When Children Ask Questions

This is Chris's latest sermon (preached this morning) on Deuteronomy 6. Find out what Moses instructed parents to say when their children ask questions similar to 'Why do we go to church?' 'Why do we study the Bible?' and 'Why do Christians have to follow all these rules?'

You can click HERE or on the link in the right-hand pane to listen to/download the sermon in MP3 format.

Oops!... I did it again.

The next baby/parent magazine to come our way was "Mother & Baby" (Cindy subscribes to this one. Well, it is 'Your favourite pregnancy, baby & toddler mag.'). After retrieving the August 2007 issue from our letter-box, as ususal we had a quick flick through the pages...

...and, being so hot on the heels of her recent media success, we didn't think for a moment that Hannah might have done it again. But when we saw page 94, there was no mistaking the cheeky face that greeted us.

A very pleasant surprise! This time, Hannah clinched first place. The only slight disappointment is that the magazine failed to print Hannah's name and age on the photo. Well, she might not be made famous by this media exposure, but we are sure proud of you Hannah.

Here's looking at you, babe!

Finally!

While perusing the Baby/Parent magazines on sale today, we picked up the August 2007 issue of Parenthood (Well, it is 'Your No.1 Baby Magazine', afterall.)

And then, while waiting to pay for it, we flicked through the pages, until...

Could it be???

We took another, closer look:



Yes, it was true! Hannah was officially "A Happy Baby", her parents were finally over their 'our baby isn't cute enough to win competitions' complex and the Wylie household needn't worry about buying disposable diapers again for a while. Hurrah!

Gasping for Air

I dislike farewells.

I dislike major changes.

I dislike chaos.

This past week has seen a major upheaval in my career. I packed my bags and left my 'home' for the last 3 years and moved on to something not entirely different, but significantly so. Nothing could have prepared me for the 'cultural shock' I am experiencing now.

Yes, I have finally secured my release from the Anaesthesia department and moved back to my 'first love', General Medicine. Whatever plans I had years ago when I first stepped into the world of Anaesthesia had derailed, and only now am I back on track.

Or am I?

No one will fault me for having occasional doubts, especially in this precarious time of transition. After all, having been in the sterile and often well-controlled world of Anaesthesia, I am now expected to stay afloat in the roaring chaos of our medical wards. A friend who had volunteered in the aftermath of the Aceh Tsunami disaster often had this to say of his experience:

" Oh, it wasn't that bad. It was something like our general medical wards."


I dislike farewells.

I was spoilt. Among those I miss most are my staff, who count among the best and most efficient in the hospital. Of course that would be expected of Intensive Care Unit and theatre staff, who are expected to deliver quick and expert services in times of crisis. Every verbal and written order would be carried out as soon as possible, every suspicious order (related to bad handwriting) clarified and rectified with expert tact.

I learnt much from my nurses - from professional skills to compassion for patients. Not only did they help in daily work such as interpreting ECGs (and tactfully suggesting what could be done!), but also demonstrated the finer points of breaking bad news to relatives. I remember a certain ICU nurse who would painstakingly comb and tie up female patients' hair in cheery ponytails whether they were conscious or not!

I spent endless hours gossiping and chatting with my colleagues over endless cups of coffee and glorious home-cooked food (brought in by the night staff) during those long long nights of work. We knew who was in a new relationship or in a bitter divorce; we talked about the intern who owned a bright red Porsche; we moaned about our pay but rejoiced with the recent pay-hike announcement. Most of all, we talked about our families - most of my staff know Hannah by name!

Leaving such a wonderful working relationship nurtured over the last few years was difficult. Saying goodbye in an appropriate manner was even more difficult. The Malays have a beautiful practice accompanying farewells - that of requesting the forgiveness of fellow colleagues for any wrongdoings or misunderstandings in the past. A potential tear-jerker if you ask me.


I dislike major changes.

Well, getting married, then pregnant and being a mother are major life events as it is. Having a major shift in my career is another. Where previously I could cruise along in my work, I now find myself akin to a fish out of water, ill-equipped to handle situations thrown my way.

Where previously I could call out my staff by name, now I would not recognise one even if they were to stand beside me in the lift. All sense of familiarity and security has been thrown out of the window.


I dislike chaos.

Anaesthetists are meticulous people. They try to anticipate problems before they occur and often prefer to err on the side of caution. Even in the midst of a crisis, there is always a plan, always some sense of control.

Call it a baptism of fire. I have been assigned to the ward with the notorious reputation of having one of the highest BOR (bed occupancy rate) in the hospital. Where cubicles were originally designed for an occupancy of 6, I found double the number of patients in mine one fine morning.

Patients are wheeled or pushed in in a steady stream throughout the day (and night). Even if we appear to be bursting in our seams, no patient can be turned away.

Chaos rules.

There is no growth without challenge, and there is no challenge without change

- Warren Wiersbe

My learning curve will be a steep one. In the mean time, it will be longer working hours and a daily struggle finding satisfaction with my standard of work.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I find the stream and start swimming again.