AS YOU CAN READ, THIS WAS PROBABLY A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR THESE NURSES. FOR THE FAMILIES THEY SERVED IT WAS HOPE THAT THEY MIGHT FEEL LESS PAIN OR GET HELP FOR AN ILLNESS THEY COULD NOT AFFORD A DOCTOR OR MEDICINE FOR. MEDICAL CARE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR MOST OF THE MAYANS IN THE COMMUNITIES WE WORK IN. PLEASE DONATE AND WITH YOUR MONEY INVEST IN THE MEDICAL HELATH OF THOSE WHO CAN NOT AFFORD IT.
Day 7: Another beautiful morning. Everyone traveled to a local village Chutistancia (pretty sure that is spelled wrong-sorry). We had to make two trips to fit all of us and the equipment. I was working with the NP that day and was really excited to start working. We set up in a large building and made a make shift exam room. I worked with Susan for most of the day and switched to working with Paul the last half. It was a fantastic day and I learned so much from both of them. I even helped to diagnose a few problem and suggest possible treatments and alternatives for other ailments. It was great to see what I could be doing and helping with after I obtain my DNP and start traveling. It also made me want the degree more!
Lunch was brought to us and was a delicious chicken salad sandwich and banana. I also walked over to the store across the street and bought a pepsi made with sugar cane instead of corn syrup. Definitely tastes different and I like it better! We then headed back to the clinic in 2 loads.
After returning the girls all painted the little girls fingernails and then each others. We also handed out the rest of the toys and played with the kids for a while. Then we had dinner and our team meeting. Afterwards we all set out to do our assigned chore and clean up the clinic and the grounds. It was a great team effort and was done with time to spare. We all played cards and a couple rounds of Mafia (a fun and interesting game) before heading to bed.
Day 8: This was to be our last full day in Guatemala. The morning started as beautiful as always. We had our breakfast and loaded up in the van and Samy's car to make the journey to Panajachel. On the way down we stopped at the outlook once more. This time the view was unobstructed and breathtaking. We took a quick group photo and continued on our journey. We arrived in Pana and were already overwhelmed with the magnificent view of the volcanos and the texture of the land, not to mention the beautiful goods all around us. But we did not have time for shopping and sightseeing just yet, we had a boat to catch. The entire group finally made it onto the boat and we made the lovely and relaxing 45 minute trip across Lake Atitlan.
We then arrived in Santiago Atitlan. After docking we met Samy's grandparents who welcomed us with a beautiful poem! We then started our journey into the city with some of the best tour guides of the city. Shopping was an experience I will never forget and only wish it were the same in the states. All the handmade goods were so beautiful. We stopped at a few art galleries as well and bought some paintings. We did find an interesting fruit which we bought and tried. It was really good. I still haven't researched the name or anything but you should try it if you find it! :) A large number of the group stopped at a restaurant for lunch. My group was a little late arriving so we stopped at the next door taqueria. I had rapiditas- amazing!! Then it was time to journey back across the lake and venture around Pana. I did find many wonderful things in Pana as well.
The group then piled into the vans and headed back to Casa de Sion. After returning we had dinner which consisted of rice, tortillas, and envueltos de ejotes (They were so yummy I looked up the recipe and made them last night.). After dinner we brought out Tyler's pinata and watched him enjoy it. Shortly after, all of the interpreters except Adam packed up and rode with Samy to Guatemala city for the night. It was an emotional goodbye but a happy one. We grew to love each other that week and bonded in a way I never thought imaginable. Afterwards we stayed up playing cards and enjoying our last night.
Day 9: The morning was glorious yet again but also a little dreary. The clouds were pretty thick and obstructed some of the views. It helped make the leaving more bearable. Dominga made us another wonderful breakfast and we packed up. The ride to Guatemala City was long but it was great to see the countryside and spend some time with everyone. When we arrived to the airport we saw Diana, Matt, and Taylor again and said another goodbye. Katie was staying another night and made a quick get away before anyone could start tearing (she doesn't like goodbyes). Once inside we all checked our bags and made our way to the food court for lunch. I ate at the Pollo Campero one last time and then we said our goodbyes to Susan and Adam. And then headed to our security checkpoint. After security we then met up with Adam, Matt, and Taylor again haha. We walked them to their gate and said our final goodbye for the trip and then found our gate. It was an uneventful plane ride and connection in Miami. But it was wonderful to hear my guys voice and see them on facetime again. The flight home was also uneventful but an exciting landing. We all could not wait to see our family and return home. It was a late night but I believe I had more of a culture shock arriving in the USA than in Guatemala! It was an amazing trip where lifetime bonds were made. I hope to return to Guatemala soon and even start venturing to other countries. I also hope to see everyone from the trip again soon.
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