05.30.15 OI trip report Mogmog

This is an excerpt from my travel log. Part of my responsibilities was to initiate a breast health awareness program. Thought it went very well on each island.

Mogmog.

Nice to return. This time I met with some of the women and talked about women’s week and breast health. Some good questions such as risks – of course I had to say betel nut and they look on their faces was precious. Since there is no evidence that is true I did say that it causes mouth cancer but probably not breast cancer. One brave soul – Stacy – agreed to having a breast exam so I did one for her and taught the women how to do a self-exam. I asked them to talk about what we discussed and when the trip comes back we can go over any questions or I can do an exam for anyone who wants one. We’ll see. Met with Dr. Andrew and did the necessary health assessments and assessment of the dispensary.

The big news is that the medicines for the islands beyond Fais were not packed AND the store room said they didn’t have time as someone from the CDC was there! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the health sponsored ship and the hospital supply office does not have time to pack medicines! This ship has not been here since March. I suspect if the CDC person was aware they were being blamed, they would help with packing. Immunization offered to charter the plane from Ulithi to Fais if we could wait in Fais and retrieve them. But then there is a problem with the typhoon and the captain did not even let us work in Falalop. After we finished in Asor we went straight back to the mother ship and anchored somewhere off the coast of Falalop.

After Mogmog we went to Asor. Had a meeting with Andrew then a meeting with the women. Three had exams done and I left it the same way – think about it and I will meet with them again on the way back. The immunization team is updating the kids on their shots. Things going well

Night on Hapilmohol.

Rock and Roll. What a night. It is stormy but not storming. Hardly slept as things were crashing from the shelves and stacked boxes, etc.  Melissa and I get along well and have had some nice conversations about her family, customs in Yap, and she wants to come to America. She is afraid to travel alone, so if I am not in Yap at the time she is ready, I will come back and travel with her.

Pictures from Mogmog:

The Catholic Church now has a roof, thank you to USAID.

Immunizations. We make all the babies cry.  The ten year old boys tend to laugh when  they get their shots. Tough kids.

 

 

Love ths hat. Much needed as there is precious little protection from the sun.

Joe (Lamotrek health assistant) and Subriano (Woleai health assistant) helping with the immunizations in Mogmog.

Dr. Arthur talking with Ali who works for YCA and also created a program for children with special needs.

Schools out. Buildings destroyed. Kids hanging out on the shore.

Loom in women's house to make lava lava. Would love to learn how to make one.

Swing for baby.

Stacy. Auntie of Roxy and Hilda in PH. She was a major help in the breast awareness initiative.
Thank you very much Stacy for your help.

Island life. What more  is there to say?

Local women in Mogmog.

Caught! She was hiding betel nut in her bra!