The Karen community as a whole is very "pro" immunization, so we weren't surprised that when word got out that we received our shipment of flu vaccine this week we had more patients come to clinic than we'd ever had in one day. It was pure craziness, but we didn't have to turn anyone away, and everyone left happy and prepared to face this winter's flu season.
We also had a diverse kiddo cuteness overload with Karen, Karenni, Kenyan, Marshallese, and Caucasian representation all around the creativity table, which was buoyed this week with a fresh supply of crayons, coloring books, and drawing paper (Thanks, Christine!).
Even the big kids got in on the action--here is a budding young artist displaying his drawing of a snake that he learned to draw using a donated "Learn to Draw" book.
And finally, last but not least, congratulations are in order. Pah Day Day, Pla Shee's older brother, successfully completed his high school certification exam and received his diploma in a graduation ceremony on Sunday! This is a big accomplishment, and he is excited about exploring the possibility of attending community college in the near future.
Many thanks to the volunteers and students who have given their time and expertise in recent months to improve the quality of life of these new Americans. We are also grateful for recent donations of coats and outerwear, toys and books. Specific thanks to Derrick, who just graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Barbie, who will graduate this spring, Masters in Social Work students Christine and Jacyl, volunteer Registered Nurse Davaion, who administered 25 flu vaccines on her first day of volunteering at the clinic yesterday!
