Monday, June 17, 2024
Good morning!! I woke up 5:45 for a 6:15 breakfast. It was delicious. Once breakfast was over, Dra. Moncada and Dr. Dominguez gave us a briefing. While that was happening, our Honduran team members were arriving. Before loading into the bus, we all stood in a circle and stated our names and what clinic area we’d be working in. I had no idea what the day ahead held before I got in the bus.
When we pulled into the community it was clear to see that it would be one of the nicer communities we’ll visit. There were people already lined up outside the gate waiting for us to get there, so many families and children. It felt like it took forever to start but once everything was set up in the school people came flooding in. They would first get registered then be sent to my station. Kids ages 6 and younger would get their height and weight taken, and kids 3 and under would also get their head measured. Adults 20 and up would be sent to me where I would take their blood pressure and heart rate. Then after sent they were sent to get their vitamins.
We saw about 70 families throughout the whole day. Though I do not speak Spanish I made sure to consistently smile and use the few words I did know. So many parents were so grateful, and it was clear to see. It felt amazing knowing that these people were finally receiving the services we provided.
By far the best part was the children. I’ve never met such kind and happy kids. It was so much fun passing out stickers, painting their nails, blowing bubbles and chasing them around. I remember these two little boys who came to get measured. The older boy about 5 did great but the younger 3-year-old was screaming and crying; it was so sad. I knelt next to him and gave him some stickers, smiled and wiped his tears away, and then he got measured. I then turned to the older brother to give him stickers and he gave me the biggest hug it brought me to tears. It was so amazing seeing the difference we were making firsthand. Savanah and I always had this one little boy following us, so adorable with his curly hair. He was filled with so much energy and laughter it was great to see. I especially loved when all the girls gathered around Savanah and I to paint their nails.
Once it quieted down a bit I walked around to the different station, and it was great seeing all the nurses at work. They were in the zone helping the families the best they could. Erica and Katie were speaking Spanish with the families. When I went to dental, I got to watch Becca speak great Spanish to the kids and make them laugh after putting fluoride on their teeth. Heading back outside I sat down with all the kids to color. We took some extra table covers and laid them on the ground to color on. When sitting with the children I was having trouble talking to them and Minerva came over and sat with me. She was so kind and offered to teach me some words to communicate with the kids. That was her third time checking in with me during the day and I wasn’t the only one, she was checking in on everyone. She truly is so amazing.
The community between the people was amazing to see as well. I could tell they all knew each other and helped with each other’s kids; it was like watching a big family. The younger kids all sat around on the ground coloring while the older kids climbed into this mango three to drop them down to their families. Even through sickness they work together to continue their lives and community. It truly takes a village to raise a family.
It was so amazing to see all the families had been taken care of as they headed off back home. A few stayed behind to help us pack up the bus and then say goodbye. Everyone yelled "adios" to us, and the children were so sweet saying goodbyes with hugs. A truly successful day to hopefully set the tone for the rest of our week.
Spending the day with so many kids and families was amazing, but I had no clue how much I would enjoy the after dinner debrief. In a circle we all went around and shared stories from the day. Laughs and tears were shared, and we all reflected on just how much everyone grew in one day. Seeing so many people it can be hard to connect with everyone so hearing stories from all the different stations was so amazing. It’s also hard to see how all the stations work when you’re not in there, so it was a good chance to learn some more. After such a great day I can’t wait for the rest of the week.
Time to get some much needed sleep for an even longer day tomorrow. Till tomorrow!
~Hallie
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