When I was on the ship...

I know that just seeing the title of this blog has made my family cringe! Ever since I have been home I am frequently heard saying that exact phrase, or "When I was on my mission...". In August I attended a luncheon in Salt Lake City at the Church Office, and many of the other men women I worked with have had the same reaction from their families. Well, I was on that ship for 2 months and it became my life while I was there. I am constantly remembering something that happened, something I saw or did. I realized that I never gave a closing post to my blog on my mission so I thought I would try and put it in words.

I have had a difficult time writing about my mission and I am not sure why. Every time I sit down and try to put words to what I experienced I hit a block. Unfortunately I did not keep a journal while I was there and that was a big lesson for next time. Right now I can still see and feel it all but I know that will eventually fade.

The first two weeks after I left I dreamt about the USNS Comfort every night. I dreamt about the ship, the patients, the people I worked with, the military, everything. So many people asked me about it and my response started with "It was an emotional roller coaster". I found myself talking about the sad cases, the people we couldn't help. So it seemed to me that no one wanted to talk about it when I so desperately needed to. Why would anyone want to talk with me about sadness, sick children and frustration.

Well, for the record, Continuing Promise 09 saw over 100,000 patients and did over 1600 surgeries on the ship. We helped so many people that would otherwise not been taken care of. We changed so many lives and brought comfort and hope to nearly everyone we saw. To many of the patients and their families it was a miracle. I would frequently hear someone crying and it was a cry of relief and joy. Patients could see again, or their bodies were repaired. So many were grateful for what we gave them, but they will never know what they gave to me.

I learned more about faith, hope, love, kindness and compassion in those short two months than I will ever learn in my life. Very few complained of pain or anything else, they were so grateful to have the help and care that we provided. (Many did complain of nausea but that comes from being on a ship several miles off the coast).

The children, no matter what was wrong, were all so happy. They all smiled and had such a great time coming to the clinics. The moms kept their children comfortable and busy for the wait, at times several hours. Sometimes I realized how quickly I was moving to get patients in and out of the clinic, trying to keep order, and I realized that I needed to take a few moments and just spend a little time with the children and their families.

I was fortunate that nearly every country I was able to be in pediatrics. I loved being with the children, they bring so much happiness and joy with them. I wish I could take every one of them home with me.

The people in the countries we visited are all grateful for what they have. They aren't worried about what designer jeans to get or what restaurant to eat at. They live with extended families, and family is important to them. Many children had disfiguring conditions but they were the ones that had the biggest smiles.

I recently purchased a Spanish computer program and my goal is to be more fluent in Spanish. The USNS Comfort will go back to Central & South America in 2011 and I plan on being there for another 2 months. The USNS Mercy will be in the Pacific in 2010. I have a grand baby due in June so I am not sure if I will make it or not.

Things I Miss the Most:

The announcements throughout the day: revelie, sweepers, taps and others. (I can't believe I am actually saying that!)

Working as a nurse alongside some incredible nurses and corpsmen.

The Evening meetings letting us know what happened during the day and what to expect in the next day or two.

Waking up every morning knowing I have a purpose, a job to do.

Being disciplined.

Seeing all the men and women in uniform.

Being able to survive with very little. I was amazed at how much I could do without and how little I really needed.

I miss Ashley, Mindy, CJ & Rachel. These were the 4 younger non medical volunteers with our group that served the entire 4 months. I was so impressed with them, how quickly they made friends, how friendly they were and how easy going they were in every situation. They made the trip a lot of fun for the rest of us.

The rocking of the boat. It is very comforting and soothing.

Wearing my Missionary name tag.


This Mission was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and it was also the most rewarding. I will always have a piece of the USNS Comfort and its crew in my heart. I have so much love, respect and admiration for our Military and their families. I finally got around to putting together a short video. Most of it is pictures of the kids, many are in previous posts.

If you ever get an opportunity to do something like this, take the chance. The more it puts you out of your comfort zone, the more you will get out of it.

Fallen Heroes

This evening Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Walter "Kent" Mundell died. He was shot a week ago and had been in Critical Condition ever since. On Monday December 21, he and his partner Sergeant Nicholas Hausner responded to a domestic call in Eatonville. The situation went bad and both officers were shot. Deputy Mundell took several shots and was able to shoot back and kill the man that had shot them. Sgt Hausner was able to go home Christmas Eve, but before he went home he went to Harborview Medical Center to visit his partner.

On November 29, 4 Lakewood Police Officers were ambushed and killed. Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owen, Officer Tina Griswold and Officer Greg Richards were slain in a coffee shop while preparing for their shift.

On October 31, Officer Timothy Brenton of the Seattle Police Department was killed in a drive by shooting. His partner, officer trainee Britt Sweeney was injured during the incident.

On August 18, Lewis County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen "Mike" Gallagher died after a car accident. He was heading to back up another deputy on a domestic violence call when his car hit an Elk on Highway 12.

These men and women gave their lives in the line of duty. I have law enforcement officers and fire fighters in my family and I worry about them every time I hear about a shooting or injury. The 7 left behind spouses, children and other family members. I can't imagine what they are all going through, especially during the holiday season.

I would like to ask each of you to remember not only these fallen heroes, but the other law enforcement officers and fire fighters that work to protect us and keep us safe every hour of the day, every day of the year. Please pray for them and their families. Whenever you need to call 911, these men and women are ready for us and for our families.

Please take a moment, the next time you see a fire fighter, or law enforcement officer, tell them thank you. They have recently lost their brothers and sister and they are mourning the loss as well. I have so much respect for them. I hope that someday there will be a time when I can do something for them.

Deputy Walter "Kent" Mundell

Officer Greg Richards

Sergeant Mark Renninger

Officer Ronald Owen

Deputy Stephen "Mike" Gallagher

Officer Timothy Brenton

Officer Tina Griswold

What did you GIVE for Christmas?

Over the next couple of days one of the most frequent questions we are going to ask or hear is "What did you get for Christmas"? It is a very reasonable question as Christmas is a time for exchanging presents. We have spent a lot of time planning our lists of presents to buy, we spent time shopping, and we spent money.

Last Sunday at Church our former Bishop, Bishop Stephen Walker, gave a brief talk towards the end of Sacrament Meeting. In his talk he encouraged us to change the word get to give, so it now becomes "What did you give for Christmas"? He did not mean what present did you buy for who, how much did you spend or who did you buy for. He was talking about what did we give of ourselves, our talents and our time.

Did we donate to a charity? Did we help someone in need? Were we there for a friend? Most important is what did we give to Christ? He gave everything for us so why not give something for Him?

Let's try and forget about how commercial Christmas has become, and let's remember what this day is all about. President Thomas S Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints said that asking that question "prompts stimulating thought, causes tender feelings to well up and memory' fires to glow ever brighter."

Take some time and think about what you have given, not just at Christmas but all year. Let's all make an effort to try and give a little more of our time to helping and serving others. Christmas Gifts can become Christmas Blessings.

I wish all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas. I hope your day is full of love and laughter. If you can, tell me a little about what you gave for Christmas.

Kirsten's 50th Birthday

On my birthday, my loving family put a candle in a cookie and sang Happy Birthday to me.

Daphne helping blow out my candleVideo of singing Happy Birthday

The end of my birthday was spent with Michelle at two different Walgreen's in Olympia. We were doing some last minute deals with coupons. We also went to two Target's! Personally I can't think of a better way to end the day.

Then on Saturday, we had a big party with family and friends. Our closest friends from Utah, the Jefferies family, surprised me by driving out here for my party!

My daughter Laura catered desserts and appetizers for the party. We feasted on:

Zucchini and Potato-Stuffed Sweet Peppers

Avocado-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Bruschetta

Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Chocolate Truffles

Rocky Road Fudge

Cranberry-Brie Bites

And the most delicious cake I've ever had!!

Michelle and I made one of our signature birthday quilts for the party. I'm having family and friends sign their names on my birthday quilt.

It was an absolutely fun filled week and I am so glad I have friends and family to celebrate with. It was a major milestone for me, but I wanted to celebrate it instead of mourning.

Philippines #3 Malatapay Market

On Wednesday mornings there is a huge open market here. It starts very early in the morning. The cooks for the resort get up early to make sure they get the best selection for the restaurant.

We went today, a little later, to experience the market. We had a briefing on it last night so we knew what to expect. Our dive guide Marco, another dive guide Simon and the Tokos Restaurant Host took us on our journey.

Wednesdays at Malatapay Market are always abuzz with activity. It is a place where livestock growers, local farmers and fishermen converge to sell their fresh produce. Aside from that there are also other vendors who display an array of merchandise such as plastic wares, household items, garments, slippers, sometimes even cheap children’s toys. It is a whole day fair for the townspeople, shoppers and visitors. Folks from the neighboring towns also take part in the tabo, a local term which means market day.

People go there not only to buy or browse around the market but also to enjoy the open air seaside restaurant that is popular for its fresh seafood dishes.

There were 102 of us so we boarded 2 Jeepneys to take us the 10 minute drive.



When we arrived I was surprised at how crowded it was. The problem is that they use this road to transport all the animals being sold at the auction.



Gary thoroughly enjoyed the hardware items for sale. He had his eye on a couple of knives. He said he collects knives which was news to me. He said he would take them home and put them in the basement. Well, Gary came back empty handed.


I am glad that blogs don't include a smell tab. The first two pictures are fish. Marco is from the Philippines and assured us that is tasted very good. I took his word for it and moved on.


Yes, let's keep moving on. More fish.


This is dried fish. Even after you dry it, it still smells fishy. Gary wanted to take some for snacks on the plane.


Fresh meat for sale.


Peanuts for only 5 Pesos. They were good!


Towards the end of the road is the market where all the livestock are sold. I chose not to go in and watch as I had seen enough of the animals being carried to and from along the road. I decided not to show you any of the pictures of the animals because it was hard enough for me to see and listen to. The pigs make the worst sound when they are being tied up. No slaughtering goes on here, lucky for me.

The road ends at the beach. At the end is a restaurant that sells roasted pig. We had a table set for us as we arrived to try some sticky rice, fried banana, roasted pig and more. Kirsten settled for some Sprite while Gary tried it all.

We had a wonderful man playing banjo for us at the end. He was a very friendly man and played the banjo very well. It was nice to sit and listen to. he even took requests!

Philippines #2

After about 30 hours of travel we arrived in Puerto Galara, Philippines. We drove from Chehalis to Vancouver, BC for our flight. Then we had a 13 hour flight to Hong Kong, layover there and a short flight to Manila. From there a 4 hour bus ride then a 1 hour boat ride.

The food here is wonderful. We have enjoyed some of the best food on any of our dive trips. Kirsten is not a seafood fan but there has always been chicken or beef. Gary is loving all the fresh fish he can eat. For lunch and dinner we always have a gourmet dessert. Laura we will get pictures for you at every meal.

Our dining area.


We have 63 stairs to climb up to our room every time. It reminds me of my trip on the Comfort! We make sure before we leave that we have everything we need. But, we have to go up and down and least 4 times a day, great exercise. That and being in the water swimming for up to 4 hours a day helps justify the desserts.

Yesterday, while our gear was drying, we took a walk around town. Gary found two hardware stores and enjoyed looking around.

The streets of Puerto Galara.


Think there are any copyright issues here?


A few of the boats we have been diving off of.


One day last week we traveled by boat to Verde Island where we spent a day of diving. Here are a few pictures of the island.





During this week two of our divers reached milestone dives. Russ had dive #1200 and Bob (Scuba Dad) had Dive #6400. No, that is not a typo! I am barely to dive #600. That night they each had to drink a beer out of a snorkel with a mask on. They made it look easy!
They each got T-Shirts to commemorate the event. My lesson in all of this is to NEVER tell them exactly how many dives I have had.

We have been here one week and we are packing our gear and headed for the airport. We are flying from Manila to our next destination, Dumaguete. We will be staying at the sister resort to where we are at now. It's not a lot of fun drying out the wet gear for a day, packing, getting up early and traveling, but it is necessary to go someplace else.

We are usually in bed by 8:30 at night and we are up at 6:00 am. For those who know my sleep schedule lately, that is a real challenge for me. But, I have adjusted and with the help of some great little blue pills I sleep well all night.

The sunset the night before we left.

This is the sunrise as we were leaving.

The shore of Puerto Galara as we were leaving.

Loading up on the boat.