Seeing the resources at the hospital that the nurses and doctors have at hand to treat their patients was very eye-opening to all of us. It was encouraging to see their set-up and how they are able to manage all of the sick patients that come to them for healthcare. I think it was a great chance for us to learn the system before we will be working there in the upcoming days. Below is their delivery room for expectant mothers. One of the most shocking stats from today is that 30% of the pregnancies here end up in cesarean. We discussed how although the room may not be the most inviting, it may be nice for the mothers to deliver together and motivate one another through their labors. Hopefully we will be assisting in some births this next month, but that's not for us to decide!
We also toured the nursery and I never wanted to leave. This sweet babe was an hour old at the time.
The photo below is of us with one of the security guards at the hospital--let it be known that he asked for the picture!! :)
(L to R: Chris, Darlene, Stef, Tobin, Sarah, Anna, Lucia, Gen, Lauren, security guard, Asmita, Alex, Meghan, Kerry)
Across the street from the hospital we visited a Catholic nursing home for men and women. They were all so, so incredibly sweet; I was about to adopt sixty more grandparents. It's amazing to see the lifestyle that these older adults live and really comprehend how the elders are respected and appreciated in this culture. Their facility is beautiful and so well taken care of by the staff. This photo is of the entrance to their capilla (chapel)--so gorgeous!
After our lunch and siesta--which needs to follow us back to the U.S. immediately--we headed out on another excursion to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center: La Vida Nueva. They shared their hearts, their lives, their testimonies, and their friendships with us and it was incredible. One of the recovering drug addicts was also a former rocker, so he and a friend showed off for us on la guitarra y el tambor.
Hearing these men (in Spanish) speak so rawly to us strangers was so captivating. It truly amazed me at how open they were to our presence and how inviting they were despite the circumstances. Truly incredible! Here we are as a group. We look forward to our next visit with them; they already invited us back on Friday. :)
The men give their talents at Vida Nueva for various things and presented this beautiful photo to Darlene to show their appreciation to us. The frame was handmade by the men out of newspapers.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Tonight we shared as a group with our instructors some of the most encouraging takeaways we have encountered this week. I am so thankful for a group of colleagues/friends to be on this journey with and for our leaders that set a professional and caring example. We are so blessed by each other and further, so blessed by the Peruvians of Piura. Thank you to our loved ones around the globe following along and praying for our travels! We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay already and have many days to go! Xoxxoxox
Sending smiles and hugs from Peru,
Alex & the gang
Alex, here I go again after losing another set of comments tonight. I can't believe how much you've seen in the short time you've been there. You are taking to this new adventure like ducks take to water. There certainly are smiles all around in all the photographs. The newborn baby looks like its more than a month old with all that hair and such a smooth complexion. He/she looks like a rather large newborn. So cute. And, the church is so beautiful ~ looks so tranquil and peaceful. I am enjoying this trip with you, as you take all of us to some interesting places while teaching us some things about the culture of Peru. Thanks for taking the time to share. Keep on~keeping on. With love and prayers from Grammy.
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