Denise Elzinga's Blog
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Denise graduated from Purdue University School of nursing in 1990. She worked for 7 years in Critical Care specializing in Cardiac patients. Worked as Charge Nurse and team leader for the hospital Code Team, responding to all arrests house wide. The last 9 years have been spent in various types of home care and worked for the Children's' Memorial Home Care, providing pediatric infusions, assessment, and general pediatric care for approximately 2.5 yrs. For the past 5 years Denise has held a management position in Home Care and is responsible for 10+ employees and the handling of the day to day business. |
January 2005
Having never traveled outside the United States , I had great expectations for my trip to Kashmir . Nothing I had imagined comes close to preparing me for what I have seen and experienced here.
The beauty of the region is beyond description. Snow capped mountains and jagged cliffs surround us. Many of the areas are so remote, they seem untouched by man. But in truth hundreds of people live in these isolated regions. The isolation is beautiful and serene, but can also be crippling and deadly.
The October earthquake has left behind devastation. Hundreds are without shelter in the harsh weather. Hundreds more are stricken with illness that stems from living in close quarters without the basics needed to survive. And hundreds more will suffer and die in the isolated lands they love so much.
But the people of Kashmir are nothing if not resourceful and resilient.
They are not standing about waiting for a handout. They are not loitering on street corners waiting for someone to do something. They are doing something!
Everywhere you turn people are working and rebuilding. They accept whatever help is offered with open appreciative hearts. These people have dealt with hardship all their lives, and continue to face it with dignity. They are genuinely amazed that we would travel around the world to offer what help we can. Again and again they tell us we are “guests” in their country. The kindness is offered freely and even the poorest of the people insist that you stay for tea. They are eager to learn, eager to please, and eager to improve their lives. The importance of education is evident everywhere. The children are treasured, and are the greatest investment the Kashmiri people have for the future. While teaching health practices at one of the local schools, I can't help but notice how well behaved and attentive the children are.
They too know that the future lies with them. I have come here to join in the work of AAI . There is much work to be done and much teaching to do. We hope to leave behind the lessons needed to build a healthy future. This will take money, hard work and dedication. AAI is up for the task.
There is sadness in my vision of a small girl peering over a rusted barbed wire fence…. but in her face there is happiness. A happiness that will bring about a joyful future for the people of Kashmir .