Today was a very laid back and normal day. Lucas, Melayna,
and I did some school work in the morning. We then played some soccer and
freeze tag in the yard before lunch. Lucas and Melayna talked me into getting
20cent ice cream before lunch. Who could pass that up, honestly? It is truly a
blessing to spend these 2 days a week with my kids. I love that Lucas is sooooo
into sports, and Melayna is picking up Spanish pretty quickly. The other day, she
caught me off guard when she told me to “hurry up, please” in Spanish. We had a
few broken dishes and a potty training accident, but overall the kids are
adjusting well. Bethany said she did not have much to add tonight.
Tomorrow I leave for my weekly trip to Santo Domingo. The
first bus to Tambillo usually limps to our bridge about 5:30. Typically, I fall
out of the bus in Tambillo about 6:45. From there, I take a bus to Santo
Domingo and usually reach the terminal by 9:15. The taxi from the terminal
usually gets me to the clinic by 9:30 so I can see my first patient by 10.
Wednesdays and Fridays patients see me in the clinic and Thursday I do home
visits. I do have an assistant that takes my around to the homes, Mercedes.
Although she doesn’t’ speak English, she is able to interpret the patient’s
Spanish into “Spanglish” for me. The last 2-3 weeks have worked well. In
general, there is a huge need here for home physical therapy here. I am still
seeing only new patients for the home visits. Therefore, I have had very few
follow ups and am afraid progress will be slow. I have also evaluated about 15
children. I am out of my league with pediatrics, but Bethany has been able to
give me some ideas.
The clinical team at CMHH is incredible. Even if they can’t
speak English, they are always helping me out. In general, they watch out for
each other before themselves. I have been part of some good clinic and office
co-workers, but this group tops them all.
My host family, the Oviedo’s, are also very helpful and
gracious. They often invite me down for tea, to their bible study, or just for
dinner. They try to converse with me in Spanish and help me along.
For those that don’t know, Santo Domingo is quite different
from Quito. The city is at the base of the Andes leaving it prone to hot and
humid weather. The city is very very congested due to a recent influx of
people. During the last 15-20 years, people began to move to STo Dom in search
of jobs. Geographically, it is in an ideal location for trade, as it is half
way between the west coast and Quito. Now the city is experiencing bad growing pains
and it is a bit of a mess.
Overall, I enjoy my stay in Sto Dom but after missing
Bethany and the kids, I am ready to return on Friday.The experience is often rewarding but very humbling.
Miss you all.
The Medical Clinic
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