The last few days of our trip have been some of the most interesting and travel-filled for sure.
Wednesday is the day we will always remember as the day we took a 2.5 mile hike up a forested mountain to see a patient. It was a grueling walk, the path winding in every direction, but the views were spectacular and, of course, Dra Mendez is one who will go to great lengths to reach the patient in need. I was actually surprised to find how such a difficult to reach place was fairly inhabited, with a church, school, and plenty of livestock.
Pictured above is Dra Mendez herself. 🙂
We made our way down by a combination of cattle car and ambulance, thanks to a patient and her family with whom we were traveling, which is all that kept us from getting home before dark. Though exhausting, the dedication on the part of the group and the medical team was amazing.
Thursday, we split the team into two groups. Those studying psychology (Sara, Chris, Amanda) stayed at the hospital to tour the Psych and others (Jaci, Nicole) wrapped up our last day with Dra Mendez on her patient visits. The psychology team ended up spending most of the day touring the hospital and spending time with kids in the pediatric unit, while the others finished the week strong with three patient visits in one day.
Finally, we were able to discuss how we would like to see the $900 we donated to be used among the patients we met throughout the week. This proved to be a difficult task, due to the fact that most of the patients were in need of so much. In the end, our money will go toward the installation of a septic system, new beds, and other necessities.
We were sent off with gifts and kind wishes from Mendez and her team in la Clinica de Atencion Integral — truly amazing people with whom to have worked.
Friday was our one true day of leisure, as the “mom” of love and hope, Rachel Sanson, took us to one of her and the kids favorite oceanside destinations. In the province of La Libertad, the property was called “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side) and I can say that it is hands down one of the most beautiful properties I have ever been to.
Yes, we took these pictures.
All in all, it was an amazing, eye-opening, and worthwhile trip. I know I’m coming back home more mindful and thankful for what I have, and I would love to have the privilege to offer such service again to a demographic that so desperately needs it. Many thanks again to Dra Mendez and Hospital de San Rafael, Rachel Sanson and the coordinators at Love and Hope, Dr Wyszynski for his planning and effort, and the kind donations from Dra Zanetta in the Department of Modern Language and the EXL Center. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about next year!