1 attending doctor.
8 volunteers.
90 patients.
The medical campaign was a disastrous success. The campaign was set to start a 9am, but when we arrived at 8:15, there was already a good number of people waiting around in a makeshift line. We were given a tiny room with one desk, a bed adjacent to it, and three chairs as our examination room. The clock struck 9 and we started taking care of the patients three at a time. Everything was going well at the beginning. Everyone stumbled a little to get into rhythm, but by everyone's second patient, we were all more or less comfortable with taking vitals and documenting their major complaints.
Disaster loomed ahead as things started to awry. We were supposed to be working with three attending doctors, but two never showed up. The two thermometers we were using were dropped and broken within the hour. At the same time, the line had started to wrap around itself for the second time, with the last few patients huddled around the side of the building. The numbering system we had for ordering our patients didn't work out as well when family members requested to be seen together, even though they were numbers apart. (Why weren't they waiting in line together?) By the time I called out to my fifth patient, I noticed the line had turned into a big ball of heads congesting the hallway. And before we knew, the number of patients were overwhelming and supply of medicine was dwindling. We were forced to stop accepting patients early. Those with a prescription we cannot fulfill were asked to purchase it elsewhere.
In the controlled chaos of the examination room, I heard no complaints. Everyone was working together diligently. The spanish speakers helped those volunteers struggling to utter a medical term. Those more practiced in taking blood pressure assisted those who couldn't find the pulse. We were all thriving on this experience; feeding off the frustration and regurgitating careful, concise examinations.
I think I speak for all the volunteers and the lone ranger doctor that things didn't go as we had planned. Decisions were made on-the-go and accomodations were made. The orderly, slow-paced procedures familiar to me in a doctors office in the U.S. did not exist here. Thankfully. This is an eye-opening experience I hope all future ImaginationsPeru volunteers could take back home. I invite everyone to abandon their pre-conceived notions and expectations so that you can gain the full experience. I promise it won't be disappointing.
Andy Tu
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Chocolatada en El Progreso
On December 23rd, as an early Christmas present to the town of El Progreso, Imaginations Inc. hosted a chocolatada for the local children and their families. A chocolatada is a Peruvian tradition characterized by hot chocolate and paneton (a dessert bread), where the community comes together to celebrate and have some family fun. Thanks to generous donations to Imaginations via a toy drive, and a lot of hard work by our social work volunteers, we were able to bring hundreds of bright smiles to the faces of the children of El Progreso and their families. While 83 families registered to receive gifts at the chocolatada, well over twice as many ended up coming to the celebration. Luckily, because of the selfless donations we received, we were able to share with far more families than anticipated.
Although the basic idea of handing out hot chocolate, paneton, and gifts already sounds fun, the true joy of the chocolatada came as the children and the volunteers broke down language and age barriers to share a lot of laughs. Cries of “Apache! Apache!”( a game in which children are flown around by increasingly weary volunteers), and “por favooor” (indicating the volunteers-- now dripping with sweat but smiling widely-- had to tell children to let them rest for a minute), could be heard throughout. We even had Efren Martinez-Bernal, a clinical medicine volunteer, dress up as Papa Noel (santa) and play with the children. The excitement surrounding the surprise visit was tangible, as squeals of “PAPA NOEL PAPA NOEL!!!” filled the air. By the time night fell and it was time to say our goodbyes, children had to be physically removed from the arms of our volunteers, who might be persuaded never to let go otherwise. And vice versa.
Thankfully, our volunteers will get the opportunity to contribute to the children and families of El Progreso once more before leaving, as they will serve the needs of this impoverished community on Thursday, January 6th, at our free medical campaign in the town. While the volunteers showed up thinking they were bringing an early Christmas present to the children of El Progreso, it’s safe to say that they received the ultimate gift themselves: memories to last a lifetime.
"I'm Sorry I'm Not Sorry."
January 2nd, 2011. Two…thousand….eleven. Who would have thought that I would be here in Peru—Pacasmayo, Peru to be exact—to celebrate the dawn of a new decade? But honestly, I can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than in a country that I have grown to love like my second home.
I don’t think that I can even put into words how many amazing experiences and memories I’ve made here in Peru these last few weeks, so I’ll just list a few suggestions I’ve come up with from this New Year’s weekend in Pacasmayo.
1. Look both ways when you cross the street. This is actually true everywhere in Peru. You know how in the U.S. people just assume that cars will stop for them, so they don’t even look up from texting on their phones when they cross a street? Well, you have an 80% chance of being run over by a combi, micro, taxi, or rickshaw faster than you can say “tortilla” here in Peru.
2. Speaking of tortillas, they’re not what you think. Tortillas are not flat, thin breads made from corn or flour but are actually what we know in the U.S. as omelettes. They are generally made with a variety of vegetables, usually onions and tomatoes, and your choice of meat. Words can mean a variety of things in different Latin American countries, so I would suggest caution in your choice of verbage. I do know, with absolute certainty though that “uvas” do not mean “olas” and “centimos” does not mean “sentimientos”.
3. When you are tanning on the beach, reapply sunscreen every hour. Unless you want to look like burnt toast, I would suggest NOT falling asleep for a couple hours on the beach and forgetting to reapply sunscreen. Peru is a bit closer to the equator than Arizona, so the ultraviolet radiation is a bit stronger…
4. There is no time to be sick in Peru. I think all 32 of us were sick at one point or another from the change in climate, food, or other various reasons, but there is so much to see and do that it is really a shame to stay in bed all day. For example, in Pacasmayo, one can surf, walk along the shore, shop at the many street vendors lining the beachfront, or eat some great seafood.
5. Beware though! Food may take a while to be served. It’s not unusual to wait a couple hours or more for a meal in Pacasmayo. I don’t know if it is just this time of year or if it is a difference in lifestyle, but if you’re really hungry you should probably carry around snacks. I think the upside to this situation is that you can partake in a lot of conversation with your friends at the table while waiting. The food was delicious and reasonably priced though, so it was worth the wait.
6. My last and most important suggestion to you, my dear friends and family, is to come here with an open mind. I’ve always been a firm believer in “never staying comfortable”, i.e. taking a risk and always trying to make a positive experience out of it. I'm sorry I'm not sorry that I’ve had my share of laughs, awkward moments, and outdoors adventures here. I wouldn’t trade it for a million soles….or tortillas. :)
Chau for now,
Triza A.K.A Panda
I don’t think that I can even put into words how many amazing experiences and memories I’ve made here in Peru these last few weeks, so I’ll just list a few suggestions I’ve come up with from this New Year’s weekend in Pacasmayo.
1. Look both ways when you cross the street. This is actually true everywhere in Peru. You know how in the U.S. people just assume that cars will stop for them, so they don’t even look up from texting on their phones when they cross a street? Well, you have an 80% chance of being run over by a combi, micro, taxi, or rickshaw faster than you can say “tortilla” here in Peru.
2. Speaking of tortillas, they’re not what you think. Tortillas are not flat, thin breads made from corn or flour but are actually what we know in the U.S. as omelettes. They are generally made with a variety of vegetables, usually onions and tomatoes, and your choice of meat. Words can mean a variety of things in different Latin American countries, so I would suggest caution in your choice of verbage. I do know, with absolute certainty though that “uvas” do not mean “olas” and “centimos” does not mean “sentimientos”.
3. When you are tanning on the beach, reapply sunscreen every hour. Unless you want to look like burnt toast, I would suggest NOT falling asleep for a couple hours on the beach and forgetting to reapply sunscreen. Peru is a bit closer to the equator than Arizona, so the ultraviolet radiation is a bit stronger…
4. There is no time to be sick in Peru. I think all 32 of us were sick at one point or another from the change in climate, food, or other various reasons, but there is so much to see and do that it is really a shame to stay in bed all day. For example, in Pacasmayo, one can surf, walk along the shore, shop at the many street vendors lining the beachfront, or eat some great seafood.
5. Beware though! Food may take a while to be served. It’s not unusual to wait a couple hours or more for a meal in Pacasmayo. I don’t know if it is just this time of year or if it is a difference in lifestyle, but if you’re really hungry you should probably carry around snacks. I think the upside to this situation is that you can partake in a lot of conversation with your friends at the table while waiting. The food was delicious and reasonably priced though, so it was worth the wait.
6. My last and most important suggestion to you, my dear friends and family, is to come here with an open mind. I’ve always been a firm believer in “never staying comfortable”, i.e. taking a risk and always trying to make a positive experience out of it. I'm sorry I'm not sorry that I’ve had my share of laughs, awkward moments, and outdoors adventures here. I wouldn’t trade it for a million soles….or tortillas. :)
Chau for now,
Triza A.K.A Panda
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ian's Typical Day
Our day began as normal seeing patients and diagnosing pharyngitis and lumbargia as well as giving injections. We then rode the ambulance from Otuzco to Motil, a little town about an hour up the Andes Mountains. Along the way we picked up four hitchhikers and packed them into the back of the ambulance. We dropped them off in a town along the way. Myself and Andy took blood pressures of the local people. We then went fishing at the fishery and the fish we got we had for dinner. In the afternoon we learned how to do stitches. At night, we played basketball and soccer with some of the local boys.
Chan Chan and the Start of the Medical Campaign
On Wednesday morning, the group got up early to attend a class dedicated to training and practicing for our medical campaign in El Progreso, a community full of underprivileged children and adults that have a lack of health care. We have been writing questions, and taking mock exams to solidify our Spanish speaking skills and expertise at taking blood pressures, heart rates, and respiration rates. Later, some of us from the group were fortunate enough to take advantage of the afternoon off and visit the historical Chan Chan. It was a very hot day so we made sure we brought tons of water and sunblock for the adventure. To start off, we watched a 15 minute video explaining the significance and authenticity of Chan Chan. The site, consisting of sand carvings and humongous walls, was built thousands of years ago in the Chimu Kingdom. We were advised to be careful as many thieves hide out in the area. Nonetheless, we had an amazing time and took tons of pictures of the fish, pelican, and warrior carvings.
On Thursday, the group headed out to El Progreso to spread the word of the medical campaign. We split off into groups of 4, passing out one thousand flyers to inform them of the date, time and place of our campaign on January 6th. We are all very nervous but excited to have an opportunity to help this community and educate them on the importance of health.
Ciao!
Eric Silverman
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
"Authentic Peruvian Recap"
Why hello, and welcome to my first (and quite possibly last given this is simply a direct result of insomnia) "Authentic Peruvian Recap". If you find yourself wondering about the title, just know that my lovely roommates, Rachel and Stephanie, and I are a tad on the strange side, and that "Authentic Peruvian ______" has become a thing. Authentic Peruvian Pirated DVD, for example. Better yet, Authentic Peruvian Turkey Foot. One of my favorite APT's (Authentic Peruvian Things) thus far. Just embrace it for enjoyment purposes. Trust.
Moving along. Here I am, typing in the dark, while Rachel attempts to go to sleep. I would feel bad about typing at midnight, but since she has done it to me I think it is fair. (Hey, Rachel!) I was writing in my journal after dinner--Yes, I am cool and have a journal. No, it does not have a lock. Yes, I do wish it had a lock because I am super awesome like that.--and thought, "Golly gee, Brigette. You sure have done a fair amount of swell things in just a week!" I decided to share them with you. So, buckle up. Here comes a list of Authentic Peruvian Happenings during week one of my trip. Yeehaw.
Authentic Peruvian Happenings: Week 1
In no particular order, I have...
...taken pictures with alpacas. (!)
...been cat called at least ten times a day, everyday.
...met a borderline-creepy taxi driver named Michel Angel.
...been given said taxi driver's number. ("You call. Say, 'Hey, Michel Angel. It isbMaria here. Lez go and show me Trujillo'. And I be there :: snaps fingers :: like that. OK?")
...taken a day trip to visit the beautiful town of Otuzco.
...been served turkey foot soup.
...eaten enough rice and potatoes to feed a small village.
...witnessed a girl throw a rock the size of her head at another girl at work. (It landed in the nativity scene. Bethlehem was never the same again. Is that even the right town?)
...been lucky enough to have the best.host.family.EVER.
...seen the sun set in Huanchaco.
...took a mini road trip with my host family to Malabrigo, Paijan and Chiclin.
...drove at outrageous speeds down the Pan American Highway.
...become obsessed with lomos saltados.
...been working at Hogar de la Nina, which houses 12-18 year olds who were abandoned by their parents, lived on the streete, had children at a very young age (e.g. 12), and/or have mental health issues.
...almost been killed multiple times in a taxi/micro/bus/etc. due to crazy Peruvian driving (minimal stop lights, the creation and use of invisible lanes, rare use of turn signals, and more).
...gotten so used to Peruvian driving that I can now sleep through an hour long taxi down a mountain road with no lanes in the midst of a rainstorm and crazy amounts of neblina.
...learned that simpatico/a does not mean the same thing here.
...eaten the best Christmas turkey of my life (SLATHERED IN TABASCO SAUCE).
...befriended the old man who owns the bodega across the street.
...swam in the Pacific Ocean at the beach with the longest waves in the world.
...built a sand castle--well, little towers shaped from cups--on the Peruvian coast.
...seen too many street dogs to count.
...helped give out Christmas gifts to eighty less fortunate kids in Trujillo.
...learned that hot chocolate in Peru is simply better.
...conceived several food babies.
...woken up to sore to move after giving kids apaches (piggy back rides) and spinning them through the air.
...remembered that the soreness was definitely a fair exchange for making kids happy on Christmas.
...eaten too much paneton.
...walked by a Pizza Hut that has sit-down, fancy restaurant style service.
...been taught by the girls I work with that there are multiple levels to Jacks in Peru.
...bought my own set of Jacks in attempt to master the levels.
...played volleyball with the girls at the Hogar.
...been asked to sing Justin Bieber too.many.TIMES.
...sung Justin Bieber too.many.TIMES. in order to make them kids HAPPPPPPY.
...learned that just being there is enough.
...sandboarded down dunes outside of Trujillo.
...found out the my host dad speaks some Portuguese.
...wandered around Lima.
...fell in the mud.
...bought (along with Stephanie and Rachel) the girls at Hogar a new volleyball for Christmas.
...spent a whole day drawing pictures and making snowflakes at work.
...watched how excited the girls get every time we take out the paper and colored pencils.
...watched "El Encantador de Perros" with the host family.
...squeed at least once a day because Peru is just that awesome.
...ran out of things to write.
Welp, that is all I can think of folks. I know for a fact I missed some Authentic Peruvian Happenings, but hopefully that was at least mildly entertaining anyway.
Moving along. Here I am, typing in the dark, while Rachel attempts to go to sleep. I would feel bad about typing at midnight, but since she has done it to me I think it is fair. (Hey, Rachel!) I was writing in my journal after dinner--Yes, I am cool and have a journal. No, it does not have a lock. Yes, I do wish it had a lock because I am super awesome like that.--and thought, "Golly gee, Brigette. You sure have done a fair amount of swell things in just a week!" I decided to share them with you. So, buckle up. Here comes a list of Authentic Peruvian Happenings during week one of my trip. Yeehaw.
Authentic Peruvian Happenings: Week 1
In no particular order, I have...
...taken pictures with alpacas. (!)
...been cat called at least ten times a day, everyday.
...met a borderline-creepy taxi driver named Michel Angel.
...been given said taxi driver's number. ("You call. Say, 'Hey, Michel Angel. It isbMaria here. Lez go and show me Trujillo'. And I be there :: snaps fingers :: like that. OK?")
...taken a day trip to visit the beautiful town of Otuzco.
...been served turkey foot soup.
...eaten enough rice and potatoes to feed a small village.
...witnessed a girl throw a rock the size of her head at another girl at work. (It landed in the nativity scene. Bethlehem was never the same again. Is that even the right town?)
...been lucky enough to have the best.host.family.EVER.
...seen the sun set in Huanchaco.
...took a mini road trip with my host family to Malabrigo, Paijan and Chiclin.
...drove at outrageous speeds down the Pan American Highway.
...become obsessed with lomos saltados.
...been working at Hogar de la Nina, which houses 12-18 year olds who were abandoned by their parents, lived on the streete, had children at a very young age (e.g. 12), and/or have mental health issues.
...almost been killed multiple times in a taxi/micro/bus/etc. due to crazy Peruvian driving (minimal stop lights, the creation and use of invisible lanes, rare use of turn signals, and more).
...gotten so used to Peruvian driving that I can now sleep through an hour long taxi down a mountain road with no lanes in the midst of a rainstorm and crazy amounts of neblina.
...learned that simpatico/a does not mean the same thing here.
...eaten the best Christmas turkey of my life (SLATHERED IN TABASCO SAUCE).
...befriended the old man who owns the bodega across the street.
...swam in the Pacific Ocean at the beach with the longest waves in the world.
...built a sand castle--well, little towers shaped from cups--on the Peruvian coast.
...seen too many street dogs to count.
...helped give out Christmas gifts to eighty less fortunate kids in Trujillo.
...learned that hot chocolate in Peru is simply better.
...conceived several food babies.
...woken up to sore to move after giving kids apaches (piggy back rides) and spinning them through the air.
...remembered that the soreness was definitely a fair exchange for making kids happy on Christmas.
...eaten too much paneton.
...walked by a Pizza Hut that has sit-down, fancy restaurant style service.
...been taught by the girls I work with that there are multiple levels to Jacks in Peru.
...bought my own set of Jacks in attempt to master the levels.
...played volleyball with the girls at the Hogar.
...been asked to sing Justin Bieber too.many.TIMES.
...sung Justin Bieber too.many.TIMES. in order to make them kids HAPPPPPPY.
...learned that just being there is enough.
...sandboarded down dunes outside of Trujillo.
...found out the my host dad speaks some Portuguese.
...wandered around Lima.
...fell in the mud.
...bought (along with Stephanie and Rachel) the girls at Hogar a new volleyball for Christmas.
...spent a whole day drawing pictures and making snowflakes at work.
...watched how excited the girls get every time we take out the paper and colored pencils.
...watched "El Encantador de Perros" with the host family.
...squeed at least once a day because Peru is just that awesome.
...ran out of things to write.
Welp, that is all I can think of folks. I know for a fact I missed some Authentic Peruvian Happenings, but hopefully that was at least mildly entertaining anyway.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Christmas Eve in Peru
Today was Christmas Eve, which means a lot of us including myself had the day off work! Like most of you already know I grew up in Lima so I've definitely had plenty of Christmas days in the summer. In fact I always thought a cold Christmas was weird. The day started of with a much needed sleeping in session until about 11am. I'm a very lucky person on this trip because besides having an amazing host family here, I also have an aunt, an uncle and two really close cousins that live in Trujillo, plus another cousin from Lima who flew in tonight for Christmas. I actually got to go and eat lunch with my family today, which was amazing because I hadn't spent time with them in so many years. After lunch (normally siesta time) we had a very interesting class from 3pm-5pm where we got to practice some techniques to get medical histories that we will be doing during our health campaign. We also practiced taking vitals, so that during our campaign, the volunteers will be the ones doing the initial interview of the patient, taking vitals, and presenting the patient to the doctors, which will really help them and save them time. After that, we all went back to our families. In my case, we went to a Christmas mass at a park nearby, then went back to the house for la cena! Here in Peru, it's tradition to have the Christmas dinner at midnight, but since Ronald, Bertha and Laurita (my host family) are so amazing, they had it for us at 10pm so that I could after go to my other family and have Christmas dinner with them as well... yeah that's right, two dinners :-). After that it was definitely time to sleep off all the food. The experience here in Peru has definitely been amazing in every aspect. I will miss everything about it when we leave, but I'm sure it won't be long until I come back!!
Valeria
Valeria
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