Rio Itaya

Woke this morning to go to the most beautiful breakfast before our mission work. We eat outside by the infinity pool every morning. We are so lucky, I look hoping to hold the image in my mind forever. It is so upsetting how much I have overlooked in my life, and I want to savor every second here. Slums or beauty. Getting on buses we took through the market the guides told us all not to put out arms outside the bus, because the people will steal from you in a heartbeat. The market was beautiful, yet inspiring. I saw a man surrounded by old filthy shoes trying to refurbish them to sell again. We saw boxes and boxes stacked full of chickens, then the next store full of eggs. I saw salted fish (yes salted like old school style) stalked in huge piles, and of course tons and tons of fruit. we approached the river Itaya and got into a small ferry. The area around the river was already so poor. Barefoot children playing in gutters with trash, it felt like I fell into the set of Slumdog Millionaire. They told us not to touch the water and I saw so many people bathing in it and drinking the water. It feels wrong that we can't even touch the water that sustains another life, elitist in a way. I obviously understand why, but you get the picture. We arrive on the other side, in the "boat" which was a few planks nailed together with water at the bottom.

After a short hike we reached the site. It looked like a large shed on stilts, but it was the average size of most homes nearby. We set up and began the day. I started by shadowing Dr. March a nurse practitioner. We saw patient after patient parasites, UTI's, or dehydration. By the way, my computer is about to die and this outlet isn't cooperating so I will try to post as much as I can. I moved to pharmacy and administered medication, did patient teaching. I had an amazing translator, thank the Lord! I moved to triage after that. I actually got pretty good at talking with the patients in Spanish. There was an older woman who came up complaining of pain. I asked her where and she said, "I just have pain." I asked where and she responded, "I am just in pain." We questioned more she told me her entire story about the death of her husband and how it effected her children and grandchildren lively hood. I think she just needed a listening ear, we prayed and talked. It was a wonderful experience, and I really felt like I touched a life! I felt like she was teaching me as well. It just tore me up seeing all the children without shoes and clothing completely covered in silt and dirt. Everyone was so loving and thankful! We left to pack up after seeing 180 people. Yet turning away at least another 100. We are returning tomorrow to the same area for a dental and eye clinic. The children loved us, and we adored playing with them! I'm thrilled to go back tomorrow, it was like stepping into the pages of a National Geographic. Thrilled to do it again tomorrow!


By the way, I already started a rash on the back of my knees? Don't tell my mom, she may get me deported back to the States stat. I gave it some hydrocortisone cream and took a benadryl. We have a dermatologist on the trip, I'll make them look at it tomorrow. God Bless and Thank you all for your support!