VICINITY — Monday Motivational Meditation #371 — 2018-09-17

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness,
making everything in its vicinity
freshen into smiles.

Washington Irving, 1783-1859

American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century. He is best known for his short stories “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, both of which appear in his collection, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

VICINITY

Knowing that support or help is in the vicinity where people live can be a great comfort. Especially if they find themselves living on the edge of mental or physical illness, the proximity of loved ones who care for them is a treasure.

When I am in the vicinity of people in need, I want to be willing to let them know I am within their reach. The best way to show them that I am serious is to be fully present when I am with them. Those who are reaching out to me must know that my words are sincere.

Building a world where people feel safe and cared for is something I give my energies to gladly. Being in the vicinity of my brother or sister who is scared or suffering is a work I do willingly and with enthusiasm.

Divine Presence, serving in the vicinity of persons who give generously of themselves inspires me to do the same. Surround me with energy so that I may do my part to create a world healed of suffering and sadness. AMEN.

ACTION: What services are available to those who are in need of healing in your neighborhood? Think about ways it could be better. What could you do to bring more services to your vicinity?

About the Photographer

Taryn Baxter

“Hola! I’m a natural light wedding photographer based in Sayulita, Mexico. Originally from Victoria, Canada, I received a professional photography diploma there in 2006. I have been photographing weddings since 2010 (over 100 and counting!) and moved to Sayulita in 2015. I love travel and the outdoors and on my days off you can find me hiking or at the beach!

“I’m based in the beautiful beach town of Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico from October to June each year. As well as Sayulita, I am available for work in Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, San Pancho, Los Cabos, Tulum, Zihuatanejo, San Miguel De Allende as well as many other locations in Mexico! I LOVE to travel and will consider accepting bookings in foreign countries so long as I’m legally allowed to work there!”

The photos featured in this series called, “Neighborhoods,” were taken in the Mexican Pacific Coastal town of Zihuatanejo i I would like to thank Taryn for giving Nursing Heart permission to share her lovely work. You can learn more about Taryn and see more photos click HERE.

	Our team, with Clemson reps who joined us for a meeting with Dr. Garcia, Medical Director of Obras Sociales de San Martin.

Nursing Heart Friends,

During this past week, we have had the pleasure of welcoming to our Nursing Heart vicinity two faculty members from Clemson University School of Nursing. They were Roxanne Amerson, who is the head and founder of the Global Certificate Program and her nurse practitioner colleague, Tracy Fasolino. They were with us to learn about our program and meet our partners. We have high hopes that the two of them will be returning with their globally conscious students in mid-2019. We had a wonderful week together.

The week made me conscious once again of the many partnerships to which we have been invited. Sharing this work with so many others who seek to improve the life and health of Guatemalan communities is an honor. As we move into our eighth year in Guatemala, we treasure all the relationships we share.

Our season officially gets underway in the first week of October as we welcome back our friends from the University of South Dakota. They will be installing nine stoves in San Lorenzo El Cubo. If you’d like to support them by donating a high-efficiency wood burning stove, click HERE.

Our General Campaign is continuing. We are seeking 50 new monthly patrons of our work. The amount does not matter. Five dollars a month can make a big difference. Thanks to all who are helping us!

Peace,

If you are a nurse practitioner and would like to join us for the FAU group on November 3-10, we have space for at least two more. We would appreciate your help very much. Please write to me at ron@nursingheart.org if you are interested.

Also, our annual Friends of Nursing Heart program is scheduled for January 26-February 2. This program is open to nurses and others. We will be doing a building project and clinics during the week. It’s always a very special time. Click to learn more.

Learn more about our work at nursingheart.org.

When patients are within the vicinity of
a loving and compassionate nurse,
healing occurs.

Roxanne Amerson, RN, PhD
Director of Global Health Certificate Program

Tracy Fasolino, RN, PhD
Associate Professor
Clemson University School of Nursing
Clemson, South Carolina