The day started out normal with another delicious breakfast and a student-led devotion. After breakfast we loaded up the bus and headed to the schools to drop off the education department first. Once the education team headed to the classrooms the nursing team had an eventful run in with a tree branch. The team is fine, but the rear window of the bus did not fare so well. The window is being fixed as we speak, and we will be off and running like it never happened.
Nursing students day:
Today was another busy day in the clinic! We saw a lot of people again today which was great! We have all been very busy, however it is a great feeling that we are able to help so many people.We have been handing out a lot of multivitamins for both chilren and adults as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste. There are some very poor people coming in to be seen over these past few days and even though they have some pretty serious problems with their health they do not have the money to go and see a doctor for a prescription. There has been a lot of people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, which is one of the most prevelant concerns of the patients. We are able to play games and talk with the people who are waiting in the waiting room so it has been great to get to know more about the people that we are treating. A large number of the people who we are seeing are not able to communicate very well so that poses an issue when trying to ask patients more about the problems that are hurting them. Something that is very humbling for all of us students is the fact that so many of these people have been having pain for months but they do not even have simple things like advil to help get rid of a headache, unlike in the US where whenever we have a headache we take medicine right away. We are really looking forward to tomorrow and we are praying that we are able to see as many people as we have in these past few days. The pastor of the church has been a huge help in everything that we are doing this week. We also have had the help of a wonderful translator who helps to make the communication process so much smoother.
-Kara
Kindra and Kristen eating our bagged lunches
two of the chilren we got to play with in the clinic. we blew bubbles and colored pictures with them as well
courtney teaching a child how to listen to heart sounds. she kept walking up to people telling them to say woof woof so she could hear their breath sounds :)
kindra assesing a patient in the clinic
a child with her vitamins and antifungal cream after going through the clinic. they are so proud of the medications that they have been given, even if it is only a 30 day supply.
Education Day #2:
The experiences at the primary school seem to be very different for everyone. Some people have been spending most of their time in the back of the classroom grading papers while others have been given the opportunity to really teach the children, and help with their assignments. The culture is very different than that of the schools in the United States, and that is one big adjustment we have all had to make. At times we don't always agree with some of the teaching methods or the ways that some children are punished, but part of our job here is to learn and respect their way of doing things.
The students in my classroom for the last few days (Grade 6 McKinney) are still trying to adjust to have someone totally new in their room, and their behavior demonstrates that struggle. It is difficult watching the children get into trouble when I know that they are just excited to have me there. Even with these issues, it is great to see the children really learn. Even though my fraction multiplication skills were a little rusty ( I think we all had that issue) I really did feel like I was able to give the kids so much more one-on-one attention than they normally have. With 32 (or more) children in a class, and limited resources, it definitely puts a strain on the teachers.
Some of us have been dealing with the issue of not really feeling like we are making a huge difference in the lives of these children by helping grade papers, but I do believe that God brought every one of us here for a reason. We may not know it, but maybe that hug I gave that child was their first in a long time or maybe that girl really just needed a little extra help with an assignment that my team and I were able to provide. I believe that we really are making a difference while we are here.
Tomorrow is a very busy day, and I will try my best to take as many pictures as possible so you all can see just how beautiful everyone and everything is down here.
-Matt
Great report. You are all making a great difference in the lives of the Hatian people. They will remember your kindness in the years to come. I know God is blessed by your service and care for his people.
ReplyDeletePraying that your window is fixed and no further accidents:)A lot of crazy people on the road in those countries. Stay safe!!