Pacific Partnership 2010

OK, so I have something coming up that is pretty exciting. I've known for several weeks that I'd be doing this, but wanted to wait to tell everyone until I knew for sure I'd be able to go. I applied to do this months and months ago. Now that almost all of my paperwork has gone through and I'm just waiting on one of my visas, it's becoming very real for me. Don't hate me for not blogging about this sooner :)

This summer I will be participating in Pacific Partnership 2010. I will be onboard the US Navy Ship Mercy as a nurse working with populations in SE Asia, more specifically Vietnam and Cambodia.

I will be participating as a civilian with LDS Humanitarian Services. I will be on board for 6 weeks, tentatively flying into Guam, sailing out to Vietnam and Cambodia, and then flying out from Singapore, Indonesia.

I'm super stoked about this. I've wanted to do something like this for a long time, and it's part of the reason I went into nursing as a career. I'm looking forward to seeing new parts of the world, experiencing new cultures and especially serving these people who need help. It's an exciting project, you can read more about the goals of the trip here:

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52236

I've been hard at work these past few weeks getting shots, immunizations, paperwork, malaria prophylaxis, orientation, etc. etc. etc. This week will be spent buying stuff and getting clothing treated with premerthin and DEET for the mosquitoes. And don't worry, you better believe I'll be toting some scopalamine patches and zofran to ward off any seasickness I might experience :)

The ship in and of itself is pretty amazing, with surgical suites, radiology, pharmacy, 100's of patient beds (upwards of 1000)-everything you could ask for in any hospital you visit, if not more. I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself.

 So it's a "Bon Voyage" of sorts come May 21st! I can't wait!

I've Got The World on a String

Friday after work and a bit of sleep, I drove down to Portland to go to the Michael Bublé concert with my good friend Jessi. It was SUCH a good concert, exactly what I needed in the middle of my work week! A few pictures...

Yup, a picture with our tickets.

That's him. I swear.

Um, nosebleed? We both needed our glasses for the show-what can we say? We're getting old. But who would argue with a clearer view of The Bub? Actually, our seats weren't too bad...

 

The view from our seats...he opened with "Cry Me a River"-it was a pretty darn good way to kick off the concert.

Me and Michael!

His acoustic version of "Home".

So many Michaels...

Yes, we bought t-shirts...don't judge.

This wasn't even on purpose; but coincidental that it was both General Conference Saturday AND the day before easter!!

A picture is worth a thousand words, but oh, the sounds of Michael Bublé live? Priceless. I had to leave early Saturday afternoon so I could get back for work that night, so my trip was WAY too short. But I always love a chance to see my Jessi friend and I'm glad I could share this experience with someone who enjoyed it at least as much as I did! (No, I am not obsessed. I promise.)