Today (and most of the days following) was set-up much like yesterday in the schedule. In the morning we went to five clinical sites and same in the afternoon (after siesta!! Still the greatest thing.)
This morning Sarah, Tobin, Genevieve, Lauren hung out with the older adults at the nursing home and entertained them for a few hours. These patients don't require much attention, but they love having us students to play with. The students did the ladies' nails, changed their clothes, helped with meals, and checked blood pressure, which was the biggest hit. Who would've thought?! :) The sparkly nails on the ladies was also a big delight according to Sarah. Here are some of the patients hanging out at meal time.
Asmita and Meghan spent the morning in the hospice doing most of the same work that was done there yesterday. Here they are with Jorge taking his first selfie!
Kerry and I spent the morning doing home visits in a village for people who are unable to travel for services. These are members of the parish in which we are staying and are for the most part healthy individuals. We primarily checked vital signs, listened to heart and lung sounds, did skin assessments, and bathed their hands and feet if not their bodies. The homes, as I've said before, we're all very small, filled with animals, and bursting with love. As Kerry and I rested on the dirt floors of these homes to scrub the patients' feet, I couldn't help but be ashamed of myself for critiquing the carpet I had in my apartment back home. It's incredible to see how much these people do with so little. Below are a few pictures of the pueblo we visited today.
Kerry braiding a woman's hair after we washed and detangled it for her.
And because I'm obsessed with animas, this little Chiquita looked on as we cared for the patients.
After lunch, we rested. Siesta rocks my scrubs off!
...then it was back to work! Tobin and Sarah spent this afternoon in the OB clinic right across the street and witnessed a birth! They shared a few pictures of their experience with me, but I'm (read: the wireless connection) is struggling to load them on the blog tonight. Hang tight for some baby pictures tomorrow!
Anna and Stef spent their afternoon running Social Service errands after spending their morning with the special education kiddos. They delivered food packages to nine homes outside of the city and had a blast doing so!
As I sign off for the night I'd just like to throw a shout-out to the eight other ladies I am honored to work alongside with in this incredible country. We've been a fun bunch and have been so supportive of each other in this short amount of time. I'm sure come June 28th there will be other emotions tied into this group, but for now we are overwhelmingly blessed! Thank you tremendously for your continued support and positive spirits!!! We carry our loved ones in our hearts and look forward to bringing stories home! xoxoxxoxo
¡Buenas Noches!
Alex & the gang
Alex, I giggled out loud after reading one of your comments. Papa Rod was laughing at me, giggling at your comment about siesta rocking your scrubs off! LOL When you talked about Anna and Stef gearing up for another delivery, I was thinking another newborn baby! Silly me ... it was food for the families. I can see how the Peruvians can't help but falling in love with all of you with your ever-ready smiles and willingness to help them. You are a group to be admired and treasured. I know we will enjoy hearing more stories when time permits in the future. Keep up the good work ~ you are loved. Grammy and Papa Rod P.S. ~ Love all the braids. Who did the "styling?"
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