Week two finale-D withhhh… drum rolllll please… FITNESS BOOTCAMP!!!
Okay not quite the Richard Simmons version.
The CUES version. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation day!!
Both beginner and advanced classes got their hearts pumping, and those of their mannequins, whilst performing impeccable chest compressions to the beat of Alex’s flawlessly harmonized rendition of “Staying Alive” (seriously the Bee Gees would be highly impressed). Integral components of effective CPR were emphasized, including the importance of MINIMIZING compression interruptions and IMMEDIATE automatic external defibrillator (AED) application. Our CUES students will now enjoy a WELL DESERVED opportunity to rest their brains and brawn following the mentally and physically demanding (but also full of laughs) week they endured.
Although the day was high energy and enjoyable for everyone, it was sadly not alllll Fri-YAY. This class session was Meg’s last of Phase 3, as on Sunday she returned home to Vancouver where she works as an Emergency RN. A lady of few words (please make note of the dripping, pouring even, sarcasm) she wanted to say a “few” parting ones, as follows.
“This was my second visit to Uganda with CUES and each has been nothing short of a once in a lifetime opportunity of its own. I whole heartedly believe that life is measured by interpersonal interactions. Whether these are fleeting or longstanding, positive or negative, life is about the people you come across throughout your journey. The individuals I have had the privilege of encountering thanks to CUES; our dedicated leaders Paul and Tim, our First-Responders-To-Be invested in bettering their community, the generous donors who make this all possible with their support, the fellow instructors who each bring their own integral strengths to the team, the community members of Kawampe, who have welcomed us so warmly, those who greet us with enthusiastic waves and the plethora of HELLO HOW ARE YOU’S, on our daily commute to work, all of these people (and more) have had such a meaningful impact on my life and make this endeavour so incredibly worthwhile. From the kickstart of CUES, but a seedling of an idea first mentioned during a casual post-class Ugandan Social in 2018, to what it has evolved into today, and even more so, it’s immensely promising future ahead addressing the non-existence of emergency healthcare services within the community of Kawempe where there is a desperate need, can only be described as INSPIRING. Uganda, you have an ever expanding piece of my heart. Webale Nyo all.”
-Meg
Meg has full intentions of being heavily involved with the CUES Board of Directors during the upcoming year, and plans on returning with a team of instructors in the successive phases.
On Saturday morning, the advanced group “suspiciously” asked if the CUES team could join them at the Kawempe Community Youth Centre, to assist them with their presentations they had been assigned to complete over the weekend. We should have known there were ulterior motives involved, as our extremely capable students of course DID NOT require our help AT ALL, but instead had requested our presence so they could present us each with a thank you Ugandan Football Jersey, custom printed with our names and the Liberty Emergency Care Collaboration title, on the backs. Such a kind and thoughtful gesture.
Although not quite as emotional as a hard fast goodbye, “see you laters” are still far from easy.
Tim’s parents kindly invited the CUES team to their home on Saturday evening. An absolute feast of delicious, traditional Ugandan dishes was thoroughly enjoyed by all, second only to the wonderful company and hospitality of Tim, Catherine and family.
Sunday was a day of rest for everyone, except Meg who commenced her 72 hour marathon of a venture back to Canada, in preparation for the homestretch of Phase 3. Meg will be anxiously awaiting from afar for exciting updates of the final week of Phase 3, WILL YOU?
We again can’t thank you ALL enough for the incredible ongoing support!
