By Regina Hoefner-Notz, Clinical Manager, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
It was so early on Saturday morning! At 4 a.m. we headed to the airport in the dark. As I gathered with the team on the bus, we were a bit bleary eyed, but filled with excitement mixed with a slight nervousness of the unknown.
Coming together “for a child’s sake”
Who are these 15 people joining together to create a purpose to help children? The idea of “for a child’s sake” was carried with us from Children’s Hospital Colorado. We know each other in our day-to-day environment at the hospital, but we were gone now and wouldn’t be back for the rest of the week.
Our bags were lined up, organized and checked off. Then the time came to board the plane, and we were on our way.
Time to think up in the air
As I sat by the window, flying through the dark sky in a hushed plane, I started to see the coming of the day with bright streaks of orange crossing across the horizon. Inch by inch it spread through the clouds. My hopes rose with the sun and I thanked God for the blessing of this opportunity and experience. I am humbled by the talented teammates and the gifts they bring to this mission.
After we landed, we got through customs and I was amazed how our teammate Arvind maneuvered our medications so easily through. I smiled as I watched Kristi guard the microscope with every passage from belt, to cart, to bus, to clinic.
Meeting the team at the surgical center
I was amazed at the overwhelming hospitality of the surgical center staff; they are so welcoming that we don’t even feel like strangers. Our hearts are aligned to do the same work — to care for children.
We set to work and got our spaces ready. On Sunday, we will see almost 80 children with hopeful families. I am excited for a different challenge.
But tonight, the smiles were evident with a team that is starting to bond. We’re starting to see so much more beyond scrubs and masks.
Tired, grateful and excited
Tonight, we smile together and start to unravel the bits and pieces that have brought us all to this moment. I am tired, but grateful.
During the trip, updates will include photos and personal stories from team members. Please stay tuned, and check back often. Subscribe via Facebook or Twitter to get updates.