th year, they need to decided if they want to specialize in something. The 6 years they spend working with a doctor somewhere. After that they get a diploma. Then they spend one more year working as a doctor but under the supervision of another doctor. After that year, they take the medical exam and get a license. Every five years they have to renew their license. Also during those five years, they have to take some type of continuing education courses.
At this point they can continue with their education giving them three different titles. The first title they can receive is "Second Level" by receiving some special training in some area. After they have this they can get the next title which is called "First Level" and this is done by writing a research paper and defending it before a committee. Then after this they can go on to get the next title called "Higher Level." I'm not sure what was needed to get to this title. After this there is one more rare title that some receive. She wasn't sure how to translate it but something like "Highly Respect."
Came home and had lunch and then went shopping for few things. I started packing but Kerry finished due to the fact that everything needed to get in the suitcase. Home tomorrow.
There were general Pediatricians, and specialist in ear, eyes, lungs, heart, kidney, bone and possibly of others. Kerry was our interpreter and between the two of us we did ok. I helped with some of the medical terms and she took care of the rest. They had x-ray, ultrasound, EKG, a surgical room and a laboratory. Also physical, light, wax, magnetic and massage therapy rooms. Other rooms were for checking sleep apnea, immunization center and well baby checks. Some of immunization they give are polio, flu, and TB, The general Pediatrician's would see the patients at the clinic and then make house calls. The clinic runs from 8 am to 7 pm. It was a walk in type of clinic. No appointment and you waited your turn. From our observation there were no men working. However we did not see everyone. They also had a area that you could come for the day and receive treatment and then go home at night. A lot of the medications are given by injection.
Afterwards we visit about the type of training they have here. For nursing there are three levels. The first one sounded like our LPN's with vocational training which took three years. The second one was more like our RN's which took one more year and was able to do more nursing. The last one is similar to our Nurse Practicer or Physician Assistant and took 5 years. This person could provide care in villages where there was not a doctor if the problem was not serious. All levels have a test to pass.
The physician goes for 6 years and has to decide before beginning if they want to work with children or adults. After the 4th year, they need to decided if they want to specialize in something. The 6 years they spend working with a doctor somewhere. After that they get a diploma. Then they spend one more year working as a doctor but under the supervision of another doctor. After that year, they take the medical exam and get a license. Every five years they have to renew their license. Also during those five years, they have to take some type of continuing education courses.
Came home and had lunch and then went shopping for few things. I started packing but Kerry finished due to the fact that everything needed to get in the suitcase. Home tomorrow.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Church and Impressions about Russia
Went to church this morning and enjoyed the music. Even if I did not understand the words I know that they were worshiping God. The team that went to Central Asia gave a report about their trip. Anton, the pastor, also gave a short devotion reminding us that Jesus allowed the people to crucify Him.
Things that are different from the last times I've been to Russia:
-Crosswalk really do mean that the cars will stop for you instead of you having to find a time that is clear.
-cars, the numbers have increased
-Shopping is similar to ours. There are lockers to place your items in before you go into the store. Then you take a cart or basket and pick out the items you want and go to the checkout and pay.
-There are small stores that will show you the item and then you decide if you want it or not. Also there are stores, like the candy store, where you tell them which candy you want and how much and then they will get it, weigh it and then tell you the price.
-The building may be old and appear not to be kept up on the outside but inside the people really do care about there apartment's. Around the building people are are paid to clean the leafs from the street. The garbage goes to a public garbage spot
-there still is the public transportation; trolley, buses and taxis; a person collects the money to ride, On the first time we, Jim and I, came to Russia the fair was passed to the front and the change came back to you. the cost of a ride to anywhere you want to go is 10 rubles, 33 cents in American money
-there is still a lot of walking, apartment buildings that have more than 5 floor are required to have an elevator, otherwise you walk the stairs, even if there is an elevator it might not be working but it will be there
-people are friendly inside, however outside there will not be a lot of eye contact and smiling at each other
-I need to watch were I walk because the sidewalk is not alway level and you need to know where you are stepping
-there are many paths made by the people because it is shorter
-Mushrooms grow wild in the forest and people go mushroom gathering
-ESPN America shows football(college), hockey, basketball, and baseball
I am sure there are other things but for now that is all I can think of
Kerry and I are going to Anton and Inna's for supper. We are taking the bus.
Things that are different from the last times I've been to Russia:
-Crosswalk really do mean that the cars will stop for you instead of you having to find a time that is clear.
-cars, the numbers have increased
-Shopping is similar to ours. There are lockers to place your items in before you go into the store. Then you take a cart or basket and pick out the items you want and go to the checkout and pay.
-There are small stores that will show you the item and then you decide if you want it or not. Also there are stores, like the candy store, where you tell them which candy you want and how much and then they will get it, weigh it and then tell you the price.
-The building may be old and appear not to be kept up on the outside but inside the people really do care about there apartment's. Around the building people are are paid to clean the leafs from the street. The garbage goes to a public garbage spot
-there still is the public transportation; trolley, buses and taxis; a person collects the money to ride, On the first time we, Jim and I, came to Russia the fair was passed to the front and the change came back to you. the cost of a ride to anywhere you want to go is 10 rubles, 33 cents in American money
-there is still a lot of walking, apartment buildings that have more than 5 floor are required to have an elevator, otherwise you walk the stairs, even if there is an elevator it might not be working but it will be there
-people are friendly inside, however outside there will not be a lot of eye contact and smiling at each other
-I need to watch were I walk because the sidewalk is not alway level and you need to know where you are stepping
-there are many paths made by the people because it is shorter
-Mushrooms grow wild in the forest and people go mushroom gathering
-ESPN America shows football(college), hockey, basketball, and baseball
I am sure there are other things but for now that is all I can think of
Kerry and I are going to Anton and Inna's for supper. We are taking the bus.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Village, Mushrooms, and People
This morning, Saturday, Oct. 8th, Nastya, Kerry and I went to visit the babushky's in the two villages that the Stephan Ministry is working with. In the village Nikolo-Ushna we visited with Nastya's grandmother Rita. She enjoyed telling us stories about herself and showed us pictures of her family.
After awhile two other ladies joined us for tea. They all felt the need to bring something to the tea. One brought candy and the another brought current jam and a jar of carrots and squash. They visited and Nastya shared about her trip to Central Asia and how God had helped the team.
We then went mushroom hunting in the forest. We found a few that were eatable and few that were not eatable. However we can honestly say, when the ladies from the church ask me if we went mushroom hunting, yes we did. Walking in the forest reminded me of walking in the Black Hills.
After mushroom hunting we drove to the other village, Karpovo. At this village we visited with Nastya's grandmother Lilya and Olga, her husband and Lilya son-in-law. Again we had tea. Olga brought along some strawberry jam and sent it home with me. I will be leaving it at Kerry's house.
It was fun to see them interact with each other and with Nastya and Kerry. Kerry is becoming a good interpretor. They laughed, showed expression on their faces, and enjoyed telling us about their life. I saw the steps that Kerry and Nastya fixed and the garden spot that they dug up. Also saw the truck that brings food to the villages. Used a outhouse and ate a half of a cabbage piroshki.
At home I made myself some soup for supper and drank some more tea. More tomorrow.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Team Meeting and Shopping
Attended the team meeting with Kerry this morning and had dinner with the team. They celebrated her birthday with cake and presents. Went shopping for two gifts. Found what I was looking for at a small shop in the downtown area. The shop was very neat and small.
Came home and watched some cartons with bugs. Studied the inside of my eyelids for a few minutes with Kerry's cat, Jaccapo.
Had supper and now we are watching football. Kansas State and Neb. are planning. From the looks of the score Neb. will win 48-13. This evening Nastya is coming to make piroshki with cabbage for the village tomorrow. Piroshki are bread things with different filling in the middle. They can be baked or fried. These will be baked.
Got my workout in today with stairs to the 4th floor and 3rd floor plus walking about 20 minutes. Also stopped at a small candy shop by Kerry's apartment. Got some candy to take home.
Came home and watched some cartons with bugs. Studied the inside of my eyelids for a few minutes with Kerry's cat, Jaccapo.
Had supper and now we are watching football. Kansas State and Neb. are planning. From the looks of the score Neb. will win 48-13. This evening Nastya is coming to make piroshki with cabbage for the village tomorrow. Piroshki are bread things with different filling in the middle. They can be baked or fried. These will be baked.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Babushky Tea
Thursday, Oct. 7th: This afternoon was the tea with the elderly ladies where I presented a health seminar.
The topics were Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and foods to help prevent or make them worse. Talked about how to help with swollen feet at the end of the day and exercise. The ladies appeared to enjoy the talk. They would agree with what I had said by head nodding or facial expression. I tried to answer some of their questions. I am hoping that I answered them correctly. Nastya translated for me. It was fun again to work with a translator. You need to say short sentences and allow them to translate. Actually I enjoy working with a translator because it gives me time to think about what I want to say next.
I then checked their blood pressure and blood sugar. We did not realize that they used a different table for the blood sugar. Nastya found a conversion table on the internet. Now I will have to study it so that I understand the conversion. Thank you Nastya. The blood pressure they understood.
For supper we had pork chops, bread, cauliflower and broccoli. Well some of us had cauliflower and broccoli and others had bread. I will let you guess who. This evening we are visiting and working on the blog.
The topics were Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and foods to help prevent or make them worse. Talked about how to help with swollen feet at the end of the day and exercise. The ladies appeared to enjoy the talk. They would agree with what I had said by head nodding or facial expression. I tried to answer some of their questions. I am hoping that I answered them correctly. Nastya translated for me. It was fun again to work with a translator. You need to say short sentences and allow them to translate. Actually I enjoy working with a translator because it gives me time to think about what I want to say next.
I then checked their blood pressure and blood sugar. We did not realize that they used a different table for the blood sugar. Nastya found a conversion table on the internet. Now I will have to study it so that I understand the conversion. Thank you Nastya. The blood pressure they understood.
For supper we had pork chops, bread, cauliflower and broccoli. Well some of us had cauliflower and broccoli and others had bread. I will let you guess who. This evening we are visiting and working on the blog.
Moscow by Walking
Yesterday, Wednesday, Oct. 6th, we, Kerry, nastya and myself, left for Moscow on the 7:30 am train.
Arrived at 10 am. Went to a Mall across from the train station to use the little girl's room. The Mall is three stories high with a theater, food court and other stores on the third floor. On the way home Kerry found the "Dunkin Dounts" shop in the Mall so she was very happy about this!
Next item of business was to find dinner. Even though it seems early for dinner, we had eaten breakfast at 6:30AM so we were ready for some food. Kerry and Nastya had "Shaurmua". A floured type toritta with cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers and boosted chicken with sauce. I had chicken "Shleka" and cucumbers. We ate in a kind-a-park with our fingers. Fingers were made before forks.
Then on to shopping. We did this at a big outdoor souvenir/craft market. I got some things for the family, clinical group and the usually gift for my office mate. That was interesting. At one shop we stop and bought something the sales lady forget to take my money because she was trying to work it out to get change so Kerry had given her some too and she had taken that part but not the other part. We had left the store before I realized that she had not taken my money. We went back and gave her the money. She was surprised. At some of the other shops we got a discount if you bought more then two items. Wednesdays is the day that the small shops around town come and buy to stock their shops.
By that time we had to decide if we where going to go site-seeing or eat at Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut won out. By that time our feet had climbed many stairs and walked many miles. :-) On the way to Pizza Hut we stopped at the Moscow House of Books on Old Arbot street. Kerry bought her birthday present there. BOOKS both Russian and English.
Then it was on to Pizza Hut. On the way there we walked by a "Adam and Eve" statue.
The salad bar at Pizza Hut was slightly different than in the states. Lots of cabbage salads, beet salad, and the like. I had been waiting for a long time for my one piece of pizza. It was good. It was pepperoni.
Then back to the Mall and the train station. Our train left for Vladimir at 6 pm and we got home at 8:30. The trolleybus we needed was waiting for us and of course we got on to go home. Home for tea and bed. Since this is actually Thursday morning I can say that I slept form 9:30-8:30 without being awake for a couple of hours during the night. Felt good.
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