An Unexpected [Unwelcomed] Preface
I was looking for a relaxing fall; however, not this way.   I broke my ankle in three places, and the ankle only has two bones.  I wish it was at least a semi-heroic event, but a can of turkey gravy doesn't come close.   It has, however, become a mythic story:

I do not know whether not being able to do almost everything is worse or needing Anne to help me. Really, without her constant assistance, I would have needed a rehabilitation facility... or nursing home.   I  am alive and trying to do a few things I had been putting off...  I may even catch up with my long to do list.

My Nurses... Another Batch

I have loved teaching the students at Mercy and this batch was no exception.  As usual, there are some really bright students and some I have to wonder about ..... and most are good students who work hard.

There were some exceptions from the usual:

• There are three students from Africa; this was a first.   (I would like to think they had heard of my teaching skills... but no one else did.) 
• And this year there are six males ..... also a new record.
• My co-leader for a number of years, Candy Mohan, had decided to try living and working in England.  I missed her, but not for too long.  Roberta Binda, who has been a long time dependable tutor, successfully stepped into the co-leader role.  
• So we started with only two tutors ..... On the first day I met the part time midwifery faculty, Nathleen McNeil.   And as if by the fates or the gods, she was interested in being a tutor.  
• Just one more and we'd be at full strength ... Hello Sister Meg Eckart!  Many years ago Meg was a Mercy Volunteer and has since returned to Guyana as a postulant with the Sisters of Mercy.   Director Elsie recruited her to teach Communication and English... And I recruited her to be a tutor for the PBL.
• What a great way to start! Full strength...    

Everyone Gets a Prison Shot.

As well, Roberta, Nathleen and Meg have been carrying on the PBL course without me ..... and I am glad.   I see it as showing the methodology has taken some hold at Mercy.   I don't think that either Tony Carr or myself  thought that it could happen without us .....    a small blessing.




Roberta and Nathleen are hoping to attend a Problem Based Learning Conference at the University of Delaware in January; I have been trying to help by cobbling together some financial support to assist them.     Someone gave me a cheque for  $1200... and a former student who just happens to live near the U. Delaware offered to house them when they were at the conference... and Mercy Hospital is going to assist them.  I have been begging a few other groups as well. I was excited when Roberta and Nathleen told me that they wanted to attend so they could adapt some of their other courses!   If you feel the urge to assist ..... we would welcome your  donation.

The Dreaded Postmortem
And Roberta and Meg took the students to their "unofficial" PBL Graduation: a visit to the morgue at Georgetown Public Hospital.

Roberta emailed me:

Just to let you know how the visit went...it was good, the usual: we were in the side room, this time we had a Doctor with us. They explained some.  Two students couldn't stay, a few were in and out ..... they did not allow students to wear face masks or have any mints in their mouths....I was not happy with that, but I followed the instructions.  Quite a number of students were interactive:  they  were allowed to touch organs. They only saw abnormal organs, though. 

Students opted to use the cafeteria for the "pop" and I had enough money to buy chocolates for everyone too. The debriefing went fairly well.+

Sister Meg agreed to go with me ..... and was really nice, even remaining for the debriefing. I read the Asher Lev excerpt and they were all silent a bit after.  They had some interesting expressions, most reported problems with safety (scalpel handling, blood etc.) and professionalism of staff /dignity of body,  but almost everyone ate after returning (before the debriefing) ..... so I think they handled it well.    It was a bit weird doing this without you ..... thanks for the guidelines.

Hey, it was a bit weird not being there, too, ..... but I'm really happy you and Meg were there.

It Isn't All Roses 

The second year students had to call the Lunch Room their home classroom.

Every year your donations have improved the education of the nursing students as well as the faculties.  This year the school was repainted, a strange little step was removed... all good stuff...  However,  the facility for the students is too small to accommodate all the students.  Trying to find space for the PBL small groups is a real challenge some days.   I wonder if we will ever get a facility designed for the needs of students and teaching effectiveness.

Thoughts on my 2019 Trip

I have been back a few weeks and my mind has been adjusting to my broken ankle and the cooler weather.  I wanted to reflect on my "experience" of another six weeks in Guyana.   Actually,  Guyana feels like a second home as I have come and returned many years...  a routine that now is not foreign yet is very different than my retired life in Ayr...    In Guyana, I work hard almost the whole time I am there. (Well, okay except for my two sociology field trips to Mabaruma and Lethem 😉)   And I really love it - for a short time.  I know I couldn't keep that pace up... So I am thrilled to be back in my home with Anne... and usual Sunday breakfast with Henry and the guys.  English soccer and old "B" movies... And  I will be more careful shopping in supermarkets!     I am thankful to have such a wonderful life ..... and I give thanks to all those who have helped me and I have helped. 

I know the wisdom of maturity has been, "It's not what you do; it is who you  are."  I never did believe that and still don't.  I guess my maturity is still a way off...   I am most "me" when I am doing what I love - and probably need.   

I have a few more things to say.. So I may get another Blog off before I decide about next fall.

Thanks for reading.   John