Project Homeless

“I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living, the very purpose of life and

not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.”

Marian Wright Edelman

Project Homeless- 

The mission of Project Homeless Connect^TM (PHC) is to connect Bellingham's homeless with the system of care that will help them move off the streets and into housing. The goal is to have all the homeless off the streets in the next 5 years. Everyone has a story...

My heart was warmed and a bright smile was deposited on my face to see all the volunteers at Project Homeless. I feel privileged to have been able to participate and volunteer in a program that possesses a sizeable impact for the homeless in our own backyard, Whatcom County.

I was excited and geared up to help wherever I was needed throughout the day. Originally, I was supposed to be working the referral station. This was composed of handing out vouchers, free bus tickets, and informing guests where they could find further medical and dental help that wasn’t available on site. For example, we had a few people ask us where they could get their dentures realigned. We then explained the process of how they could go to Interfaith or Seymour and make an appointment or arrive at 7:30 AM in hopes that at some point throughout the day they had a cancelled appointment. I can only imagine how frustrating this information would be for someone. I felt sympathetic for these people who were seeking help but couldn’t receive services for at least a few weeks out or by sitting around all day in hopes that another person didn’t show up or cancelled their appointment. 

After being at referral for a short period, I jumped into triage. This station involved exams and taking radiographs. I enjoyed this position because I was able to connect with our guests. I guided each guest from the waiting area to our make shift operatory and reviewed medical and dental history before their exams began. I could visibly see one individual was nervous. I asked him the basics of how his day was going, if he had plans for the rest of the day, and if he had any questions. He didn’t have any questions but did tell me he was extremely scared of pain and needles. I told him he could take a few deep breaths because neither of those things were going to happen here at our station. I immediately saw relief in his eyes and he began to tell me all about his life. He did need two teeth extracted and when I found him later on that day he told me it was not as bad as he anticipated it to be.

After lunch, I found myself in one of the dental vans. I was in awe of this mobile home turned dental office! Once I was in the van, I didn’t feel I was helping the homeless as much as I was learning about dental procedures. Since we were working with a laid back dentist, I was able to assist chair side on a guest who needed root tips extracted. I was eager and apprehensive at the same time. I was worried I wouldn’t do something right and hurt the guest! It turned out to be just fine except for forgetting to put on proper PPE (mask and eye wear I quickly put it on about 5 min into the appointment! I was too excited!)…oops! It was amazing to see how a few tools can loosen and pull out roots of a tooth! The Dr. put in some stitches and gave the patient some ibuprofen and antibiotics. We could see an infection in his gums where an abscess was clearly formed and causing pain to the patient. The patient told me he wished kids knew what drugs do to your mouth. The Dr. said they do and think that it won't happen to them. Why do we always think we are the exception? 

It wasn't just dental that was being offered. There was medical both physical and mental. Volunteers from social security, DOL, and opportunity council were there. Ciao Thyme (who did the food for my rehearsal dinner... they can make dirt taste good) provided lunch for all the homeless and volunteers! The Bellingham Beauty School students volunteered their time giving haircuts! There were over 300 volunteers trying to reach out to the over 1,100 homeless in Whatcom County.

I saw a few of the guests that I helped as we were wrapping things up. The guy who had the teeth pulled turned out to be the husband of one of the women who we provided services to in the van. They were walking up the hill as Amanda and I were walking down. They had big smiles spread across their faces and bounce in their step. We said hi and asked how the rest of their day was going. The woman said, "Don't we look good? Look at my husband and his new haircut! Doesn't he look handsome?" I flashed a smile and said, "Yes he does!!!!!" and she said, "I better watch out now especially for you...he's mine!" Of course she was joking around with us, but it was something special to see them feel like kings and queens for a day!

           

As I think back on the experience, I’m humbled by how thankful all the guests were. Each and every one of them thanked us for everything we were doing. They expressed gratitude and had a sense of humor. I was happy to be able to help relieve their physical pain permanently and the mental pain for at least one day. It was never about an opportunity to learn more about dental. However, it was about connecting with those in my community that could use a helping hand. I wanted to lend a hand to all who needed a crutch and an ear to those who needed to talk. And if along the way I helped with their dental needs, it was an added bonus!

WIRELESS X-RAY! How cool is that thing! The clear plastic protects you up to 6 feet from the radiation!

End of the day shot in the van with Dr. Taylor, Amanda, Ellen, Linda, and Me!
Ellen's job is to drive the mobile home to different volunteer events! She is a dental assistant and gets to travel and help people in need as a job!  Linda (behind me) is my instructor at school and Amanda (left) is one of my peers. We both were able to assist with Dr. Taylor and he's a funny guy!

until next time...

Homework....

I took a class in college called professional communication. We had to write mission statements...both personal and professional. One of the questions on my hw this week was on my goals and philosophy for life and work. So here's what I have..... I hope this makes you think about your own lives and what you want out of them!

“My personal mission statement”

I want to strive to live life to the fullest extent. I will project my optimistic outlook by always finding the benefits and advantages to everything. I want to maintain my timely manner and efficiency by finishing everything I do. My outgoing personality will motivate others to do their best. My positive attitude will shine and deposit smiles on loved ones, strangers, and co-workers faces. I will lend a hand to all who need a crutch and an ear to those who need to talk. I want to take chances and give my all at everything I attempt. Most of all be satisfied with everything I have made for myself and never forget to learn from my failures. Life is about challenges, laughter, victory, and relationships. Life is what you make of it and I want to make mine the most amazing experience it can be. 

“My professional mission statement”

My career mission is to become a top dental assistant for a well known dental office. My aim is to provide positive, practical, and professional support to the doctor and patients in aiding them to achieve an ideal oral cavity. I will do so by working closely with the doctor, dental team, and patients. To be trusted as honest and caring to gain confidence with my patients and team members. I will give 100% effort to my job, but once I leave the office I will resume my personal life and return back to work the next morning. A balanced life is a healthy life. I am prepared to step up in emergency situations when problems arise. Every challenge provides a new opportunity to prove myself.

until next time...

Turmoil

I've had a journal since I was 16 years old. I went in spurts as to how often I would write in it. I've had four different journals. I always changed them when something major happened. I started my first journal after our house burnt down. It let me get my fears out without having to talk to anyone about it. I didn't sleep well for a while and would wake up in the middle of the night and write it all down so I could get back to sleep. I guess that is to be expected though when you live in a hotel room for 3 weeks. Two more journals on boyfriends and the last one was about me. Finding out who I was, growing, my life's journey as I saw it. I wrote about my happiness and sorrows, adventures and failures, the good and bad things I realized about who I was and how to improve, and much more. My only concern about my journal was that someone aka my brother would find it and know all my secrets and tease me about them.

Now I write this blog. I started it because I wanted to be an open book and how I want my life to be told. I am realizing tonight that maybe jotting my life on pieces of paper and hiding it away would be easier! Of course hiding is easier than putting it all out there. I am open and honest and raw. I now realize that some of what I write isn't as open as others want me to be. So, do I make this blog private to only those I wish to share it with? Does that make the point of my blog, being an open book, irrelevant then? Do I only talk about me, myself, and I and not mention others names? Do I make it just my own thoughts and walk and nothing about those that I include in my life? How do I write about MY life and daily adventures with others and not include them in my posts? How do I keep the lives of others private from those of you reading about me? Is that possible on a blog? HELP!

until next time...

She said it was okay....

Just a hint more of Vegas

...Nancy you are a bad influence...but we sure do like you!

until next time...

Preview...

Just getting you ready for the rest of what happened in Vegas....

Until next time...

Asking for help

We are in this series called "Clarity" in church. Where we are suppose to ask ourselves the "best question ever" and this would be "What is the wise thing?" For example, our tax return came earlier this week. Do we go buy some items we really want to have but don't really need. (that was always my favorite line when I really wanted to have something... "But mom I don't want it I need it!) Or do we throw it all at student loans making us just inches away from saying we only have 4 digit debt not 5? What do you think we did? Duh! do you know who I am? We paid $6000.00 to stafford loans. Oh, I bet they hate us now because they aren't getting interest on that huge chunk anymore! LOVE IT! The rest will go into savings because we aren't sure if I will be able to work all of July due to my externship. I need to be working right now in order for us to keep paying tuition out of pocket and not taking out any more loans. Random thought: We have paid off 39% of Nic's UND student loans (our last remaining debt) since September...yes in 6 months...do you think there is a person on the other end going how are they doing this?!?!? I'd like to think there is, because I'm proud of us!

In my small group we talked about what are some reasons people make unwise decisions. Is it your emotions? Are they addictions? How do you describe the difference between wise and unwise living? We decided if you ask "What are our motives" you'll quickly find the answer. It's a difference of Godly  vs Worldly.

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer

proverbs 9: 12

Last week we got into the nitty gritty of it all. "What is the wise thing?" now had three parts: In light of my past experiences, my present reality, and my future hopes and dreams. Which then tied into this week of which path do you choose? The principle of the path is this...Every path leads somewhere, a destination. The direction you are currently traveling relationally, spiritually, financially, physically etc will determine where you end up in each of those areas. That destination may be good, beneficial and healthy, or it may be destructive, painful and filled with regret. When we get on a path and go the direction it leads, we will predictably arrive at a destination. it can bring you to a place of great fulfillment or great disappointment. We often look for a solution when what is really needed is a new direction!

Here is where my problem lies... I always think that I know what's best and SURPRISE I don't! Why do we think that we know better than God does? Why do I constantly get in his way and take charge instead of asking him to show me?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3

I was talking to a friend the other day about tithing (a whole other can of worms to explore for another day). I asked her how I am expected to give 10% of our income right now and trust that this is what we are suppose to do. That if I don't the bible basically says I'm stealing. (once again this post will take 2 hours to read if I get any deeper into this matter!) I said to her that we sponsor a child and I do volunteer work... does that count? And you know what she said to me... "Have you asked God?" Well.... no.... and I felt sheepish and thought to myself "why didn't I think of that!" I'm good at going to church and practicing what is preached (for the most part) but I don't talk to God very often and I won't know him unless I start! So, for the first time on Monday I asked him to please open and close some doors for us. I struggle in Bellingham. It has never quite felt like home. I don't have complete ease and comfort here. I have been banking on the fact that it will be tough for Nic to find his ideal job here once he is done with school and we can move! Lots of engineering jobs in Redmond and Kirkland! I can go HOME! Nic has said he is ready for a move too. Last night God said otherwise to my genius plans! I have an interview tomorrow for an assistant position at an endo office that I am under qualified for but who knows kill em with charm and I might get it! I am shocked I even was offered an interview since I am not done with the program yet! I know, I know, I was the one who had the chat with God about opening and closing doors and he sure did make it clear where our path is. Funny how just asking for some guidance can change everything! And all we are left with, is one path to follow!



until next time.....

Things that I realized today...

I went on a downloading spree the other day. I carefully chose songs that would pump me up on the plane ride down to Vegas this Friday. I have NEVER been to Vegas and am quite excited! I loaded all the songs onto my ipod and began listening to them in the car today. I pick up a girl from my class every morning. Here we are making our way to school and jammin out to my new songs....when...Enrique Iglesias ft. Luda "Tonight" comes on. I almost went pee in my pants people! When this song comes on the radio, I hear... that tonight I'm lovin you. Much to my surprise the real lyrics came bursting out of my car speakers...that tonight I'm f*in you!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?!!??! This is the second time in the last few weeks this has happened to me. Call me naive but I thought the Cee-lo "forget you" song was really forget you not f*!? you! Almost went pee in my pants when I downloaded that one! Why are artists ruining songs by swearing in them? Does that make them cool? Tough? Creative? NOT IN MY BOOK!

another thought....

I tried calling a friend today. It rang twice and then a busy signal. Busy signal? Boop boop boop boop....yup busy signal. Then I thought wow I don't know the last time I heard a busy signal. Probably because everyone has call waiting now so you don't have to listen to that awful noise anymore! AND THEN I realized....will that noise be gone when I have children. If i say something about the busy signal noise to them will they look at me like I am crazy and not know what I am talking about?!?!?

Yup these are these things that go on in my daily routine. What did you think about today? Anything out there like me?


until next time...