It is impossible to capture the full picture of what is going on here in the snapshots we are passing along in these blog posts. As students, we are learning so much from each other and from the Professors that are leading our experience here. As we have said before, the interdisciplinary experience has been invaluable. We have been able to assess patients from each of our perspectives to offer a comprehensive plan of care for the patients that incorporates each of our strengths. Additionally, this year we have three native spanish speakers on our trip which has proven to be an invaluable resource for several very complex psychosocial issues with our patients that have come up.
The pill bottles at home that are so easy for us to open have been quiet a challenge for us here. The concept of pushing down and turning the bottle cap has been an interesting concept to teach our patients here. There have been times when Rosa, Jorge or Rey have been the only source for success in teaching the concept. That and the simile of preparing a tortilla.
From the perspective of the ABSN students, we have had several opportunities to practice our maternity skills here. We have felt and measured many a fundus over here. And we have been able to trouble-shoot with new moms issues with breastfeeding. Helen Gordon would be proud.
We are often reminded of the importance of having a cultural guide along with us as we navigate our experience here in Honduras. Gloria and Heifer International have been such a gracious hosts to our learning experience here in Honduras. Our many many thanks to her for all of her guidance as we continue to build and lend support to the members of Las Mercedes.
After the long drive, we arrived ahead of schedule in Copan. We had hot showers for the first time in 6 days. Who knew hot water could be so amazing? We sat down to dinner to be surprised by Bob, one of the legacies of the Honduran team. He flew in to surprise us here in Copan. It was a grand surprise.
Tomorrow is a day off. We spend the morning in the Mayan ruins and the afternoon horseback riding. Friday we are back at work presenting our health promotional topics of oral hygiene, hydration, body mechanics, and handwashing to another rural community a short bus ride from Copan.
Thank you again for all the thoughts and support that is coming our way.
To all of our family and friends:
We miss you and love you very much.
And a special Happy Birthday to Rosa's daughter Natalie.