tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57419885624202111962024-03-13T11:58:13.691-07:00Sundog....the philosophy of discovery, integration, and balance.Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-45505889750035520822012-04-18T09:51:00.000-07:002012-04-18T09:51:44.305-07:00Journals From Belize: 2-9-12 evening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ajN730nBik/T47sLRD775I/AAAAAAAAARU/ECwmlpG4uTA/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ajN730nBik/T47sLRD775I/AAAAAAAAARU/ECwmlpG4uTA/s320/IMG_0177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Journals From Belize: 2-9-12 evening</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is nothing left to do but play checkers. Play checkers, pay Luis and finalize plans with Hilaria to construct a chalkboard. It’s hard to believe the trip is ending. I am reluctant to go. I have on several occasions had to choke back tears. They come on randomly at times and for no particular reason. Never the less, I am beginning to long for home and for the loved ones who await…I hope. I have remained totally secluded over this past week and I know that somewhere out there life rambles on. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFE1nkjvOOs/T47pRB7zHXI/AAAAAAAAAQs/bSfY_FTkG4o/s1600/IMG_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFE1nkjvOOs/T47pRB7zHXI/AAAAAAAAAQs/bSfY_FTkG4o/s320/IMG_0245.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Journaling at the Health Post</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has been a relief to remain internet free. I have not set foot in a moving vehicle for five or more days, and I have missed neither. My travel throughout the village has been exclusively on foot. When I walk about the village this primitive form of transport allows for interaction unavailable when traveling by car. Frequently I will stop to converse with the villagers. My meetings are pleasant and further more allow me to gain a greater understanding of the lives of people here. If I were in a car, I would just zoom past never knowing.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8EyrpwBL3Y/T47pq9d7isI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/PfnIgkg_-cU/s1600/IMG_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8EyrpwBL3Y/T47pq9d7isI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/PfnIgkg_-cU/s320/IMG_0128.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I have actually begun to resent cars a bit. Now a day when the bus passes or a motorbike starts up I am acutely aware of its presence. It interrupts more prevailing noises like the singing of birds, the voices of children, and yes, the sound of the chickens. These sounds represent the true voice of the village. One day while walking to Hilaria’s I passed a man cutting down the grass with his machete. The sound of his blade whooshing through the air addressing the grass without interruption from combustion created a symphony of simplicity I will not soon forget. I have not missed the sound of engines. Not at all.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MvcHBubGtM/T47q__EtS_I/AAAAAAAAARE/aL8LqPVSBmw/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MvcHBubGtM/T47q__EtS_I/AAAAAAAAARE/aL8LqPVSBmw/s320/IMG_0288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theresa and Hilaria teaching hygiene at the school </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today Hilaria, Theresa and I made presentations to the school children. The event provided a cohesive moment I had been hoping to attain. As we approached the door of the schoolhouse Hilaria and Theresa both paused as if waiting for me to enter before them. I hesitated and insisted they go first. It dawned on me at that moment how much I had taken for granted the allowances of my role as a male. Gender to me is not the barrier it is to Hilaria and Theresa. With some encouragement on my behalf they strode forward and never looked back. Little steps. Often the solution is simple.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGR_YrMZhAE/T47rD7e1p9I/AAAAAAAAARM/62F08meGRgI/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGR_YrMZhAE/T47rD7e1p9I/AAAAAAAAARM/62F08meGRgI/s320/IMG_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I took the lead initially, enthusiastically warming up the crowd. However, once set in motion Hilaria took over the presentation switching back and forth between English and K’iche’ as she explained the essential components of proper hygiene. It was a proud moment. The goal of this project has been from the start to support the Mayan Health Workers in a manner that allows them to do this level of work on their own. Foreign volunteers will come and go, but the Mayans will always be here. They are an ancient people and their survival is closely knit to their endless dedication to each other.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2VNtGTV2pE/T47sVZXtvgI/AAAAAAAAARc/XdEBGjT8VX0/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2VNtGTV2pE/T47sVZXtvgI/AAAAAAAAARc/XdEBGjT8VX0/s320/IMG_0273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alejandro at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjA0T-MiWt0/T47teJTqFvI/AAAAAAAAARs/nga-uFOsM7A/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VjA0T-MiWt0/T47teJTqFvI/AAAAAAAAARs/nga-uFOsM7A/s320/IMG_0272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making boards for the school</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKb7vhR4X8M/T47tlCEEV1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/oepsjOrVZQo/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKb7vhR4X8M/T47tlCEEV1I/AAAAAAAAAR0/oepsjOrVZQo/s320/IMG_0337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the new school kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>By our third presentation I sat to the side of the classroom resting on the window sill. Behind the open window another group of children played soccer while inside Hilaria fielded questions from the crowd like a seasoned educator. My only final contribution was to say thank you as we walked out. I am convinced that if delivered by me, our message would have been lost. As much as I want to affect change, as much as I want to generate progress and hope, I know my role is limited. I know deep down that all we can do in our short time in the villages is support the health workers as they push forward to serve their communities. We can not force change no matter how much we want to. Money alone will never be enough to fix the types of complex issues that exist here....<br />
<br />
....to be continued.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_p1l-5lAiI4/T47scMGk7gI/AAAAAAAAARk/NTLoYCQZr2g/s1600/IMG_0316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_p1l-5lAiI4/T47scMGk7gI/AAAAAAAAARk/NTLoYCQZr2g/s320/IMG_0316.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alejandro and "Rich" look over the fields<br />
on my last day in Aguacate</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-80880996524612948982012-03-08T12:34:00.000-08:002012-03-08T12:34:20.997-08:00Journals From Belize: 2-7-12<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBVSys6DfwY/T1fF-tB3MYI/AAAAAAAAAOk/gtC1Oxtye08/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBVSys6DfwY/T1fF-tB3MYI/AAAAAAAAAOk/gtC1Oxtye08/s400/IMG_0183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Journals From Belize:</div><div class="MsoNormal">2-7-12 evening</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">There are some qualities of human nature that prove universal. This is my thought as I watch a young boy about the age of 10 run concernedly in the direction of the school. The buzz of children playing and fooling about in the road has long since quieted. They are mostly, I imagine, already seated attentively in proper fashion, so to receive their first lesson of the day. The boy hurrying down the gravel road is dressed in traditional uniform. His olive colored pants are dark and rolled at the ankle. His shirt is short sleeved and a color or blue that mimics the neighboring Caribbean. The shirt too is collared with a few buttons at the chest and multicolored bead work that forms a cuff at the sleeve. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiyLqr1xkBo/T1fFXz2wu8I/AAAAAAAAAOM/izULRx71P1Y/s1600/IMG_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiyLqr1xkBo/T1fFXz2wu8I/AAAAAAAAAOM/izULRx71P1Y/s320/IMG_0295.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the library before recess</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The children here seem to bounce and smile like no other I have seen. The playfulness too seems universal, yet still I have noticed since coming to Aguacate a subtle difference in the disposition of the youths here. I have noticed few if any actual toys. Never the less, playfulness is in abundance. Children come and go about the village with a freeness unseen back in the states. Few wear shoes, but not from an inability to acquire them. It is almost as if they would inhibit movement distracting from the spontaneity of youthfulness. Laughter is one sound that out competes the seemingly constant caw of the chickens.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_41zQ00TKQ/T1fFs7aqV2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/xjc6kTyXDK8/s1600/IMG_0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_41zQ00TKQ/T1fFs7aqV2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/xjc6kTyXDK8/s320/IMG_0188.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet Miss Emily</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rllxxUVj1CY/T1fFdO4_i-I/AAAAAAAAAOU/2xEhCAvj_vQ/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rllxxUVj1CY/T1fFdO4_i-I/AAAAAAAAAOU/2xEhCAvj_vQ/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan and Byron learning to play "Angry Birds"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp3BpAixTQ8/T1fGli8ZGeI/AAAAAAAAAOs/IWKZxFUHlTA/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp3BpAixTQ8/T1fGli8ZGeI/AAAAAAAAAOs/IWKZxFUHlTA/s320/IMG_0190.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my host Ronaldo </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Today has been a measurably good day. I have been staying surprisingly busy and have shared a part in treating several patients with varying ailments. A doctor that we met earlier in our trip exclaimed that he could travel to any village in the developing world and consistently predict the first dozen complaints to walk through the door. Diseases of poverty he explained are patterned and predicated by sub standard living conditions. Regardless, I am finding our experiences both medically and socially enlightening.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxNjekJdOhI/T1fMmr9XC5I/AAAAAAAAAP0/RSWT4HohjzY/s1600/IMG_0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxNjekJdOhI/T1fMmr9XC5I/AAAAAAAAAP0/RSWT4HohjzY/s320/IMG_0227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
When someone dials 911 in the states they simultaneously hand you the keys to their front door. When you open that door their whole world becomes visible and you are entrusted with the discoveries you make despite not ever knowing them previously. My experiences traveling about the village with Hilaria remind of this. As the main Community Health Worker in Aguacte she too has been lent a lot of trust. Working from home as well as from the community health post at at the center of the village, her presence here reminds me of that of an old town Doctor. She diligently makes rounds frequently visiting the huts of the ill, young and old alike. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9qOn26b9gE/T1fHZ2Xd8jI/AAAAAAAAAO8/GLfX7vHw-4g/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9qOn26b9gE/T1fHZ2Xd8jI/AAAAAAAAAO8/GLfX7vHw-4g/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilaria at her home health post</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puPYJVJL_Tw/T1fHh_BsqDI/AAAAAAAAAPE/P0NNwLoTdgs/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puPYJVJL_Tw/T1fHh_BsqDI/AAAAAAAAAPE/P0NNwLoTdgs/s320/IMG_0264.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drD2o2rWLAE/T1fJB5ejGmI/AAAAAAAAAPU/5LA1_FF0Kbs/s1600/IMG_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-drD2o2rWLAE/T1fJB5ejGmI/AAAAAAAAAPU/5LA1_FF0Kbs/s320/IMG_0261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proud to see the SOLO logo in Belize!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday we joined to visit an elderly woman who we found resting in her hammock as she watched over a boiling pot of Caldo. She had been complaining of a strange rash that had appeared on her side well over a week ago. She lifted her shirt without hesitation to reveal an oval shaped collection of hard, greyish blisters. Beneath the blisters was an area of tissue that was red, firm, and hot to the touch. Further examination showed an elevated heart rate, low grade fever, and adventitious breath sounds to the right lobes. This woman was clearly suffering from an infection of some type and was in dire need of antibiotics as well as further medical evaluation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcicUkxbBQc/T1fHogrxjJI/AAAAAAAAAPM/pcb95A_u8rs/s1600/IMG_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcicUkxbBQc/T1fHogrxjJI/AAAAAAAAAPM/pcb95A_u8rs/s320/IMG_0260.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Her determination to remain at home to complete her tasks was as admirable as it was concerning. The elderly in the village particularly, but not exclusively, adhere to an unrelenting work ethic that is difficult to interrupt even in times that warrant pause. The elderly woman and her husband were home alone with responsibilities beyond their capabilities, a finding not uncommon in the villages. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUQUw-hutqs/T1fG08B2C_I/AAAAAAAAAO0/6deSmParSSg/s1600/IMG_0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUQUw-hutqs/T1fG08B2C_I/AAAAAAAAAO0/6deSmParSSg/s320/IMG_0209.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Lorna, happy as always to help out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">We also took time to visit at home a young boy who days ago had lost a brief scuffle with an unsheathed machete left laying in the tall grass at his family’s farm. This shy fellow had just returned from the hospital where he received over a dozen stitches to properly close the wound. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdu0QoyQLyU/T1fJ17hd87I/AAAAAAAAAPc/gZRkNb96mL8/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdu0QoyQLyU/T1fJ17hd87I/AAAAAAAAAPc/gZRkNb96mL8/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking to the outskirts of town with my crew of nurses</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1GN_-jUxEQ/T1fJ7ivs6bI/AAAAAAAAAPk/SU9iXULJJ0w/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1GN_-jUxEQ/T1fJ7ivs6bI/AAAAAAAAAPk/SU9iXULJJ0w/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sutured leg after machete laceration</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We found him recovering quietly with a book inside a hut at the far end of the village. Theresa, Hilaria, and myself playfully inspected the wound changing out the dressings while making sure to keep the mood relaxed and supportive. It was a unique opportunity for the three of us to work together as a health care team. Theresa finished the visit by performing a general medical examination allowing a few of the other children to make their own discoveries using her stethoscope. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TMNSjxNGMA/T1fKCzG0xfI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tlK3Ffq2Z0U/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TMNSjxNGMA/T1fKCzG0xfI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tlK3Ffq2Z0U/s320/IMG_0211.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theresa completes a home visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">In the end, it was decided that Theresa would return each day to inspect the wound and eventually remove the sutures. I would first build her a medical kit as she had no supplies of her own to use. My hope was that doing so would generate some long lost motivation. Theresa had been attending to healthcare matters in the village since the early eighties and had recently been struggling to find interest in the work. My hope is that a touch up on her skills along with additional equipment and support would renew he interest in the job. There are some things that can not be forced no matter the purity of intent nor method of pursuit. The invitation was delivered, and we would simply have to wait to know if it would be accepted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5h1AOjSEpw/T1fNhxMj5_I/AAAAAAAAAP8/jCaJsb-QbQI/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5h1AOjSEpw/T1fNhxMj5_I/AAAAAAAAAP8/jCaJsb-QbQI/s320/IMG_0236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theresa at emergency childbirth training</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-65207960848044483342012-03-07T12:09:00.001-08:002012-03-07T13:14:27.606-08:00Journals From Belize 2-5-12 evening<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U_s_206mlg/T1e7Hr7kBTI/AAAAAAAAANE/nF0H7E7YP9U/s1600/IMG_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U_s_206mlg/T1e7Hr7kBTI/AAAAAAAAANE/nF0H7E7YP9U/s320/IMG_0338.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Journals From Belize:</div><div class="MsoNormal">2-5-12 evening</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tonight as I attempt to settle down to rest I find that writing is my only haven from a situation that feels stifling at best. Despite promises of being put up in a guest house, I have arrived to find that I will be residing my entire stay as a home visitor with a family here in the village. I have graciously been offered my own “bed” and the family seems kind thus far. Still, there are seven of us dormed here in one room that includes bedrooms, kitchen, washroom, and chicken coop. The children, though sweet and excitable, are all sick with cough and fever. Hygiene appears poor at best. I am thinking that if I make it out of here with my health and sanity intact it will be a miracle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1liMYqw-LE/T1e-WnZw0JI/AAAAAAAAAOE/axpr-jLgnsw/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1liMYqw-LE/T1e-WnZw0JI/AAAAAAAAAOE/axpr-jLgnsw/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXl6sl8taOc/T1e7PjWYTbI/AAAAAAAAANU/F3fre4s3PNw/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXl6sl8taOc/T1e7PjWYTbI/AAAAAAAAANU/F3fre4s3PNw/s320/IMG_0315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chicken foraging in the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have work to do here and this situation feels inhibitory. How am I to focus my efforts on improving the quality of health here if I am battling to preserve my own. The chickens come and go throughout the house as they please. I have seen little in the way of hand washing and the kids are constantly sneezing and coughing into their hands. It feels as though every time I move I am bumping into someone or knocking something over. There is little room to manage the abundance of gear that I have along with me and every time I set something down I think about washing it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdboo1Pu0i8/T1e7NBo5k9I/AAAAAAAAANM/TT_cKgKsju4/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdboo1Pu0i8/T1e7NBo5k9I/AAAAAAAAANM/TT_cKgKsju4/s320/IMG_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">humble abode</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">What a shift in events this is. There are so many unknowns at this point, so many variables and questions to be answered. The family I am staying with is closely related to the organizer of the home visits here, and I am a bit suspicious of that connection. My family appears much less well off than many of the others I have visited here in Toledo district. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PWJnhbTDUg/T1e74LEzuSI/AAAAAAAAANs/AHWMCepZ0cs/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PWJnhbTDUg/T1e74LEzuSI/AAAAAAAAANs/AHWMCepZ0cs/s320/IMG_0255.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belize or Tennessee?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"> I can’t help but to be wary that my arrival here may be viewed more as an economic opportunity than as a cultural one. These factors in combination with barriers of culture and language combine to present a very uncertain and vulnerable existence here. I am entirely alone in this place. I have no cell phone with which to contact our organizers. There is no internet, community politics are entirely unknown, and I have been placed well outside my comfort zone. Welcome to expedition medicine. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkjkGYCZdHY/T1e8HawGlbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/0Wg6fIlZ8mo/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkjkGYCZdHY/T1e8HawGlbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/0Wg6fIlZ8mo/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boyz: Steven, Orlando, Alejandro and Ronaldo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I suppose these are the types of conditions that I have come here to experience. Were the situation clear, the conditions ideal, there would be no challenge in coming here. These are the factors I must remind myself of as I attempt to find comfort in this new place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6Yoagar_6M/T1e-N31YiQI/AAAAAAAAAN8/87xybnIJ5lU/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6Yoagar_6M/T1e-N31YiQI/AAAAAAAAAN8/87xybnIJ5lU/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking down at Aguacate Village from the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-6034194281958363362012-03-07T11:38:00.000-08:002012-03-07T11:38:44.555-08:00Journals From Belize 2-5-12 morning<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:1;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuHlw7AGh5w/T1e3WXyDX2I/AAAAAAAAAMs/4O1XdmMDUTg/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuHlw7AGh5w/T1e3WXyDX2I/AAAAAAAAAMs/4O1XdmMDUTg/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Journals From Belize:</div><div class="MsoNormal">2-5-12 morning</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Today we woke before the dawn to Howler Monkeys and mist. It will be a quick camp this morning as we will hurry off to the more rural villages. I will be making may way to Aguacate a fairly large village an hour or so south and west from Laguna. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaGcJTf-3kY/T1e4ciEg69I/AAAAAAAAAM8/JNtnWRm9AxQ/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oaGcJTf-3kY/T1e4ciEg69I/AAAAAAAAAM8/JNtnWRm9AxQ/s320/IMG_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to deploy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I learned that I will be travelling alone as my would be companion Anna has been called to stay with a family member that has fallen ill. I will miss having Anna there as she is an extremely giving and gifted Health Worker. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkobHa0ahlY/T1e3Esf8YLI/AAAAAAAAAMk/mwzNhqzg2vU/s1600/anna&breaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkobHa0ahlY/T1e3Esf8YLI/AAAAAAAAAMk/mwzNhqzg2vU/s320/anna&breaux.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna training with Breaux</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The last minute cancelation is a change in momentum but not a significant setback to the mission at large. I am thankful that Anna has chosen to be with family. Even with service work, your family must come first. I am confident that our time in Aguacate will be productive. Being alone in the village will allow me to focus and move freely. I am anxious to get started! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmVUWAQ0vyE/T1e3iT4_1qI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Mh6ixEY8G1U/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmVUWAQ0vyE/T1e3iT4_1qI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Mh6ixEY8G1U/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading to Aguacate</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-58889444511740611462012-03-07T11:19:00.000-08:002012-03-07T11:19:34.539-08:00Journals from Belize: 2-4-12 afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zrk9DFpKJXI/T1ev6kgG8VI/AAAAAAAAALs/4Mqf3ARTcUk/s1600/pg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zrk9DFpKJXI/T1ev6kgG8VI/AAAAAAAAALs/4Mqf3ARTcUk/s320/pg2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Journals From Belize: </div><div class="MsoNormal">2-4-12 afternoon</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt invigorated and was buzzing with enthusiasm after returning from our brief re-supply in Punta Gorda (PG).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I was hesitant to return to the busyness of the “big city”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had settled well into “Belize Time” and was enjoying a much more moderate pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is less than 20 miles from Laguna Village, PG is worlds away culturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a costal city it has a festive Caribbean character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it possesses a culmination of not so charming qualities as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPNU-Ou5rS4/T1ewicsqKjI/AAAAAAAAAMM/wfe-4np4MyI/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPNU-Ou5rS4/T1ewicsqKjI/AAAAAAAAAMM/wfe-4np4MyI/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hmmm</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hHmfd_gYv4/T1ev_kUxprI/AAAAAAAAAL0/yOHDYoiWilg/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hHmfd_gYv4/T1ev_kUxprI/AAAAAAAAAL0/yOHDYoiWilg/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roadside store</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"> The narrow streets are ridden with potholes, and lined with vehicles that look unfit for travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garbage can be found in the ocean, along the streets, and in the yards of many of the homes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Tucked discretely behind the colorful houses and businesses on the main routes are unpainted concrete block dwellings surrounded by chain link fences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving past these places reminded me how much more desperate a poor city is than a poor rural community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simplicity of village life can be alluring at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never want to be poor in a city. </div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNuIhWUeV7k/T1ewoZWOGNI/AAAAAAAAAMU/jez1wMjnLE0/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNuIhWUeV7k/T1ewoZWOGNI/AAAAAAAAAMU/jez1wMjnLE0/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">run down bus (PUP is a predominant political party)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MNpU4b_bBI/T1ewZCm-6zI/AAAAAAAAAME/9sv-ry2TMvw/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MNpU4b_bBI/T1ewZCm-6zI/AAAAAAAAAME/9sv-ry2TMvw/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PG Ambulance (at repair shop on blocks)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Rng179SNU/T1ewDfjXRbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/61FPKpddJ4A/s1600/IMG_0119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Rng179SNU/T1ewDfjXRbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/61FPKpddJ4A/s320/IMG_0119.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jono enjoys a hard earned treat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"> In PG we stop briefly, and rather chaotically, to buy rain boots, use the internet, and indulge in processed food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission feels successful and rejuvenating which is more than I had hoped or expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have before returned to town on re-supply only to become tragically polluted by consumerism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The insatiability of man can easily distract from the tranquil focus of a backcountry mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This, however, is not the case in PG.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We manage to slip in and out without event, quickly returning to organize our dispatch to the villages.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbo3b_UVrrU/T1evwxTnXaI/AAAAAAAAALc/6utHN8lj4U4/s1600/pg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbo3b_UVrrU/T1evwxTnXaI/AAAAAAAAALc/6utHN8lj4U4/s320/pg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Caribbean</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Upon return to Laguna preparations quickly get underway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind me in the T.E.A. guest house I can hear muffled chatter as cash is counted and dispersed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one the each group is called in to be briefed on the logistics of their mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in the villages we will be largely on our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, our training and preparations in Laguna will aid us in supporting the Community Health Workers in each of the the rural villages once we arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our training has been general, knowing well that each group will face remarkably different challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing this, I find myself getting antsy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited and I am ready to leave Laguna and get to work in Aguacate.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMOWY9iU1q8/T1ewslFCtrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/M8DfHMxS7xk/s1600/transport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMOWY9iU1q8/T1ewslFCtrI/AAAAAAAAAMc/M8DfHMxS7xk/s320/transport.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">off to the village photo: Ryan Bannan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-52540119741874102942012-03-04T19:19:00.005-08:002012-03-04T19:58:49.995-08:00Journals from Belize: 2-3-12 afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
</style></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Journals from Belize:</div><div class="MsoNormal">2-3-12 afternoon
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our meeting with Andreas did not go as well as I had
hoped. He was in bed when we arrived and
claimed to be ill with fever. His
prescription of anti-biotic on the table next to his hammock somewhat legitimized his
claim. However, there was a
hint of mellow drama as he squirmed nervously during our visit with him. So he is out for sure on today's training and
questionable for tomorrow’s health check as well. This is a hiccough for certain, but not worth stressing much over. This is the nature of expeditions. Things rarely, if ever, go off as planned. Resources and contacts frequently fall through or must be
re-arranged. This too will soon get sorted out.
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDvGLXgvwxA/T1Qui0AtkII/AAAAAAAAAK8/figqgJQvuys/s1600/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDvGLXgvwxA/T1Qui0AtkII/AAAAAAAAAK8/figqgJQvuys/s320/IMG_0060.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorting supplies for the villages</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeDftKvVTAc/T1QetJ1PYMI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/btakXfImyfg/s1600/teaching1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeDftKvVTAc/T1QetJ1PYMI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/btakXfImyfg/s320/teaching1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna, Anne & Breaux</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96UepJfNGL4/T1QepBAPyBI/AAAAAAAAAJs/4Tf-1F6P-qQ/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96UepJfNGL4/T1QepBAPyBI/AAAAAAAAAJs/4Tf-1F6P-qQ/s320/IMG_0139.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chad and Breaux helping Andreas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Back at the clinic Carlos
and Anna are working through medical treatment scenarios with the rest of the
MedicForce volunteers. Afterwards I find
a quiet moment to talk to Carlos about his trainings with the Toledo Ministry of
Health and page through the binder they have given to him.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PXUhKUI9lI/T1QvSRz6O9I/AAAAAAAAALE/y7a69sX6UnY/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PXUhKUI9lI/T1QvSRz6O9I/AAAAAAAAALE/y7a69sX6UnY/s320/IMG_0220.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos and Jono</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnAGPpzM8G4/T1QhYGXhBzI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/cxznNd9g5oM/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AnAGPpzM8G4/T1QhYGXhBzI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/cxznNd9g5oM/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Health checks at the clinic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtHD1EWTYg/T1QzPUxPT-I/AAAAAAAAALM/AJ9zocHZnyI/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtHD1EWTYg/T1QzPUxPT-I/AAAAAAAAALM/AJ9zocHZnyI/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qtHD1EWTYg/T1QzPUxPT-I/AAAAAAAAALM/AJ9zocHZnyI/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at Laguna Health Post</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In addition to useful heath information, the
notebook contains his many certifications, of which, I can tell he is proud. When I make mention of them he quickly
disappears into the T.E.A hut and returns to show off multiple I.D. badges with
his name and photo on them issued by the Ministry of Health. Carlos is fully invested in his role despite
the fact that he receives little in terms of compensation. Welcome to public health and education.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzlOar5UETQ/T1QltMrjGjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/vfsR_jZPT2o/s1600/laguna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzlOar5UETQ/T1QltMrjGjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/vfsR_jZPT2o/s320/laguna.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laguna Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Somehow between training and dinner we find time to hike to the ridge
that reaches several hundred feet above Laguna Village. We dub the event “Jono’s Discount Jungle
Tours”, and head up single file like a group of leaf cutter ants…only less
dangerous and not whatsoever adept at jungle travel. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkoVpsf8h84/T1Qj5QcyawI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Vlx5UAVxhD8/s1600/IMG_0089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkoVpsf8h84/T1Qj5QcyawI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Vlx5UAVxhD8/s320/IMG_0089.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking to the ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Half way up Carlos stops and points abruptly
yet calmly, “Don’t touch that plant there.
Those ants bite very hard.” He informs.
I heed his warning and pass by gingerly careful not to slip on the steep
and muddied jungle floor.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6cSc5DBe9A/T1QpUI0P6ZI/AAAAAAAAAKk/aao2UQ3t9XE/s1600/IMG_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6cSc5DBe9A/T1QpUI0P6ZI/AAAAAAAAAKk/aao2UQ3t9XE/s320/IMG_0092.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iA0QoimQhVM/T1Q5dtIx2XI/AAAAAAAAALU/VE9SIoKdS8Y/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iA0QoimQhVM/T1Q5dtIx2XI/AAAAAAAAALU/VE9SIoKdS8Y/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Termite mound</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We are
also very cautious of the “Bastard Tree”, a vine like plant possessing spiny
thorns that could make any a porcupine jealous.
We are almost to the top when from
the rear of the line I can hear Jono declare, in his token British accent “OK
folks, this is a bit sketchy up here.
This is at your own risk.” Classic. Topping out requires just a few careful
climbing moves over rock that is rough like coral raised form the ocean floor
and dried in the hot Belizean sun.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_enBxI9zjg/T1Qr4-oRfkI/AAAAAAAAAK0/s-zbeUxvipQ/s1600/down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_enBxI9zjg/T1Qr4-oRfkI/AAAAAAAAAK0/s-zbeUxvipQ/s320/down.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYEuERKcXbc/T1Qmz-PtUbI/AAAAAAAAAKU/B3043zuUvmI/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rYEuERKcXbc/T1Qmz-PtUbI/AAAAAAAAAKU/B3043zuUvmI/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> High
above the village, the view is almost too much to take in. To the west we can see past a lake into
the mountains beyond. For the first time
we are able to view the valley we have been inhabiting for the past week. It is a beautiful sprawling mass of palm and citrus interrupted only by a broken shelf which vaguely represents the
Guatemalan border. The sun is setting
and the ridge is lit up by a shower of flashbulbs. Behind us ridges converge forming a jungle
chasm too deep to capture by film or photo.
The talk is of Jaguar and Howler Monkey.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZlLy6AtSYA/T1QnGceljDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/pvvGAc9EDUc/s1600/mttop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZlLy6AtSYA/T1QnGceljDI/AAAAAAAAAKc/pvvGAc9EDUc/s320/mttop.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan & Breaux with Jono and The Crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Prior to our descent my mind wanders off to an earlier
conversation. The problems of humanity
seem so unsolvable. We search for a life
that is sustainable, but do we really know what that would look like? How do you find something, where do you begin
to look when you don’t quite know WHAT it actually is? This is why we are here. This is the riddle we are attempting to
solve. For me the answer is as simple as
it is complex…you look everywhere, and you never stop.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-70945018720587591122012-02-29T20:04:00.003-08:002012-03-06T11:38:49.489-08:00Journals from Belize: 2-3-12 morning<style>
<span id="goog_1476319330"></span><span id="goog_1476319331"></span>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oppPzInH_xU/T06R3p1TiiI/AAAAAAAAAI0/LKtLtB7uRrM/s1600/hostel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oppPzInH_xU/T06R3p1TiiI/AAAAAAAAAI0/LKtLtB7uRrM/s400/hostel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Ryan Bannan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Journals from Belize</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2-3-12 morning</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our pace is not fast, but we are staying consistently busy. Enough so that I have not found much time to write. The days here have been surprisingly rainy and cool. I am sleeping great so far and we are well fed, better than I had anticipated. My conversations with the Mayan Health Workers yesterday confirmed how similar our struggles are. Down at the heart of the matter we are more the same than we are different. True, the developing world has far less than we do in terms of medicines. However, the politics and mentalities are very much the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cg_Mcnozlg/T06LYP5q8MI/AAAAAAAAAHk/D-iuTLeoFEQ/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cg_Mcnozlg/T06LYP5q8MI/AAAAAAAAAHk/D-iuTLeoFEQ/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFrOemXQTPY/T06RmwtzKLI/AAAAAAAAAIs/g1pzWqGnGuM/s1600/hostel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFrOemXQTPY/T06RmwtzKLI/AAAAAAAAAIs/g1pzWqGnGuM/s320/hostel1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Ryan Bannan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDzNNtG_drI/T06LqqTTxMI/AAAAAAAAAHs/CdLhniqTELg/s1600/malamed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDzNNtG_drI/T06LqqTTxMI/AAAAAAAAAHs/CdLhniqTELg/s320/malamed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">In terms of remedies people everywhere look to pills to fix their maladies. It amazes me that people will take an aspirin for headache without first seeing that they are properly hydrated. I have been approached time and time again for medicine while walking about the village. Each instance I am content to give only advice and happily refer each person to Andreas the Laguna Village Health Worker.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKNf-wEO-A/T07vNHBiDaI/AAAAAAAAAJU/U-GbojnRHQE/s1600/town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKNf-wEO-A/T07vNHBiDaI/AAAAAAAAAJU/U-GbojnRHQE/s320/town.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHcDggIaqOI/T07wql7tkzI/AAAAAAAAAJc/AX1sRt_U4f4/s1600/needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHcDggIaqOI/T07wql7tkzI/AAAAAAAAAJc/AX1sRt_U4f4/s320/needs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Ryan Bannan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>People seek other medicines besides just pills, however. Everywhere we humans have basic needs, many of which frequently go overlooked. We all want to feel successful, want to feel supported, and want to be needed. We need to be fed and clothed, and we need to believe in progress. Everyone I meet, every conversation I have further supports this notion. I would like to get about the village today and learn more about the perceived needs of the community. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24OOnXvcLCQ/T06NTkQH2LI/AAAAAAAAAIM/r4Bc7gUJZLM/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24OOnXvcLCQ/T06NTkQH2LI/AAAAAAAAAIM/r4Bc7gUJZLM/s320/IMG_0138.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">People are looking to us for answers, but as I explained to Carlos earlier, we too have much to learn. I attempted to explain to him that despite our high levels of material wealth in the U.S., we are lacking in many other ways . We live much more isolated, more sterilized lives and are constantly finding ways to separate ourselves from one another. I spare him the full diatribe seeing that he is perplexed by this concept. Maybe his look is more of surprise. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zR7uwqu4IbE/T06MAg694RI/AAAAAAAAAH8/mnSobTTP_Z4/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zR7uwqu4IbE/T06MAg694RI/AAAAAAAAAH8/mnSobTTP_Z4/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am looking forward to working more with the Community Health Workers Carlos, Andreas, and Anna in the coming week. They are intelligent, motivated, and have a contagious passion for assisting their communities however they can. It’s inspiring. I am also hoping to discover what local, traditional treatments are still being used in the villages around Toledo. I spoke with Carlos about the role of Bush Doctors and was somewhat surprised that he knew nothing of the famous Bushman Don Elijo nor of his apprentice Rosita Arvigo. I am curious how knowledge is spread here and I am curious about what the hot topics of conversation may be. One thing is for certain, people are always talking about one another!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeDo7J2bvr8/T06TACnORoI/AAAAAAAAAI8/K_D1OO_rJ2A/s1600/IMG_0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeDo7J2bvr8/T06TACnORoI/AAAAAAAAAI8/K_D1OO_rJ2A/s320/IMG_0145.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>There are childish politics in play here as there are everywhere. Andreas told me that people in Laguna Village frequently arrive at the clinic looking for pills and medicines regardless of their illness. If medicine is not indicated or they don’t get what they want, they get upset and gossip and don’t return. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMuyKTBLaiM/T06Try2msgI/AAAAAAAAAJE/TOAPZ7mff9k/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMuyKTBLaiM/T06Try2msgI/AAAAAAAAAJE/TOAPZ7mff9k/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">It takes integrity to do the right thing not just once, but over and over. I advise him to stay strong and be wary of letting the patient decide their own treatment. I encourage him to educate his people on why and when to use medications. I encourage him to explain to them the limitations of medicines, potential complications, and prolonged, undesired effects. Alternatives too are important. He is appreciative of the advise and seems comforted when I explain to him that we have the same type of problems in the U.S. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJjtLHx1BAM/T07p0RBcsCI/AAAAAAAAAJM/1PqTumWBUUE/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PJjtLHx1BAM/T07p0RBcsCI/AAAAAAAAAJM/1PqTumWBUUE/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Later in the night music booms from large speaker cabinets inside the block and tin churches scattered plentifully about the village. The bass from the speakers echoes about the darkness for hours at a time lingering like fog in the jungle tree tops. Each day here brings new challenges. Each day is full with meaning.</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-23652425499456932792012-02-27T19:18:00.003-08:002012-02-27T19:27:45.235-08:00Journals from Belize: 2-1-12<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnXj3xIuVlM/T0xBGBdDOiI/AAAAAAAAAGo/mUARu1JEQBg/s1600/IMG_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnXj3xIuVlM/T0xBGBdDOiI/AAAAAAAAAGo/mUARu1JEQBg/s320/IMG_0041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b>Journals from Belize</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2-1-12 afternoon</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cars that don’t exist in America; this is what catches my eye as I saunter to our Daihatsu Terios parked outside of the Belize International Airport. I am half way through my second Belikin while we wait for our last man Breax Burns to arrive from Durango. His flight seems to be running a little late so we go to check the on its arrival status. “I’ve got opposable thumbs and a frontal cortex,” Randy declares as we continue our conversation about Man’s right to recline and I and I finish the last few sips of my indigenous beverage while walking about the terminal. Clearly I am not in Kansas any more and I like it. Besides, there are palm trees and a warm breeze. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdXOcwydVv8/T0xBksuFIMI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ZwWDhsWGvoo/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdXOcwydVv8/T0xBksuFIMI/AAAAAAAAAGw/ZwWDhsWGvoo/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRCxW_-TxE0/T0xCzOhPJeI/AAAAAAAAAG4/6CuxtsOKJRE/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRCxW_-TxE0/T0xCzOhPJeI/AAAAAAAAAG4/6CuxtsOKJRE/s320/IMG_0047.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are minutes from finalizing the assembly of our team. If our last member makes it through customs successfully we will be 11 strong. Jono has spent months recruiting an experienced team of allied health professionals, and I am eager to get to Laguna to meet them, but for now we have time to kill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pd62gV5hYuA/T0xENTlaofI/AAAAAAAAAHA/bBjKrlGefV8/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pd62gV5hYuA/T0xENTlaofI/AAAAAAAAAHA/bBjKrlGefV8/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">While waiting for Breax to arrive from Durango Jono takes us hunting for “number plates” as he calls them with British sensibility. We drive a few minutes beyond the airport in Ladyville to a dilapidated junkyard where a foreboding sign posted out in front of the establishment reads “If we are not open, no focking come here, your life may be in danger, nuff said.” Below are two numbers to call for towing assistance. The handwritten sign is full of comical misspellings, but the meaning is never the less clear, and looking around I am convinced the patrons of the yard are sincere in their message. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9btZSfevFlk/T0xFMgd0ZsI/AAAAAAAAAHI/PV7-ssWcg98/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9btZSfevFlk/T0xFMgd0ZsI/AAAAAAAAAHI/PV7-ssWcg98/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve been in the country less than an hour and already I am comfortably uncomfortable. Jono our fearless leader is tall, confident, and fully aware that he looks a bit tourist like in his flowered black button down and sandals. In no time he has found his way into the yard begins sifting through stacks of rusty license plates in search of a keeper. Once found, a quick $10 Belize seals the deal. We march back out to the Terios which is parked out front. It positioned facing the road for rapid retreat if necessary. I consider taking a picture of the sign then make a quick look back at the two men inside the junkyard scowling at us and decide otherwise. After all, my life could be in danger…nuff said.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU4ZWpbkn90/T0xF9j_sYGI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/yDLUiNTII4s/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HU4ZWpbkn90/T0xF9j_sYGI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/yDLUiNTII4s/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-5435434017025807602012-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:002012-02-19T11:50:21.211-08:00A Busy Return<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcrzaTnQ8Xs/T0FKHlCtH_I/AAAAAAAAAGA/xtc2FqEgJIo/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcrzaTnQ8Xs/T0FKHlCtH_I/AAAAAAAAAGA/xtc2FqEgJIo/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After escaping my life here in the states for over a week while in Belize I find myself in a scramble to get caught back up. There are forgotten bills to pay, laundry and gear clean up, forthcoming seminars and all the myriad other trivial pursuits that all easily melt away while on expedition. It has not been easy readjusting to a way of life that charges at a far more rapid pace. In Central America it had taken some time to adjust to "Belize Time" a way of life that followed a more natural and progressive rhythm. Communication is sparse, timing approximate, and priority is based on true necessity. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j09Yg2qVgHE/T0FR9hUwElI/AAAAAAAAAGg/sev_-s7R-98/s1600/sharing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j09Yg2qVgHE/T0FR9hUwElI/AAAAAAAAAGg/sev_-s7R-98/s320/sharing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It took a bit to understand that if someone did not show up for a meeting or was hours late, it was not that they did not care about our activity. Rather, something more important had come up. It's a simple way of operating. If you go to town with someone from the village and they fall ill, you go with them to the clinic and stay with them until they are able to return. If no transportation is available, you wait with them until some can be arranged. If this means you miss a meeting, so be it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fGNvVEMB4A/T0FPV4k43PI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QiFHGuwkz5Y/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fGNvVEMB4A/T0FPV4k43PI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QiFHGuwkz5Y/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is but one small example of the type of commitment people of Belize have to one another. One night while deep at rest I awoke to the trumpet like moan of a horn. The next day I learned that it was a distress call. The men of Aguacate arose from slumber to go search the "bush" for a teenage boy who had not returned home. Unsuccessful in the dark, the search was resumed again the next morning and continued until he was found. Hilaria, the village health worker and I were asked to evaluate the boy for injuries. We found him at home surrounded by dozens of concerned community members. It was clear to me that although they were uncertain of what to do, they were ready and willing to help with whatever was needed. It was a powerful moment, one that I was honored to have been invited to join in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFaqXMmONSI/T0FI4DRt6-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/cUsevCKA1QM/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFaqXMmONSI/T0FI4DRt6-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/cUsevCKA1QM/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Over the next several weeks I will attempt to share in greater detail more stories from working with the people of Belize. My hope is to combine my journals and pictures here on this blog to better outline the amazing time we spent together sharing cultures and ideas about how to live. As my last few days in Aguacate slowly but steadily passed by, I found myself holding back tears at the thought of having to leave. My new friends in Aguacate taught me much about living each day with a commitment to community, to family, and the desire to live a whole and happy life. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crNvuhIwSCw/T0FOZdb1PxI/AAAAAAAAAGI/-oU_6fDnGls/s1600/class.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crNvuhIwSCw/T0FOZdb1PxI/AAAAAAAAAGI/-oU_6fDnGls/s320/class.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am certain that our presence in the villages as well as the trainings we did with the community health workers contributed substantially to the improvement of health care there. I am also certain that as missionaries of health education we have brought back as much, if not more, knowledge as we had delivered. This is the beauty and necessity of cultural diversity; the opportunity to share across borders different perspectives of life that will hopefully allow us to find a middle ground. My hope is that experiences like this will lead us to discovery a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable way of life! Thank yo all so much for making this mission a success! -Bryan<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FNjt_gua1A/T0FHzV4f9cI/AAAAAAAAAFw/NakugH8uUh8/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FNjt_gua1A/T0FHzV4f9cI/AAAAAAAAAFw/NakugH8uUh8/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-17180214603010857742012-02-01T06:59:00.000-08:002012-02-01T06:59:28.766-08:00Its Go Time!Atlanta Layover: I'm starting the day tired. We got crushed at work yesterday and as usual I saved a bit too much for the last minute. Things that got spared...thank you letters and various assundry other e-mails, paying bills (I did get rent in), and that sinking "I know I forgot something" feeling while waiting to taxi...my last Typhoid pill..the one's that's still in the fridge...back at the house...the one that required a dozen phone calls to area pharmacies and was apparently the last box in Asheville according to the secreraty at the health department. Oh well, whats done is done and were on our way! Most remarkably, I so far havent been charged for the behemoth 80 pound drybag o gear I checked. So all is well! I've got a few more minutes to update then Were off to catch our connector to Belize City. I've aleady run into my friend and colleague Randy Howell. He's a bad ass P.A. from Roanoke and a fellow A.C.W.M member. This moment of synchronicity and the anticipation of our destination reminds me of why I spent so much time rollin the wheels. Were off! I'll write when I can. -BBryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-36077055983615472152012-01-15T17:43:00.000-08:002012-02-12T23:49:24.499-08:00Malaria, Pepto Bismol, and the Fer De Lance Snake.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeDVDqAl1WM/TxONBGJHbWI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1ZLVd4G_jxA/s1600/belizehealth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeDVDqAl1WM/TxONBGJHbWI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1ZLVd4G_jxA/s400/belizehealth.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
With only a few days left to secure funding for our medical mission to Belize the reality of our expedition is beginning to settle in. It is true I am still hoping to raise support for the project, and at the same time I feel it prudent to shift focus to some of the forthcoming challenges we will face upon arrival in Central America. I have spoken in some detail with expedition leader Jonathon Bryant about what to expect...in a nutshell, Malaria, Pepto-Bismol and the Fer De Lance snake. This is not a wish list mind you, nor is it complete. There is further anticipation over "chicken water" dinners, hungry jaguars (during my 7 mile hike through the jungle), and the revelation that I've been advised to bring along AT LEAST one emergency child birthing kit. If you were thinking this would be a tropical vacation, think again. Yes mother, I will be carrying a satellite phone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-2IDIiagC4/TxONl8epTxI/AAAAAAAAAFo/S0t2fMnbFfo/s1600/fer+de+lance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-2IDIiagC4/TxONl8epTxI/AAAAAAAAAFo/S0t2fMnbFfo/s320/fer+de+lance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If I did not before, I now know that our expedition is real. After several days of group training in Laguna village I will be venturing out to a remote village in the southern most part of Toledo just two miles north of the Guatemalan border. It feels as though there is much to do to get ready. My flight to Belize City leaves Asheville in two weeks and I have yet to obtain my malaria and typhoid prophylaxis. I am also feeling behind on acquiring my personal gear and expedition medical supplies. Never the less, I must remember I am well trained in throwing together camping gear at a moment's notice and this is just another camping trip...in another country...with a distinct and challenging mission. Did I mention there are Jaguars there? So tomorrow will be a prep day as time is moving hurriedly and days are few.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hFuAu_cShc/TxN_YmYcHmI/AAAAAAAAAFY/hkg0MehUF1M/s1600/pepto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hFuAu_cShc/TxN_YmYcHmI/AAAAAAAAAFY/hkg0MehUF1M/s1600/pepto.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you so much for sharing my excitement over this wonderful opportunity to improve the lives of others through education and service. Please contact me with any questions or to just catch up. I would love to hear from you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many Thanks!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bryan</span></st1:place></st1:city></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-82229917833772305302011-12-12T08:48:00.000-08:002012-02-12T23:43:47.562-08:00Let's Join Forces To Help a Community In Need!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yx9pTjrjrzk/TuYtTdeu5nI/AAAAAAAAAEg/FBFKX4mTPgQ/s1600/belizepoverty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yx9pTjrjrzk/TuYtTdeu5nI/AAAAAAAAAEg/FBFKX4mTPgQ/s400/belizepoverty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dear Friends,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I need your help! During these tough times here at home it is easy to forget that there are many communities experiencing even deeper hardships. It is easy to forget how many of our distant neighbors abroad struggle on a regular basis due to a lack of basic services..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This February I will be joining a team of heath care professionals to travel to Belize to continue efforts to improve the health and subsequent quality of life for members of communities lacking access to adequate healthcare. Here are a few statistics to consider.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Awhgo8BlAIo/TuYtdJEWpII/AAAAAAAAAEo/syGk6KRNpIQ/s1600/belize+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Awhgo8BlAIo/TuYtdJEWpII/AAAAAAAAAEo/syGk6KRNpIQ/s1600/belize+map.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Belize is a small Central American country with a population of 307,000 and limited economic resources.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Reduced spending has resulted in cuts in health services for rural communities and curtailed services in health posts and mobile clinics.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*50% of the population is defined as "rural"</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Unskilled labor comprises up to 63% of the workers in Belize with an overall unemployment rate of 13.8%</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Only 42.4% of the population 10–65 years old were functionally literate.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Toledo has the lowest percentage of safe water supply coverage in the country</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Maya children had four times more growth retardation in Toledo District (52%) than in Belize District (12%).</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Intestinal disease is the second leading cause of deaths in males</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>*Only 17% of the national health budget goes to public health programs</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(World Health Organization Statistics)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9AGg4N7RSJI/TuYttSRhRMI/AAAAAAAAAEw/pl4EPDL2tPs/s1600/belizehealth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9AGg4N7RSJI/TuYttSRhRMI/AAAAAAAAAEw/pl4EPDL2tPs/s320/belizehealth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>WHO WE ARE:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will be joining MedicForce a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization comprised of volunteers from various health care disciplines. This is an established program that has already completed multiple health initiatives in Belize. Our team will consist of engineers, physicians, nurses, paramedics, and educators.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>OUR MISSION:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We will be completing phase 4 of a multi-year project that has brought basic supplies and health education training to the rural district of Toledo in the southern most region of the country. Toledo is the most remote part of Belize with the least infrastructure and the most under served communities. As MedicForce volunteers we will be performing maintenance on existing clinics, delivering much needed supplies, and delivering health education focused on pre-natal nutrition, emergency care, and disease prevention.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>WHY?:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I believe it is our global responsibility to help our international neighbors in need just as it is to help those in our home countries, states and neighborhoods! As citizens of a developed nation we have the means to provide significant support to members of less developed countries in lasting and impactful ways. <b>The provision of health education and medical supplies can and HAS ALREADY contributed to decreased infant mortality rates and increased life expectancy in Belize!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_huZtqrzYLQ/TuYuK49vgVI/AAAAAAAAAFA/37pkyyjT0D8/s1600/belizerural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_huZtqrzYLQ/TuYuK49vgVI/AAAAAAAAAFA/37pkyyjT0D8/s320/belizerural.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am currently fundraising both the cost of air travel: <b>$675.00</b> as well as a<b> $650.00 </b>contribution paid to MedicForce which will cover food, transportation for personnel in Belize, and supplies / equipment for the rural clinics.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you believe as I do that this is a worthy venture, that it is our global responsibility to give back to our international families in need, I will humbly accept and forever appreciate any assistance you are able to provide!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are 3 ways that you can contribute financially.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> <b>Send contributions directly to me.</b> Though not tax deductible, these funds will allow me to apply funding to either air fare OR to logistics and supplies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> <b>Send a Tax Deductible contribution by credit card</b> by going to <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jonathon-bryant/medicforcebelize4">www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jonathon-bryant/medicforcebelize4</a>. These funds will go directly to Medicforce and will cover on site logistics and supplies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally, thank you so much for sharing my excitement over this wonderful opportunity to improve the lives of others through education and service. Please contact me with any questions or to just catch up. I would love to hear from you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many Thanks!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bryan</span></st1:place></st1:city></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-2919650623811609122011-10-31T11:55:00.000-07:002011-11-01T08:23:22.525-07:00Dwelling With PurposeIn 2006 after a half a dozen years of wandering and exploring I decided it was time to make a change. I had been moving every 8 months and felt as though I was burning up more than my fair share of fossil fuel. My life at the time was relatively simple. I lived nomadicaly carrying with me only what I could pack in my vehicle, I ran rivers, and I lived in the wilderness working with "at risk" teens from all over the country. It was a good life and looking back it is always easy to become nostalgic. Never the less, I can distinctly recall feeling as though something was missing. While I had very clearly developed a sense of purpose, missing from my life was a sense of place. I had successfully moved about all over the United States and developed many lasting relationships of importance. However, the frequent moving left me void of a place that really felt like home....and so a new type of journey began. The journey of staying put!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfoVDINO60I/Tq7jzn28eYI/AAAAAAAAACo/TWNvNBmCLg0/s1600/DSCN0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfoVDINO60I/Tq7jzn28eYI/AAAAAAAAACo/TWNvNBmCLg0/s320/DSCN0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is amazing to me the mysteriousness through which changes in life can occur. Just days before moving to North Carolina I was in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State poised and ready with an airline ticket in hand to go to Nepal. I would be working Himalayan rivers as a guide for a prominent outfitter. It was a dream that was not to be fulfilled at that time, however. Violent Maoist uprisings had scared off foreign visitors and my services as a river guide would not be needed that season. Strangely I didn't pout over the news and chose instead to take immediate action. I went inside of the Saranac Lake community library, got onto the Internet classifieds and found it. The online add read, "Kayaker's Dream. One bedroom apartment on the Watauga River." I wrote down the phone number, went outside to call, spoke directly with the gentleman offering the space, and two weeks later I lived beside one of the most beautiful whitewater rivers in this country.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7I2fY5dn2g/Tq7j40hM0oI/AAAAAAAAACw/a3COl-Za_Lc/s1600/DSCN1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7I2fY5dn2g/Tq7j40hM0oI/AAAAAAAAACw/a3COl-Za_Lc/s320/DSCN1573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So why do I tell this story? These moments serve as significant examples of the inexplicable ways that life shifts and creates opportunities beyond our own design. Also, for me it marked the beginning of a greater effort to integrate various components of my life in a more sustainable manner. I wanted to decrease my time spent using my car, develop a greater sense of place, serve as a contributing member of a community, remain living close to the earth, all the while developing greater economic stability.<br />
<br />
So I moved to the river, which at the time was most intuitive to me, began serving my community as an EMT, and began looking for a home of my own. With the help of family and friends, who's assistance proved invaluable, I was blessed to transition to home ownership. In a effort to live within my means and follow a path of economic sustainability I purchased and lived in a renovated 1987 Toyota RV while I looked for a more permanent abode.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9f0k23vSp0/Tq7j-nimvFI/AAAAAAAAAC4/zqbD_ELK9TI/s1600/DSCN1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9f0k23vSp0/Tq7j-nimvFI/AAAAAAAAAC4/zqbD_ELK9TI/s320/DSCN1934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The concept behind the choice was that I could achieve ownership, save money by evading rent, and have property that I could quickly resell to recover investment. Again, with much help along the way, this process proved successful, and in January of 2009 I purchased a property that would later be dubbed "Bryan's Farm".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51y7En-Qp0A/Tq7ksc7pijI/AAAAAAAAAD4/-QqbY3rIavo/s1600/DSCN2436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51y7En-Qp0A/Tq7ksc7pijI/AAAAAAAAAD4/-QqbY3rIavo/s320/DSCN2436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhZepMgncpI/Tq7kaESWg4I/AAAAAAAAADg/h6wneYqsRKM/s1600/DSCN2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhZepMgncpI/Tq7kaESWg4I/AAAAAAAAADg/h6wneYqsRKM/s320/DSCN2166.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
"Bryan's Farm" served as a humble effort to occupy a space that incorporated ideas of intentional living and sustainable design. As a former environmental studies student I hold strongly the belief that the space we inhabit should be resemblant of our values and inspire us to remain connected as stewards of our environment. This property proved to achieve this in that the scale of the dwelling was appropriate for a single occupant and proved sustainable in form and function. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Up8mJcfORyo/Tq7kUs3UXjI/AAAAAAAAADY/LH9zAds_djw/s1600/DSCN2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Up8mJcfORyo/Tq7kUs3UXjI/AAAAAAAAADY/LH9zAds_djw/s320/DSCN2127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The modest 750 sq foot home sitting on just 1/2 acre was within my economic means. Its small size made it efficient to heat and power, and the 1920's original structure had served several prior functions before becoming my home. Its original purpose was as part of an old railroad depot and was later used as the office for the county fish hatchery. The unique history and architectural style of the building contributed to a distinct sense of place. This historical narrative further dictated a multi-use philosophy that evolved over time as needs transitioned from industry to agriculture to residential. Simply put, the use of the structure over the years exemplifies the value that structures should be built to last and meet the changing needs of the users rather than cheaply established then torn down and thrown away as needs change.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BD8xtphFB9c/Tq7kly106WI/AAAAAAAAADw/IOtWtITOk3c/s1600/DSCN2273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BD8xtphFB9c/Tq7kly106WI/AAAAAAAAADw/IOtWtITOk3c/s320/DSCN2273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Inside the house multiple examples of sustainability and efficiency are worth noting. The original framing and support structures were all built with local materials of the time. This means that walls and roofs were crafted with sturdy hardwood which undoubtedly contributed to maintaining structural integrity as the building was moved literally across the county. Retrofitting and renovation of the structure furthered the re-use philosophy. The wood floors were replaced and the material used to make beautiful custom cabinets. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sue4ks4LCMc/Tq7kEOhui3I/AAAAAAAAADA/GYsL85pUcQw/s1600/DSCN1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sue4ks4LCMc/Tq7kEOhui3I/AAAAAAAAADA/GYsL85pUcQw/s320/DSCN1990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
New building material in the form of efficient fiber-cement siding was appropriately applied to create a tight building envelope reducing heating and cooling costs as seasons changed. Heating was achieved though a combination of natural gas and renewable wood heat. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-499b9fJi1l8/Tq7kJ0v51uI/AAAAAAAAADI/M1IpWKtPw9Y/s1600/DSCN1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-499b9fJi1l8/Tq7kJ0v51uI/AAAAAAAAADI/M1IpWKtPw9Y/s320/DSCN1995.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
It didn't take much of either. Finally, at a relatively low cost we replaced the aging electric water heater with an on demand propane water heater. This easy to install device dramatically cut down energy use by only heating water as it was needed as opposed to maintaining a hot water reservoir as with the old system.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nAk8yOiX7Q/Tq7ktJXIXqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Vrpu8WMIkSM/s1600/h20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nAk8yOiX7Q/Tq7ktJXIXqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Vrpu8WMIkSM/s320/h20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNPoT1trKNw/Tq7kPKbEALI/AAAAAAAAADQ/vfEc3-7ocaI/s1600/DSCN2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNPoT1trKNw/Tq7kPKbEALI/AAAAAAAAADQ/vfEc3-7ocaI/s320/DSCN2022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most importantly, many memorable moments were created as people gathered to enjoy meals out of the garden, reading by the wood stove and exuberant nights out at the fire pit. For me this is what living with purpose is all about; using resources wisely, living inspired and healthy lives, and developing a sense of community and support. The challenge continues!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EN75Hdz67zs/Tq7kf6pZx2I/AAAAAAAAADo/eRGSzKJiuA4/s1600/DSCN2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EN75Hdz67zs/Tq7kf6pZx2I/AAAAAAAAADo/eRGSzKJiuA4/s320/DSCN2262.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5OuAlicoNw/Tq7jtnCyNTI/AAAAAAAAACg/5EfTDystWUo/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5OuAlicoNw/Tq7jtnCyNTI/AAAAAAAAACg/5EfTDystWUo/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-83773868094804403202010-10-27T13:49:00.001-07:002011-10-31T11:59:59.206-07:00Challenge, Transition and Appreciation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMiD1No00mI/AAAAAAAAACA/hiEGEy3rLFk/s320/DSCN2549.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong><em>Transition</em></strong></div><div>There is an ancient Zen phrase "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wei</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jyi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chuan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jee</span>" which states "crisis is opportunity". This ancient Chinese motto can serve to remind us that we have choice in how we deal with the more difficult moments in life. While times of crisis certainly bring with them feelings like pain, fear, and exhaustion, they also provide us the opportunity to respond with a cadre of more noble qualities. It is in these times of crises that we are forced to look at who we are when all of our surface qualities are stripped away. We are pushed to answer the question "who am I" with immediate relevance. Crisis can create an empty feeling void that must be filled in order to prevent the potential collapse of our entire psyche. Never the less, the emptiness that crisis leaves us with creates an opportunity for us to choose how we will fill the remaining void and what we will fill it with .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMh9-M7gOlI/AAAAAAAAAB8/yzxBGLu8LNQ/s1600/June+Pictures+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMh9-M7gOlI/AAAAAAAAAB8/yzxBGLu8LNQ/s320/June+Pictures+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>Appreciation</em></strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have found hidden away in the everyday occurrences of life, many lessons. These types of simple moments are essential to our development as sentient beings. This is no more true than in times of distress. While it is true that crisis inherently forces us to look at ourselves and face who we are at the core of our existence, it also provides us with the opportunity to find meaning in the often overlooked moments of day to day life.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Our emotions are as significant as they are both relative and temporary. They are a part of the way we relate to the world around us and they are filled with partial truths and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mistruths</span>. As quickly as they afflict, they can resolve. They can bring heaviness as effectively as lightness and opposites always travel is pairs. One can not exist without the other.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMiMj854yMI/AAAAAAAAACE/uJxEeWqWjMk/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMiMj854yMI/AAAAAAAAACE/uJxEeWqWjMk/s320/DSC_0349.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
I lay on an angled rocky outcrop at the edge of a several hundred foot cliff. My position here on the sun warmed rock provides as much peace and comfort as I have felt in some time. Behind me a self proclaimed city girl remarks about the precariousness of my position, all the while expressing exuberance over conquering the mountain (from road to rim the hike is about a mile). It's all relative I guess. While taking in this scene thoughts drop slowly and leaves fall to the ground. Fall is so good for moments like this. I think about concepts like struggle, progress, and change. Mostly, I think about how good it feels to be without shoes or socks, nestled in a shallow crevasse on the edge of a cliff with the fall sun warming my face. A feeling, I know, that will not last. There is no place here for regrets.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMiQOEedjfI/AAAAAAAAACI/gdOzonRLj5Q/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMiQOEedjfI/AAAAAAAAACI/gdOzonRLj5Q/s320/DSC_0403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TMh6Qhrp5OI/AAAAAAAAAB4/SjWyRYJSgw4/s1600/DSCN2440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-66664420664188884072010-10-20T11:32:00.001-07:002011-10-31T13:15:33.790-07:00Of Light and Shadow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TL8-mwtPePI/AAAAAAAAAAw/7BiHeigSiFs/s1600/DSCN0827_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cAiwXalKCXM/TL8-mwtPePI/AAAAAAAAAAw/7BiHeigSiFs/s320/DSCN0827_001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">. </div><br />
It's easy to get caught up. Caught up in earning money, building relationships, chasing ideas, keeping up in general with this all too rapidly moving world. There is so much information floating around, so much chatter that it's easy to get lost in the noise. Sometimes I can barely hear myself think. Sometimes I don't want to. There is an ever expanding world at our fingertips and sometimes we forget the significance in simple every day occurrences. I know I have. So this is my attempt. My attempt at not getting too lost, at staying connected, at enjoying the simple every-day act of living life.<br />
<br />
This is my attempt, as Ed Abbey once put it, to "record, each in his own way, this world of light and shadow and time that will never come again exactly as it is today". (from: Down The River)Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-56910833317500420772009-07-01T18:50:00.000-07:002011-09-30T19:53:49.293-07:00Busy Spring...Busy Summer<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tZzamWXAKuAFzWJwMnoI333NP7HBqVqFCc5PZp5zkUNuLkk8Wg9RiY-WOJkgf1LjF4Jl-ws5r7NwkQTWF3KJaPxuJ1XHh0JTnw_-V5_fe-r8-meDUGv4MxM6B-PkEqeL-5pOTnICWRMO/s1600-h/DSCN0398.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353679427488052290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tZzamWXAKuAFzWJwMnoI333NP7HBqVqFCc5PZp5zkUNuLkk8Wg9RiY-WOJkgf1LjF4Jl-ws5r7NwkQTWF3KJaPxuJ1XHh0JTnw_-V5_fe-r8-meDUGv4MxM6B-PkEqeL-5pOTnICWRMO/s320/DSCN0398.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>When I graduated from college in the spring of 2000 I moved to Colorado to run rivers and creeks in The Rocky Mountains. I worked when I pleased, lived frugally, slept outside and rarely rushed from one moment to the next. Times have changed. My days continue to be filled with discovery however, the pace has increased dramatically.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353681020376521314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfEOCGFj-dFlxyd7OIZYShg1HeDlVElOifwcMDcRnUCq4US_dzMtxYvoSSNlhV1zlEccbZZh-UGb9Sk4yYwbFtR2RANUbA0LLr-FJvsTcDkXtNGJ_pGlyOlw5tiKHflkSapAHB_-udSUX/s320/DSCN2108.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><span style="font-size:85%;">Emergency Vet Mike Huggins charging down the"Drag Strip" Gragg Prong, NC<br /></span><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353681021006796498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDAwwv7oyIq0beirwwDV3VtvuSTiCYukNxOvAV7ROHTVvPNWAW4NUb_UTwrcs9Y7CxB_OEtoq0UGVKJQwvoMDLJHXQeBTNcWSnNsAe2jjm4N67u9zGz-DL4pnEXfyjgihyphenhyphenYUX_lfrB1Lp/s320/DSCN2110.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div>This spring was one of the busiest seasons of my life, and yet I wouldn't change one thing about it. Here in North Carolina several years of drought finally broke. Heavy spring rains kept river levels high providing ample opportunity for adventure. We had some of the best days ever down in The Linville Gorge, and were able to run the allusive Gragg Prong twice in one week. Outside of these moments we spent a good deal of time in the indoor classroom beginning with the second annual wilderness medicine conference in Chapel Hill, NC.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353679875985280242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2CBze4MRcYH3bO8R-g1aWI8xYcNFSJfuebXCXhpys6XK6wsCeSC6dDLXIeXfM9xJMGZvTTIl9nnwArT7ww6XFsn4bqXTMkSeacs-JQEPZUw_CQpuuenR4N55BobhNYkUIF0i38NxXg89/s320/DSCN2053.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353681013309895138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSYmFk4IOB7fik84gDPhXtBbqMwY8jMmu_n7qbDcsNQy2MI6FWyzTjIm_A7576yq29BaQkb7eXprRiP7EcEjJiN7xmyIm5PMBOR_8h117Y9pf39eqZW8e357qwDy4ORKrffupCiehAT8o/s320/DSCN2044.JPG" border="0" /></div>(<span style="font-size:85%;">above: Henderson McGinnis</span>)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This years Student Wilderness Medicine Conference was a total success thanks to student organizers Pai Liu and Jenna Searcy. This years event drew 250 students from all over the country. A cap was placed on the conference, and had it not, numbers would certainly have been greater. One highlight of the conference was Keynote Speaker Commander Richard Jadic who spoke about medicine on the battle field. As a Navy trauma doctor serving in Iraq, Mr. Jadic spoke of the challenges of treating and evacuating soldiers in the most hostile settings imaginable. Most compelling was the very human element that he gave to his speech. Although he is an accomplished physician, military commander and nationally recognized author, Mr. Jadic spoke very candidly about his own fears, doubts, and shortcomings. It was his honest confessions about the stress of being a practitioner that I most enjoyed as such perspectives are not frequently shared by such accomplished individuals.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359856592729154098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGDuqwkiz23x9kdN2i6WbLVkmKmWoCqg79Tq4aDR00UYwLoebcvrsWLAzfVUV4hFdhg_eHfrlZMPda8O52tgeb2GCqPzfvphgnAGfT6WObU2PeFjla_hta8ap2XME1moMPlTjNcZsmLCW/s320/Seth.jpg" border="0" /> (<span style="font-size:85%;">above: Seth Hawkins</span>)<br /></div><div align="left"><br /><div>The conference also included an introduction by Physician and ACWM Director Seth Hawkins, classroom lectures, and practical field stations. I had the privilege of presenting at the conference, teaching about whitewater related emergencies and spinal immobilization techniques. The conference lasted for two days and left evenings free for socializing and networking. I personally enjoyed staying out late sharing stories and ideas with folks from as far away as Tennessee, New Orleans and Canada! Next years' conference will be held at The Medical College of Georgia. Although the conference is geared towards medical students, anyone with an interest in wilderness medicine is encouraged to attend. Visit <a href="http://www.appwildmed.org/">www.appwildmed.org/</a> for information on next years event.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683691877311554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELN1LbZCpwCQcpdkBdnT92D0wDOCT473lxayPY5gWs-YKeV3zviTOTzJe9Tpn57TJ-xMnXfO6xHqtrGKp7Rk2U1QGIFR7yi_O4q-o17ZVRle5nq9jcA1q6Lifhe_MYojNbxrNfLmknnq7/s320/IMG_0638.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This Spring and Summer were also seasons of change. My good friend, teacher and mentor Lisa Webb (<span style="font-size:85%;">pictured above and below</span>) recently stepped down as Watauga County Training officer, trading in her responsibilities as educator and Paramedic for those of a student. She is off to Chapel Hill to start Medical School in the fall of '09. Before leaving however, I had the joy of co-teaching an EMT Basic class with her for several of the rural fire districts that provide medical care to the county.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353682574918502258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GEV1Md-vaodm2zsiY4Ogj4jlzUwQ4zm_gKT7JbGJncQc0g5qtarzXugRg4lr8N_FUvVkq1Rp11fegfdmVsbLr3kK7uD5sWMHhtUrB0AZhGWPp5Xw8-Jzr_yy96wEevRReqKweNtLF3fR/s320/IMG_0641.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you want to be among some of the finest people on this earth join one of the volunteer fire departments here in Wautauga County. These folks have a commitment to the members of their community that is unparalleled. Not to mention, they're a lot of fun to be around. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353682555978584642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEzek9fgbOf2D-eh3wRBv-hQ6vFt10C9r9t246gf3HuXuY1Sj6tR66dFTcqn76z5VhIbCIY2ExscPwhNwrIRy4F82E1vgRlzy7IJ2VmOtzZDnhEXxjcUY831AY74qmF-Iudec2Ky-poTx/s320/DSCN2114.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our EMT class met two nights a week and a few Saturdays a month for a total of 180 hours of class time. We spent at least half that time cutting up laughing, making fun of ourselves, each other, or whatever was in front of us. Our job is a serious one and we in turn take it seriously. Some of our students plan to work professionally for an ambulance service and others simply want to be able to offer the best volunteer services available. Never the less, humor is good medicine and a great way to cut through the stress of the job.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353682551916292066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9psXm3tR3Yru842wOCyD-UkNKeWcpUdyAzofWp3lur55AKYzM5DH2HLJU3onFqC5gBzuPewq6-zudCZP2DlZS10rtNzzMFxCIvbehqwPRD6p1Ld_xkJ7BfDFzpLsybbzMNh7N3iMAVyZ/s320/DSCN2113.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353682565950342722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkC8zlN7dC5EfetrIqkCO1OWwEGWKmc1cGRf9w4FbnzzOkFY367rpSFvTQhvlgVinD9mdOQ3gTvBHIJ-ngOQ3_CtsE6pJRL-5VnKWbNyRavH4ksc9KyrnBjioOTV2uQ9hkh2eJniEZf1w/s320/DSCN2121.JPG" border="0" /> (<span style="font-size:85%;">Beaver Dam, Zionville, Cove Creek 2009 EMT-Basic Class</span>)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em>STUDENT TEACHING ?</em></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I am beginning to find the designations of "teacher" and "student" to be somewhat nebulous terms and not very descriptive of one role or the other. I have always considered myself a life-long student and continue to search for new ways to learn. As I spend more and more time standing in front of a class I am certain that my pursuit of learning will continue with equal vigor. In 1997 I took my first Wilderness First Responder class through S.O.L.O (Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities). Now in 2009 I have begun teaching for that very same school. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353682548993966338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq6M-4ycq5Nv1uPupBlrSkXZiLaThMjDwncny_YF1uGLaKptgcJ9QAVFDSbzGTaEkmxgsu55TeryLdxUYUHdRYMLl1Zo06gcV-EMt6URxYxb1adR4JW7zS7mzj41X6CxPrrxMWzrDCjW9/s320/DSCN2059.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Wilderness medicine is empowering in that it is medicine for the people. You don't have to be part of an institution to provide critical care for someone in need, you simply need to prepare. Wilderness medicine is unique in that the rules that apply to street medicine are often broken to meet the needs of a threatening and ever changing wilderness environment. We have an abundance of medical equipment and training in this country. However, taken out of the context of "the golden hour" of pre-hospital and hospital care, such accommodations do us little good. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353683700836393010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYuWM18kIx_-UBbfZPNu4LekQRItLkt6cP9aK7HcmGHIMYYuJB5nLMndsa5Ou6i3w3Wr2qaAT8-L1KQYO9x8y5786ryi5eK0Pi-Daki-arHChwnCTOomXBq7wNQ8R3fS3twewEczGi9dh/s320/DSCN2054.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">SOLO has been developing and teaching wilderness medical techniques for over 30 years. Founded by partners Frank Hubbell and Lee Frizzell, SOLO was established in The White Mountains of New Hampshire and now has a southern base at The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). SOLO offers varying levels of training ranging from Wilderness First Aid to Wilderness EMT. The training is excellent at any level, and as a new instructor I hope to make SOLO classes more accessible to people in the N.C. Highcountry and beyond.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359873256067321586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygKxk8jyzSToM9pon00LCwU46l1y4qC0X4_TY9nPjl-_lKDEOWBRhfiPotOWTiTPUMtZo6pZ6FgZQFR1rSYb04xiqJHiFfS9I1kMOJSj9ezoE3VkJBHhszvn50nQLOS00h3UmNspI6DSa/s320/DSCN2060.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Finally, a parting image. I took this last photo outside my house (<span style="font-size:85%;">which at the time was a 1988 Toyota Dolphin RV</span>) in October 2008. Hopefully winter won't come as quickly this year as it did last. Never the less, as cliched as the saying "seasons change" is, it is true in ways that have little to do with weather. Recently, in the same month, I was blessed to see two wonderful friends unite in marriage, and saddened by death of young man I knew growing up. Such juxtapositions are perplexing, and they are reminders to live each day to the fullest. As a teenager I used to gather quotes that had meaning I identified with. This one has stayed with me:<br /><br /><br /><em>"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.</em></div><div align="left"><em>Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."</em></div><div align="left">-Goethe<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353684777980844418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEIrs7ta-TZAw1eMG1Swsrawdwoi1_-LuuE7_Nmk5iqWsZCYhAaAF4OjWMucdpT3XIX56QrQY-3NwUiQWzl4uaNBCyKKjExxMZ8R3V6URiAUX7_mpj192emmVVqPb7SqAoxgkYkFVNxaj/s320/DSCN1937.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-35364761245192412992008-12-15T13:32:00.000-08:002011-09-30T19:53:49.293-07:00Fall Paddling<div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280210363686261874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpin01K7Q4f8u2WjNCmDiezkFvonDqJClDKTWSq_rkB7-jdIteuDX1D63TPbT70rww-EzE6hoD2oeRmeKI0JtILOxMhHQOyNRtzdK0fcfH9c68IIkhJVGGqzZIDeKHvstb7IsLMme0TAbE/s320/cartwheels.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="left">After a busy fall paddling season I have been a bit lackadaisical about updating the blog. Although the southeast has yet to emerge from the miserable drought we've been in for the past two years and counting, there was still some great fall whitewater to be had. With gas prices high and traveling a necessity in order to find running water, we were forced to become more efficient about getting to and from the river, creatively cramming as many people in as few vehicles as possible. The logistics involved in organizing a group of paddlers to join together to achieve a common goal can sometimes be mystifying. Paddlers at times are like chaotic molecules who bounce and collide frantically off of one another until the right conditions allow them to bond together to form some greater compound. When such organization is finally achieved the result can be magic. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280214950876307794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPCJnfjz2nrJwr2jvL6K1DMMz5ucWXOHYEunbIDYp0ulFPamvwxau5FaBMMB-7FZxbNykpsw4ifkIoPe-DnZkAUC-cKqQ3tFwhGU0EhJpx9FOS8hqr9Tw8cQy9LRpau_DC2CczbRMqmob/s320/P9180018.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280213399283529234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbW4ishM0ehLaI2xzOVJ5dogvVpKBFT8jI6BY9C8d9FoJAzqvfa4PPa4erbr3sbMIK7FA_c_IcgbV4-dWffGDBbfX5_INbtf4-igYMpN_LVUDdZv9Lc90IWB2_l9Rlh94PXLipXeWXRCU/s320/underwaterted.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280213405244266194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz7bVSOf8ijOIzD1EtAoki1CxZnyEUe9W8S42dAVcScbr6pyAoIBQKf263FNflYLeUhd2E8uNMviVRoaAiw0RI3DYW5mWFOhCoBGu398Ekws3JVzytx7bEcXDznIP-eiDwHQm1_EC76Mz/s320/tedboof.JPG" border="0" /> </div>Releases on the Gauley river in central West Virgina mark the beginning of the fall whitewater release season in the southeast. As the summer winds down, the heat and humidity of August gradually yield to the cooler crisper skies that frame those magical September river days. The Gauley river is about as dependable a friend as the southern paddler has. I once read somewhere that the average paddler spends so many days on the river unrelenting to societal expectations that he / she is lucky to befriend someone willing enough to travel to the corner store for a bottle of aspirin, much less achieve a lasting relationship with a member of the opposite sex. For those to whom this is all too true, there is always the dependability of four days a week on the Gauley. Here are some of my favorite cuts from the season. Photo credits go to Charles King and Will Stubblefield.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280210384504598002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5WCVTD3iabWEU_aK-qai0SoWrttqN_XewnSoS6zH6CAoHlbyGzng7mDHCmt3UdMaNktuZavudG0GjyMZuSMSN6tYWGIYqeyRPLrbUck6S8DKVFKZl812gmFgorqUT7he6_JHmL40lu19/s320/catboof.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">We had some great first-time upper G runs this season. Here Cat shows she can hang with the boys...and then some.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280214955184873330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsWm63I0sipQaov7tguJ25ZDJLn2GswfeQPApd-ES4O9ds7C_z_iHnSVB8X53O1lxgVqSXVY225ROscWBXRs8TC6EEboNAZNyxhVMlF-nZdT84aCnhjYgL7TGVE3KLxY6JH-MOrAWsBL0/s320/P9180034.JPG" border="0" /><br />The Gauley sees a lot of traffic and a wide variety of watercraft. Here are a few "floating undercuts" drifting through the flat water. There are so many rafts on the Gauley that it is not uncommon to see them swallowing up kayakers whole only to spit them out further down the rapids. There are other dangers on the Gauley as well. Although it is a place of incredible beauty, every season the river seems to claim at least one life. One weekend, while cruising down one of the river's unnamed rapids, we noticed a pair of distressed kayakers on the left hand shore. I gave a quick glance upstream and noticed a kayaker pinned in a slot between two rocks. I was able to make a quick change of direction and eddy out just below the rock that had him pinned. I slowly and carefully got out of my boat and climbed onto the flat rock where I would be able to access the pinned paddler.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280440837460819410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMrvbqAzIzQglweT6wj8s-V3g-gB79NVYcBXwPA7Ix7mrG3Jv75eGQKliJXxIIgRAdWx5Lb-w_MwwDwDj8usriXoBu0AiNByzshVTDFguMyWLa8VZTD2FSc6l-ELuZ_E6F4E1JJV8lbCT/s320/P9200131.JPG" border="0" /><br />I say slowly and carefully because even though the paddler was in need of help, the rock I was crawling out onto was severely undercut posing a manageable yet significant danger. In a rescue scenario you never want to create a second victim in the process of providing assistance. Dave Clarke was able to safely get up on the rock with me and together we got "hands on" with the pinned kayaker. The best rescue is the most simple one. In this case we quickly attached a rope thrown from the shore to the bow of the boat just as a precaution. I grabbed the paddler by the life jacket and lifted him while Dave lifted the bow of the kayak out of the water. Without making his situation worse we were able to pull him from the slot safely onto the rock. Without rescue he would not have been able to keep his head above water for much longer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280214965021849650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE4jfUgvu9M5IQFIEfRJxTAeSMZFVuECL72mBonw1yD6uaakqchZk80JuGZA4B4I8wquy18tGqMXx73hC9QHDsKpWcTosqjtTL75F1zB27Hy-A2jIIsaY7spwrIIjsj7E96tXWy2PcmD8/s320/P9200168.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />With safety on our minds, and the fall paddling season in full swing, we took a weekend off from kayaking to sharpen our rescue skills. Here the crew practices some common knots used in rope rescue.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280424084682470226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcElOfryZRP0UvdBsCSD8LbLtlhz9L__tBsvNoGvfD95zpF62poP15J3anXnJhtwqkAX5LKcTQoIPOZpkQFJR-uhsmDJl_i6Mw7h_cbircYaNWG2nfHimpKZtxS2atgt1OO9ln1rk-nt4L/s320/Knots+2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />The two day, ACA Swiftwater Rescue class run by Sundog Learning covered a variety of rescue techniques from simple to complex. We pushed through some of the season's first cold weather, sharpening our skills and having a great time in the process.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285331760344029474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-IobXIV6mP4uAHyVY-z3nE5IvMrWf6Cg-7LQfPkbQ0_peU69PMNdWbwRq3pwyHefpNRISRLMk_J_bc52fGbS1EBiVZjtndspYJllUKNrS0yVc1Mh5WPQ8UYDdZ_ym0QK31AHGWOU4cD1/s320/Swimmer.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><br />Jump in, the water's great. </p><p align="center"></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426187131781186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOF3kBrYeP_ei6Ly1cP-9TRsi3ExCAMPMMph_KCzpUrEZLY8tNPx_c0U4pSVuUqC3m_tLxgbnQrdWfPn-zn2wG1_ChJF7h03izVBfbbLvoTw9OplASLldsejKbnMrlmllSi6JSWKAarzU/s320/Dive.JPG" border="0" /><br />Left to right Ted Werrre, Me, Conner Graham, Dennis Gillfilin, Dave Clarke, Will Stubblefield<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426199197774834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQndXXJ8kbASluZXhMC_AglGlW_sJia4JRHYnYGbriqmxXfBCogZurqnf5KtewMWGsOC0CKKDKwhmVnARNuQQIXjCAQyGtBduBsLOiIKzPRKikq3CnO5GbHlPCGs-X1s2VagxIMQhxBxkn/s320/Group.JPG" border="0" />Unfortunately, (insert sarcasm) we had to share our campground on the Nolichucky River with a group of local home brewers. They arrived with dozens of kegs of home crafted beers and were an extremely hospitable crew. In this one the boys seem to have forgotten all about the cold water. Kids in a candy store.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280429465721051282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgqhfr2_C4VebLUrpoMNhnohKvKMjIGJ9Ua2R1M6WNb9JC3YC1GK3F1c4Zv5WAxIXx_HcFFL533tY4ZPL_W2Lm74eBLuvxEU1m13k-hsaiWWWrcHZ35DM3CITm1unQVTwQBeApM5fc1OX/s320/PA190069.JPG" border="0" /> </p><br /><p><br />The next stop on the fall whitewater circuit would be the Russell Fork river. Known as the grand canyon of the south, the Russell Fork releases every weekend in October and offers steeper rapids and smaller crowds than the Gauley. The Russell fork spans the Virginia / Kentucky border and is the home of some of the best people on earth. Each year the folks from Elk Horn City hold a paddler appreciation picnic to celebrate the fall river season and those who come to enjoy it. Here you can find people from all walks of life joining together to share food, spirits and tales from the river. After a few sips from the mason jar it really doesn't matter whether your vehicle of choice is a kayak or a four wheeler.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280443871798948402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH4d46c4YgT9C4DzMG68UqH8j28wARM4SbRHfxbXwqH3ddpCD_tFfy_99c-8Pg8tIVTBuN7nwP6pMN3ZVXpe_jVokZA2RFJ0YcIa4jruWljSzHmpXiYOoR1RyJE7_sgiSCoMDYCwn3OJ9/s320/DSC_0404.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />We were blessed with several first-time runs this season including a stellar birthday run. Here Dave Clarke eats up Tower Rapid for the first (and certainly not last) time.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280443912819091458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL65VWq2CN9WPva3y2CvRuFaeP96woJSZOH6-IHhgFtShyFbso_psgXwnzXIuEgQcjVDZY03eNwtQ5uzDY8bY5p1JvOsnafkLXBJhWfpacLDwIP3bv8c6Cp2SggWCyaPMf-vcSxJ-gfCzu/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Below: the author race training in "El Horrendo"<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285303590612913666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGaApiozurzReD_cb7PTVks_WvspOkyyVI1ge2mDFYaYDx6xJ_yUWSob6oRgLhsFOqERtebdTH5GascdX-_XjxJdBZlnj44adJl6TveJh0eA0NFE93mhG12iPN0Gc21tJTKwdNHOLl1Ac/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Dennis Gillfilin blowin out the candles of his metaphoric birthday cake<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280445595313959378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8whasKiJVJ2cDu1OVVPfzVSShF-j5aDoAsbIMu-SuXlQQisBt18j9lqdp0EgB9DE23akhYV1D_ZflHSYgv7wIR3iauaMCi0QDH7T-NDcJBjYxlNYmaKNs_8FbCJgWdzpOHpS8kipaJrxX/s320/DSC_0310.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Adam Herzog prepares to disappear </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280445590808003730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDT9jcxslVFIWp-pe5njSzA2aA6ruPmAbi9ROKfCM6kpNXKMpmJg2EJuSQWjJ8lNsP2x25_tM6k7vRGFy0zX88K1xdpka3udrGn7VEOgoo36vaOY0Ryyi-Pffkbdwk577wQihmg_3q1oEk/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center">Will Stubblefield pulled over for speeding </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285303603506551346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohFv5locBgnVEg6OTqVFUlmZvMs1pAlKgp2hTKeV969-Cgck0d0IxTf7uCoOxyLA6OwRV8nK13kxXriw_yLqrKntMuTMfhHBCw16GQ4ursZ3Dkx0if8TV7jSipsxZkXw1RusysDszswJR/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285303613519561538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK6D83MhXzDGc-w8jYmCsSwgMglRkLpo1NxIMMI6TYPivu-jOF2LQmQSK6APrL0itw7X8WB_GstGHjcqspfTOvTTlZpCTm_d0ET4Gtg_ap0Ll4VVkRx3-e_iJYrl4lCQoMXImXgLN4sf9/s320/DSC_0177.JPG" border="0" /><br />Dave Clarke looks down stream toward winter in Costa Rica<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285303592869974690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYqWKmkRnvcmDEz-jdWyd6DnTwF5ip1KgobOEHwugsAcsvEBvWoNyRjIcsBhzsaS4Q_GGkF_ce7zGrblLB4-n6n2ihYwH6UbP8vUPDcpLoSoP3TBBK2JfjzNR9PUmMZInPFAraSMYuqEd/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" border="0" /><br />As the last few days of 2008 fall off the calender I can't help but to feel blessed. Despite an ugly 2 year drought, we were able to get to the river consistently and each time come home safely. While it's hard to pick a favorite day after having so many good one's, our December run of The Linville Gorge stands somewhat above the rest. Paddling The Linville Gorge reminds of why I kayak. There are few places, especially in the southeast where nature remains so indomitable.<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285326359792592130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTBjptSXUwcK1rMImaXc_2_NXEgutqnjlIoRGgAqJ8FzzPMiGS92tp8P0chjC8Q46QdT5TAzO3prhPpnz1OzxYExPxgumyckQovbl2b9RXIl-7xEDOkttp8RWzR6PY9S6l_UW5AViWgV9/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" border="0" /><br />Scouting "Babel Tower"<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285326373171543762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXm8YyHCiFylj-I0ZyQfK-4PljJvaYatWritZeU-gcytC8rQgG5kA4oamePLzCr_19Iyj4OEdgQuxU95ylBLo1g_GloV-SjM191bwojIW-_foQCr7rAKgHEbz_pcrO1RSsw3T7BFy3gvv/s320/DSC_0223.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center">Alex Hymen gets things started<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285326384307789154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUQUHWfgti6v0LDZHwJi4Ulods0aaPOtGoUKxj7zxE_WQK2Y8rSKEMIvwvvUtC6wcVEyKPo3llNGHqXZFzTBINpyAaYwGXXhWwzXEyQDcFX65TJgJg4qSfaeLd7D8y_n_QLKx9RERvQTz/s320/DSC_0224.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Kayaking the Linville River takes substantial commitment and effort. Never the less, the rewards are great. The day begins by hiking a mile down into the gorge with your boat and gear. Once you arrive at the river your first task is to run Babel Tower a class V rapid named after the trail that leads from the rim of the gorge down to the river. It's a great rapid, but not much of a warm up. From there the river continues to drop, rarely letting up. The rapids in the gorge call for frequent scouting as wood often collects in hard to see places making many drops unrunable. Unrelenting whitewater, combined with crawling in and out of the boat to scout or portage, begins to take it's toll by the end of the day. Many times I can remember feeling ready for the day to end only to have yet another vertical wall gorge to descend before getting to the takeout. The take out, mind you, is not where the day ends. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285326385243252578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO7D6EA5BD_v8DiHa7xNXLm4_Rk7vUvxop3783Xs3UjHM2SBkMssdXR2lopjz3ZtBcqRuNFsgWJ58KElyNcVw2lkmGmLk0RcXqw2qJFNu3eblNQ0_ZjGKOY2Ur2hsS3ZMdpRKhgsGcNEO/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285329241194688786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsI7pXQv2vOg3WMYKcqiIKT52OP_REVkO5sYwhZc_5lsnde_uruuegHfIi4PjQiAE-9RBAbDdVrxc0dopMftLHIwx3sXrlHY2x49uqctmvM-nvjMAr9aWacTt3UvzByWqeYodZAhBEW4Q/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285326404030624114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcw_CyVNEluKJPUvOnri9UnO-GZjaZcoDA9defcucKsF_V9YjrFN7CS8JmyemXXyrAheWh_LV7s_b8siQg5fUAnrwBJ8MM_s5UEXvyS70j0a7UBEe1_Z21xsdzKqw4a3Jc2zaglNT8X_x0/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285329280012481874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEXE4c7XjwjlOAPjP4U19sqFc280P69wE3sjwNCoPfd7CeKqcWa1eTL6_vzxRzZd9wCgD2plJ7FSwzt6jFoHff52V0_jL7R8Or9X0qnnK_oEf65Hr8zjvPz7Kl4ktVZzn2AjwwQiRy4lS/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285329256580286354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYAFLUeGMfMx870dFu-x1r-aGj3NCyN6iAN092Db4CThpfwAjZEincf5tYmZUaHHzpB7j1nyCWeErWYI-em-lsPPg3WZxuS0RVpXQI9Zpe9fslz6j02O0mjw63-ABT38shx8P5THzAUDr/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>Once off the river the Linville paddler must hike a mile and a half long trail that climbs over a thousand feet up to the rim of the gorge. When you finally make it up to the car you arrive humbled. As if the beauty of The Linville Gorge alone were not enough, the experience of paddling there always reminds me of just how small I am in comparison to the forces of nature. In the summer of 2008 two paddlers Chris Gragtmans and Adam Herzog paddled The Linville Gorge 3 times in one day, a landmark accomplishment in anyone's eyes. The high water runs totalled up over 15 miles of whitewater and 7+ miles of hiking...talk about humbling.</p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285331729850565090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-7vfqmdJ8kf5hhzkRQpQvSSSTrn284luq6Zn6KTBLDRsLrCAOSKVmVxFh8375e_EQJoq1K5Ox1xiHRirF8aoPxMFru6kH0Mr_oSYJnXcwdb73vef-5p62tvWpYrXBRMH2V7pjKlqOyh/s320/DSC_0308.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285329283942181794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYLzp405b7WUFXeOHTn4XXfX3XhdhS6G1O-2L6O20tcAIByye3-DA11L27EBic_J1e2po_85EVx4Zqa62lEM0jOgipcJ7bZIz9f3fHTaRmCLnWi7autI-kQifz5ZQIsL9Y4DqYcKJNaVM/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>What a way to finish off the 2008 paddling season! Many thanks to Will Stubblefield for taking these amazing photographs. Thanks also to everyone involved in getting Sundog up and running this year. The upcoming year already looks to be a busy one. I will spend the winter helping instruct EMT's in Watauga county, then I'll return to the Student Wilderness Medicine Conference for the second year, this time as a presenter. After that we'll be off to Colorado for swiftwater rescue training on Clear Creek. Who knows what else is in store. Here's to a happy and healthy new year, hope to see you down stream!</p>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-67774124806428176862008-09-16T17:59:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:21:06.438-07:00Summer Guiding<div><div><div><div><div>Summer is long over and fall is rapidly setting in. We've been busy gearing up for fall classes, but not too busy to reflect on a great summer out west. With near perfect conditions in the Colorado Rockies and a strong desire to take a break from emergency medicine, I headed west for two months of guiding. As the flat land receded and the snow capped mountain peaks began to poke above the dirt of the plains, it was difficult not to mash the accelerator all of the way down to the floor. Though I've made the trip half a dozen times now, I still get that giddy child-like excitement every time I see the rockies through the windshield. I have to give credit to my employer for the uncommon generosity of allowing me to take two whole months off at a time without sending me off to the river with a pink slip in my pocket. Thanks to Craig Sullivan at Watauga Medics Inc. for letting me go, and better yet, letting me come back!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247527579562728114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddSQmm36BdfnFkmv2VbqJnOegNyA0NXEKTCdX1XebS0fOgQ35HmYUN1-Osx0jZ7qPYEeJWdQX1RSai3CseGDszC_2YwgEO_YYD5D5gb8CwS_X2qUxNXQfCNAb8tE_eW5dJnWAoAjnbtQE/s320/DSCN1886.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></div><div>Once in Colorado it's a short drive up to Clear Creek Rafting where I have spent five out of the last eight seasons guiding rafts and running safety support for class III and IV whitewater trips. Clear Creek is a roadside run that parallels I-70 for much of the way. Never the less it still boasts some wonderful scenery, hidden canyons, and some of the best commercial whitewater anywhere. It is not uncommon to find guides that have worked 10-20 seasons exclusively on Clear Creek.</div><br />
<div>Thankfully, we were blessed with a relatively safe summer even with higher than normal water levels. I did come home however, with a few rescue stories all of which were resolved with pleasant conclusions. Here is a brief account of one of those situations and a few of the lessons learned.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246815116598358242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLiZ5mGp4nTkKI82kfDr4I1phb6rRsTMf-G2IqcniaDJ1Eskwnhm9sp_sZj0XmEP-9rEwmwWCvnvWzE2SNXxazbFLsGxl1H9LLOHX0fytCsirWh4OZxlSEqMMR_xRvfKMSrP2R2kHxMh0/s320/_MG_5146.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<br />
</div><div>High water on the Arkansas early this summer brought frequent gorge closings as well as big water excitement. I had the opportunity to get some big water safety kayaking in on the Royal Gorge with some of the greatest guides anywhere which brings me to <strong>Lesson #1</strong>: </div><div>The river does not discriminate! Whether you are running a river for your first time or a seasoned veteran, the liquid world is dynamic and sometimes unforgiving. Accidents happen even to the most well trained river runners.</div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246817856879391554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkxf7nOt9ukYEIliA8hYl63BzoAFFSA7iKfXf1wM-y1_GFHY6u7rjsXEV32URgQegQOdxDrDDKNI0EyytSpU4zOPqRsgwqIR-0XGMlJGT6M9lu-OpXQ389SETARsfNpJ8yH4tt3KEa9qZ/s320/DSC00021.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<br />
<div>Such was the case on the Arkansas, where high water and unknown forces combined to result in several early season fatalities. This, I know was on all of our minds as we entered the Royal Gorge for a high water run the first day it re-opened after being closed by the park service. What can I say about nerves? Fear, or at least concern should be present on every river trip. Fear keeps us alert and it keeps us open to possibilities. It can, however, be crippling. It can cloud our minds, skew our judgement and ultimately lead to mistakes. </div><br />
<div>I can honestly say that I took some of that fear with me into the gorge that day. I think the other guides would admit the same. Safety kayaking is a unique responsibility. Should you have difficulty there is little a commercial raft can do to help you in continuous whitewater. It is very much like running solo, and yet you have the added responsibility of being "on call" for whatever chaos may ensue.</div><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246818442384521538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEXtLoTpDcyyR_amJBJB_HKXEyU9L2ZXPcJoT8LP4Dk3g2QQcPR0TcJURqT1MYflNDdu3C-pYJSSmeL8Q8WGgaqBUPOW1EKGiib5UNbMwEG4kkMYODWu8TcBXARiysKk1zSZVl2WWYart/s320/DSC00042.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<br />
<div>This day our trip was to be blessed with clean lines and big smiles. We blasted through the first sets of major rapids without incident tumbling towards "the narrows" a quarter mile long stretch of whitewater where several thousand cfs of water pushes through 1000 ft. vertical towers of rock that constrict the river down to about 25ft in width. It is a powerful place which commands respect and awe.</div><img alt="" border="0" height="220" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246820951134569138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU3JYh5D6cBIPh2CnRBQu2hjiCJfA5YLVOv2-HdgwPg3bNcUgfvXck5RO_pu8ARmfYDqmPL_M3rx9QSKmyVAn3bldOFrD7LLzfEKOxmPXiPl9z8vFvgGDl71CrjBP-K_LHXmwerI0kybg/s320/royal+gorge+1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 220px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" width="350" /><br />
<br />
<div>As we entered the last hundred yards of the narrows I noticed that something was horribly wrong. Off to the right was a partially submerged raft belonging to another company. Behind it clung half a dozen terrified looking people some of which were pinned between the raft and the rock. For a split second I considered attempting to eddy out just the right just above the chaos, then I remembered my priorities. I had rafts of my own behind me to which I was responsible. As a guide you are responsible to yourself first, your guests second, and any one else third. It was difficult for me to pass by the stranded paddlers knowing they were in imminent danger. Never the less, our trip came through smoothly and was able to pull aside just below the site of the accident in order to offer any assistance that may be needed. </div><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246820956783264498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxILOFMXuTFT748iKbUK3PYr9imJYQjpCvsM4hgK4fcB0vhSEaetNE-4l8yqGUAU1GqtHnvWh6E7svjFvwCMtmuAokS7GjNMomrTGTvom4Td_uaoFLqiorAJ56BVFk_DYDH7q6QR2fhML/s320/royal+gorge+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
<div>The first few minutes were total chaos. We could not see the stranded boat from our vantage point and had no idea how many paddlers were missing. <strong>Lesson 2:</strong> Communication is key! With any critical incident the way priorities are assessed and managed very much depends on the ability of the people involved to communicate needs and develop a plan. This is particularly challenging on the river where you cannot just hit the pause button. It is difficult to hear making hand signals and improvised communication a must. All the while the river keeps on screaming by, it does not wait for you to get ready.</div><br />
<div>All would turn out well this day. The stranded paddlers were able to swim to safety or were rescued by throw rope. The guides unpinned the raft and one guest sustained a minor leg injury. Guides from several different worked together to resolve the situation. <strong>Lesson 3:</strong> we are all one on the river. It doesn't matter what flag you wave or who you voted for last election. when the proverbial poop hits the fan you better be ready to put it all aside and get the job done. The river can divide land leave people stranded on opposite shores, but more so I've seen it bring people together just as it did that day on the gorge. Well that's all for now. I'll save my last two stories for the campfire. We're off to Gauley Fest for the weekend then back home to put the finishing touches on this fall's swiftwater rescue class. Be safe...</div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-9901701848043826332008-05-06T12:00:00.000-07:002011-09-30T19:53:49.294-07:00High Angle Rescue Training<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197372160768761026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKL5Lz0Xb1A3Az45kVIGHeRnWq2ukPTjykmhBJyJpCBHsfLpiEaMPCqAb2plGDVmm0GHDMSYRgt2kcKHIgeULJW564lggvfrOa8mf1fGuzQNQc9VMk1Ux3YXEOm2i7zHSln_b8t02W_Iv4/s320/Ship+Rock00006.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div>Skill mastery is an allusive goal. To become highly proficient in any discipline it takes a lot of time, dedication and of course practice. While participating in a rescue class recently my instructor told a story of a conversation that took place between he and his martial arts mentor. In his own words he said "I asked my mentor, how many times must I practice this skill? to which he replied 'at least one more time', this was his answer and it never changed". The concept here is that continual practice is required in order to master a skill. Infact, we many never really "master" any thing at all. We use our skills in situations that are dynamic and unpredictable with both foreseeable and unforeseeable variables combining to form an infinite number of possible outcomes. This is why training is so critical and it is the reason that a group of high country rescue agencies convened this spring for a day of training.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197410630790831442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q74nxONprpv0hakr4PGmpMd9TzO2GyoF3MEZaIUVNtMTfe8ZaJXOybgpWJRpkHiC8ubIVPC0FEli11smBWp4bW2HwIEtrTdRr8pw6EvCy7cRTmGpkVjNvRcElTIIJsiuTIavpLhFIVUb/s320/Shiprock+00017.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>When someone is injured in the backcountry their successful rescue often involves cooperation between different agencies and departments. Efficient communication is critical to achieving a rapid response. Successful rescues are made possible through the culmination of planning, practice and evaluation. This weekends training was organized by the National Park Service and involved participants from Watauga Rescue, Linville Central Rescue, Boone Fire and Watauga Medics. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197371688322358450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD5tXjz6aciN-_yc-lRPW9TwrGJX47p9Qy82En-VDQBgV2KN4Ch70Cq3mE1xi82W2nenWnwh2GXLS141ShTIw5yR62Z2Z1YBjRW-4AwtNhju_oNWAT8-VO0c-Tj3q8KJO95QE6qQQ07Wb/s320/Shiprock00008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The scenario which took place at Ship Rock a popular climbing area, simulated a situation in which a climber fell from over 15 feet sustaining multiple injuries. The various participating agencies were "dispatched" to the scene where they were responsible for providing medical treatment as well as evacuation. The accident took place on a flat ledge several feet wide and required lowering the patient in a litter over a 20 foot vertical drop. Successful rescue required the participants to manage patient care while rigging a safe lowering system.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197373071301827810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwLSg8cKLFrfMJZ7lIWXCe1Qms2bDMeVlBo0pFqiVX77zok9mWlfQsZSeEv8cV2wJRbbLUz1_ZOYkeTiU9hgtDKyHTHOZsws6Ecbk-Szp_JhWNUgmWOzd36eQ2jk2aebBSKVJ5-myIaCy/s320/Pt+Care.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>The initial assessment took place as medical rescuers arrived to find a male patient in his late 20's laying on the ground in pain. A rapid assessment was performed identifying injuries to the leg and pain in the arm, neck and back. The medical rescuers immediately immobilized the patients cervical spine and called in a request for additional resources. Command which was stationed 1/4 mile down on the blue ridge parkway, then sent additional personel and supplies. The medical team was able to evaluate the severity of the patient's injuries by trending the patient's vital signs over a period of time. Because the patient was stable. they were able to determine that a helicopter rescue, which can be costly and dangerous, would not be necessary. Meanwhile efforts to establish a safe lowering system were well under way on the ledge adjacent to the patient.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197406391658110194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5ki3xfYrrSWDWideRpPdGo9jsCdRZyPxMlA8BSon76Rw8fDqTclh2t2Ti0xqUmk80085j_P8sRNwAdeqOCM13EHW5pJzEvBawAVsq0FyXUAQMwSRp84khcbmo0-_bezdazJvNn_X79p5/s320/Shiprock00016.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197406400248044802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXXzwyAHKnymLHmDDAMKUmHTLNWuadPCd7r-3LnzdrLR9txttqtyPPOsN5jDcjw2WB_FSDVfeFrZWD7ZuZqwNODH0nP6yQog_hKgMlMQn_MX3ymHjqAc_mASrUnFSBGJafBcEFJ8CYXBz/s320/Shiprock00023.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Evacuating the patient from the ledge required the use of a relatively complicated lowering system. With few good trees to anchor to, rescuers were required to place gear in cracks in the rocks in order to set up sturdy anchors. Each anchor had several points of contact with the rock and all were backed up by additional safety points. Redundancy is a key component of developing a safe mechanical system. The lowering system was designed so that if any component of the system were to fail at any point, it's function would be maintained by a parallel component. Once tested and determined to be safe, the patient was loaded into the stokes basket and lowered over the cliff. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197407680148299026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3PIzCtdF6tkX_JaHxgq-t_9u4UjcJTbHhSQbaP_l7M3uxswaflCK4gZYEJylXS0H8HXr2-0glXR9Dtw_e4VgLwua8AS1caBPVUyyzoDxWKhG7VPTHA-dt3V6Jg_m9HCDYTaclkI7p8Il/s320/Shiprock+00027.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197408466127314226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAUDOP3sg4CcqymJZ4OkRraQhIyGPHUvTVHKdd57vTjffyiGO2r4lTvI0bL0yvKAQtkXJV1aLP6-g5v-LI-4ozVlAatr6bJv9ocIhjGRgTEOHz4374-Bcag4E_ZJHb49qFyyYhHOLsWb1/s320/Shiprock00026.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197407693033200930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZShlvpoGF4Den6qhqEYoi2te2MPY9bnk5dfXiZO3Xw1kLur0FBfX8DC7QLSVMvT-EMrpvWg82-OqdC21FGhbauwX7LkKGEdJsjquOB1o-b4yklbZpXRWOdlfYKCsHv028X2SZcmWXpyI/s320/Shiprock00030.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>The final stage of the excercise was to "debrief" the incident by discussing the various aspects of both the medical and rescue interventions. As a representative of Watauga Medics I had the opportunity to perform the medical evaluation while Robbie Calloway of Linville Rescue served as the rigging evaluator. Overall the training was a success. Treatment was provided rapidly and appropriately and evacuation was safe and effective. Most importantly, we all went home at the end of the day uninjured and hopefully more aware.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197413388159835506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOy9loSYIWR5NLPqwroslQHglLqGylMHK1K3VYv3op2AgJ848L3Y3psAw9z6JVMFZ_L0vPTFmQpTcU35E9lXKzlgcG4IDKx_lKHNlFgG2XazBbrozcu5J-kmo4JeuPml09tY1tZ9awyac/s320/Shiprock00014.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div>As we finished the debrief up on the ledge with Gradfater Mountain in the background, clouds covered the sun and a cool air arrived to greet the spring evening. Although we started the day in short sleeves and I woke up the next morning a little sunburned, the change in weather reminded me just how quickly things can change and just how important it is to be prepared for when things do change. This is a lesson I'm sure I will learn at least one more time.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197411962230693218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQbGUoPe6iWEhl6wjCWeghdV6tCmvj-qiYjA_G9-iv79_q-b18407DoStcWG6u6k0wDdL8dKt_3CpuclWvg8paI_XSjU4yae9aXddkKSHaepk0iHe768bYmfQcqqNUGJ8H8iVEsVgd2mo/s320/IMG_9794.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-49879549538605457672008-04-13T17:01:00.000-07:002011-09-30T19:53:49.294-07:00First Annual Student Wilderness Medical Conference<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLN5zyV7Oe3aV0WtmphGo6q190cGosmjgXpM2FiSTja_MiUD_dWNJgJ8UFH5WlrhlwIRG95Z4u4Vn3dP8z3IpWjcL0ukazSFbQYd78PJqgbCjue9M4rz0_J80VQ7SbaZ-fbfLFzdbNaxt/s1600-h/acwm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188903541368096962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLN5zyV7Oe3aV0WtmphGo6q190cGosmjgXpM2FiSTja_MiUD_dWNJgJ8UFH5WlrhlwIRG95Z4u4Vn3dP8z3IpWjcL0ukazSFbQYd78PJqgbCjue9M4rz0_J80VQ7SbaZ-fbfLFzdbNaxt/s400/acwm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The first annual student wilderness medical conference has just wrapped up, and what an event it proved to be. While folks in Boone were captivated by a host of adrenaline fueled outdoor movies offered up at the Banf Film Festival, participants in </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Winston were diligently comparing notes on adrenaline fueled accidents</span></div><div>. </div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188898984407795794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySb6u35k-tY3bOxHHYYum6kQJfh1WCsZIyR2bS2SHk8PNRHTHPTW_QivmuolV_YCHMGZxK9OzKvlJTY8LnCWasXasSX1bWerPVAAjbDJXuPix3llWSXawviQd36DkWWrT1tkvUwHZywPW/s200/DSCN1792.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NZ-Ixl9Kqdr-CULZ-YL8zyKRFkbNaS7Db4ZAhhulAIhQ1kURqiVDfGN2HtpqlJ0hDRBZeCP1KZ2MsyO9f3371PpGi9W5MuAuk8CxhTo6hN9eVYbZoC_k4C1XUUkm2aFJHmlEMr687_02/s1600-h/DSCN1783.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188898980112828482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NZ-Ixl9Kqdr-CULZ-YL8zyKRFkbNaS7Db4ZAhhulAIhQ1kURqiVDfGN2HtpqlJ0hDRBZeCP1KZ2MsyO9f3371PpGi9W5MuAuk8CxhTo6hN9eVYbZoC_k4C1XUUkm2aFJHmlEMr687_02/s200/DSCN1783.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Student organizers Stephanie Lareau and DJ Williams organized the event with the help of the Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine and a group of other dedicated sponsors. The conference which was held at Wake Forests School of Medicine was designed to allow participants to network, learn, and exchange ideas about wilderness, pre-hospital emergency care. Student organizer Stepanie Lareau admitted that at first she was sceptical about what sort of draw the conference would have. The fact that she made this confession in the auditorium filled with over 125 participants is testament to the hard work put in by organizers over the last year.<br /></span><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL1-H7evHzZT6c9zwYm-hvHa5bS1EY9QNKQLrnY8l2OvedxhZd_ECP4SWnCnfxdoaOm-8b9j-EzKaWfeb_2Z1Nef6_LQAVyM2mFoebfmAVVPurse9VojtTXBHLiJGV2Lqv58g8597WNFA/s1600-h/DSCN1784.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188900247128180834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL1-H7evHzZT6c9zwYm-hvHa5bS1EY9QNKQLrnY8l2OvedxhZd_ECP4SWnCnfxdoaOm-8b9j-EzKaWfeb_2Z1Nef6_LQAVyM2mFoebfmAVVPurse9VojtTXBHLiJGV2Lqv58g8597WNFA/s320/DSCN1784.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk_dpRaTBSE3k6KkMKp9fEW634TFOuf0_hDmvY-cv6BIpwQDS27MLlDRSyOsR9qV0BCkOYIFjKgGjvE7rSOXdm7Q_oSxXPdzbF8W9Oy1q2e8pWf-WRTkxZX6QdU1tzj1t28wCeZkynd7H/s1600-h/DSCN1787.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188900251423148146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk_dpRaTBSE3k6KkMKp9fEW634TFOuf0_hDmvY-cv6BIpwQDS27MLlDRSyOsR9qV0BCkOYIFjKgGjvE7rSOXdm7Q_oSxXPdzbF8W9Oy1q2e8pWf-WRTkxZX6QdU1tzj1t28wCeZkynd7H/s320/DSCN1787.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">The conference drew students from 14 states throughout the country with participants coming in from as far away as Texas and Florida. Topics covered in the conference included international travel, military medicine, medicine in developing countries, bites and stings, endurance induced illness, traumatic injuries, and more. Most of the topics were held as afternoon electives following a morning of lectures broken up by an excellent lunch in the courtyard.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F23FE4gf_60-BXbkjWeVYkXx036ILtwZb_aHDCKI0P4qCVkiaja6nq9z21b284E1cmzOLDCpIBKuMoxcLXpUPxb2h_Cu_2aqwS2oFXpRecEhWOetk43Whs3L6yX2aVArmZzimgNlXnK2/s1600-h/DSCN1782.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188900835538700434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F23FE4gf_60-BXbkjWeVYkXx036ILtwZb_aHDCKI0P4qCVkiaja6nq9z21b284E1cmzOLDCpIBKuMoxcLXpUPxb2h_Cu_2aqwS2oFXpRecEhWOetk43Whs3L6yX2aVArmZzimgNlXnK2/s320/DSCN1782.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFVJAdKz0n_cZu9rF30qXx51lGPGPpxC4dDJ4ndyeioELeqhOu74J3Ve0blWKH32UKh2ylKS1FBOpqALTI68cOg4ikBVzfFbAg9TvMZRFXib5ZC6RFs_oWkQTxu7QIdKO-SwDe9d1DNGj/s1600-h/navy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188900831243733122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFVJAdKz0n_cZu9rF30qXx51lGPGPpxC4dDJ4ndyeioELeqhOu74J3Ve0blWKH32UKh2ylKS1FBOpqALTI68cOg4ikBVzfFbAg9TvMZRFXib5ZC6RFs_oWkQTxu7QIdKO-SwDe9d1DNGj/s320/navy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">For those of you interested, you don't have to be a med student to join in on the action, but you do have to wait until the next event. Next years conference is already slated to be held at UNC Chapel Hill and more information can be obtained by contacting the Appalachian Center for Wilderness Medicine at </span><a href="http://www.appwildmed.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.appwildmed.org/</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Also, check out the Wilderness Medical Society for updates on other upcoming events.</span> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188902197043333282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXj9JWejkotRZLhhQoY9gSSVtf_Nz32HdKvGcQaj4dPJmm2zGk0Z_Gkv-CbSTxf446dGoK9RQRq4N8J6Yyew8qyoWumSDFRrOjYE42cO-yRt5mDRiGzq0hpDlHm4tROqcR_aCBmanueUH/s320/DSCN1789.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741988562420211196.post-28008437312027132242008-01-07T17:13:00.000-08:002011-10-31T12:14:12.085-07:00Why Sundog?<img alt="" border="0" height="316" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152907958600216066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eFBK_VhUeTdhBFK0UoBJ0csSSbubqPBV-N4sC_YvQtrYuFJZ95ttSTy3p_V05ymtcrtIzhm1f6MJIXe0iD49ekaJ18ZMRRg2HtEgum2Mf85TlgUjK0XVdfWKsIvRW10es_mASjVd5gQX/s320/Sundog.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" width="235" /><br />
<div><br />
A sundog is a common yet spectacular atmospheric phenomenon which occurs as light from the sun is reflected by hexagonal shaped ice crystals in the sky. This beautiful natural event was first brought to my attention in the high desert of Utah by American Indian healer Bob Dodd. For me the sundog is significant in that it represents the transition that takes place as knowledge and understanding emerge from uncertainty. The sundog represents that "aha" moment where everything clicks into place, where confidence surpasses doubt. Since the first day I was introduced to this magical event, sundog recurrences have been timely and meaningful. This sundog photo was taken in North Carolina from the Flatop Mountain fire tower in early November 2007 on the day of my 30th birthday.</div><div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div>Bryan M. Griesemerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02961369857377507821noreply@blogger.com0