Togo in Hawaii

A lot of people say they want to get together again. We actually did, and our future will forever be altered for the better. From left to right: Christa (Ta) is a Family Medicine doc based out of Sacramento, CA but grew up in Hawaii and parents still live in Hawaii; me (Ty); Jehba (who's middle name believe it or not is Christine) is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow in Houston, TX; Amanda is a long term missionary in Togo, West Africa where she serves as the lead teacher for the MK school (currently on furlough in VA); Christel (Tel) is a Pharmacist from Brisbane, Australia

We met while serving at Hospital of Hope in Mango, Togo. At the time all 5 of us were single,and Christa and Jebha were still residents. Despite all odds of starting new relationships, starting new jobs, and even moving temporary locations we not only coordinated a week of availability to get together in Hawaii (central location between Aus and USA, you know, seemed best of course), but then we all followed through as well. 

One of my top five experiences of my time in Togo had been the unexpected relationships with fellow short-termers. Which has now proved to be a continued blessing in my life. Wherever we went in Hawaii, or whatever we did played no part in our enjoyment of each other and our time together. I especially loved the bewildered look on faces of unsuspecting bystanders who happened to inquire as to our story. Togo in Hawaii.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Morning Hike up Diamond Head

Morning Hike up Diamond Head

Morning Hike up Diamond Head

Morning Hike up Diamond Head

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace

Found my wedding dress at Iolani Palace. Jake approved!

Loved this tree outside of Iolani Palace.

Waiting for me to finish take pictures of the tree!

Banyan tree.

Banyan tree.

Celebrating Amanda's birthday! Had to break out the Togolese fashion!

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Nutridge Experience Luau

Nutridge Experience Luau

Nutridge Experience Luau

Nutridge Experience Luau

Nutridge Experience Luau

Nutridge Experience Luau

Showing off our Hawaiian tattoos from the luau (Amanda - protection; Christel - guidance; Jebha - strength; me - health)

Breakfast with Christel's mom at her resort.

When you want to take a picture but the waves of other ideas.

Hawaiian shave ice

Driving to the North side of the island, stopping at the blowhole.

Exploring the north shore

Setting up camp for the evening!

playing games

Sunset on the North Shore

Moon rise on the North Shore

Yes, videos were taken.

With many outtakes.

ready for our Sunset hike up Koko Head.

Well... couldn't see that when it's black out... not sure it would have made a difference though!

Sunrise on Koko Head.

Sunrise on Koko Head

Sunrise on Koko Head

Now that's a lot of stairs!

Brunch under a tree, favorite writing spot of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Delicious brunch

When you tire out your friends and they need a nap... find a tree to climb.

Waikiki

Sunset yoga on the beach.

Mt Olympus hike via the Wa'ahila ridge Trail

pause as needed

Wa'ahila Ridge Trail

Ridge hiking is amazing! This panoramic is taken from the ridge of the Ko'olau mountain range extends from the South shore of the island on the left to the north shore of the island on the right. 

Wa'ahila Ridge Trail

Wa'ahila Ridge Trail

Next stop: Australia 2025!

Much Love.

Estoy haciendo malabares.

I walked into her room this morning, and pulling out the extroverted energy from somewhere in my being, exclaimed about the size of her room. For added emphasis, I told her she must teach me her ways to have gotten upgraded to such a nice big room. She didn't say anything in response, merely lifted her nose and gestured with her old wrinkled Italian hand. The movement had her desired effect as I was bent over laughing. 

It is generally taught that one of the hardest things about being a surgeon is learning when NOT to operate. Granted it is easier in these days of advanced imaging and interventional radiology, but it is still a skill that requires development over time and experience. I would counter that to also include knowing how quickly to operate must also be learned. Sometimes the patient's clinical presentation dictates that for you, other times you pull on that arsenal of "time and experience" and make your best recommendation. 

Finishing up this week I look down the list of patients, a fair share have my name attached to them. It's been a very busy few weeks and the list reflects that. Sometimes the hospital is gentle, and call goes by without much ado.  Other times it seems to be poking you on purpose, seeing how much of your time it can inefficiently waste before you call it quits. And then still other times the patients themselves leave little room for question. They come in one after the other and you can do little else other than add them on to the OR schedule and keep going until you've finished. 

My little old Italian lady I mentioned above is on that list. Leaving her room this morning and moving on down the hallway I walked into my next patient's room. I had good news for her! Based on her numbers and improvement I was going to take the suction tubing out of her nose. I was not met with any resistance on that front. In fact I received a smile in response and to even greater delight she ripped a fantastic example of healthy flatulence. The giddy look on her face told me that if she could have gotten out of bed and danced, she would have. I praised her again on the work she is doing on the healing front, and moved on. Few steps I was out the door and on down the hallway to the next patient. 

Yes they are busy weeks, but at the same time they fill me with gratitude for the work I get to do. 

Much Love.