I have been debating on what to write in this next blog because so much is happening. We all know when you hear the words change; transformation or restructuring it can mean many things to different people no matter if this is an internal or external process. Oftentimes internal and external transformation happens hand in […]
Author Archives: michelledianesoto
February
26
Daily Lessons
posted by michelledianesoto
Each day has its challenges and rewards. It is very easy to get caught up in all that surrounds us. I know lately there have been times when I look around and feel tightness in my chest with emotions that do not always have words. But they are real and every part of […]
February
12
The Twilight Zone, Part of my Journey
posted by michelledianesoto
(Insert Twilight Zone music here!) I often feel these days like I am in the Twilight Zone. I look around and at times I either feel like a stranger or like I am having an out of body experience. It amazes me how in one week you can go from feeling so accomplished and moved […]
February
02
Back in the USA
posted by michelledianesoto
Well, it is another week and I am still adjusting to working within the office and shifting gears from the work I have been a part of for the past 6 months in the communities within Western Kenya. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if my PULSE assignment really happened. In fact my […]
January
26
First Week Back at GSK!
posted by michelledianesoto
“Transition” seems to be the key word. I have been transitioning back into my home life and this week was the transition into my “work” life. At one point I did see them as very different spaces and have realized over the years they truly are connected and need to be for me to […]
January
14
Mom, You have been in Kenya for 6 Months!!!
posted by michelledianesoto
This is the new catch phrase at my house anytime I question something or make a parental point. It has been the recent little joke at our house, it really is funny but I know at times there can be a smidge of seriousness in it as well. This is often how we try to […]
January
05
I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane, Don’t Know When I’ll be Back Again
posted by michelledianesoto
I couldn’t get it all done so I’m blogging my last entry of my experience from the U.S. I’m already demonstrating how time expands! I think back over my experiences these past 6 months and images pop through my head of the people, places and things I have been honored to be a part of […]
December
17
Obstetric Fistula PULSE Assignment Implemented – CHECK!
posted by michelledianesoto
I am sorry I am behind on my blog 🙂 I know many of you look for them on Mondays! Which really makes me feel great, by the way. Well, these last two weeks are all about the work I have been a part of over the past 6 months coming to fruition. It is […]
December
09
Finding Our Strengths for Personal Development and Sustainability
posted by michelledianesoto
One of the biggest challenges when you are on assignment to be a part of the change is whether or not what you have helped create is sustainable. This has been one of the things at the top of my mind with all of my project work. When I leave will this continue to flourish […]
December
01
Home for Thanksgiving!
posted by michelledianesoto
Many people were thinking I was crazy to go home for Thanksgiving for 2 reasons: 1. I would only have 3 weeks left of my assignment and 2. Recognizing what little time I had left and the difficulty of having to leave my family again. The reason why my trip home was scheduled this way […]
November
25
First Fistula Repair at Kisumu County Hospital!
posted by michelledianesoto
A recently published analysis from a team at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimates there are over one million women suffering with obstetric fistula. Because most fistula sufferers are young women—many still in their early twenties or even late teens — they are likely to live with their condition for upwards […]
November
17
How much do you know or are in tune with Reproductive Health?
posted by michelledianesoto
Approximately 14,700 women and girls die in Kenya each year due to pregnancy related complications In Kenya another 294,000 to 441,000 women and girls suffer from disabilities caused by complications during pregnancy and childbirth Obstructed labor occurs in 5% of live births and accounts for 8% of all maternal deaths. It is one of the […]
November
11
Helping Hands for the Elderly in Kenya
posted by michelledianesoto
This week I had the opportunity to step away from the fistula world and be a part of a project lead by a local CBO (Community Based Organization) called Ladies in Action. This organization was started in Kenya by a group of local women wanting to support and give back to the […]
November
03
Mobilizing Communities for Obstetric Fistula Awareness
posted by michelledianesoto
Creating awareness and being aware are a part of all of our lives. I’d like to show you some of the work being done to create awareness within communities on Obstetric Fistula within Western Kenya. There are many diverse ways and people involved in this mobilization work. Here are some of the ways the CORPs […]
October
28
Is Prayer on your agenda? At the top?
posted by michelledianesoto
In looking at the featured image you will notice Prayer is the first agenda item of the meeting. In Africa, Prayer opens and closes meetings. It is a way for all of us to connect to our higher selves, each other and give thanks. In America you are taught early not to discuss 3 things: […]
