Today was day 1 of seeing patients at a church at
Palamichal Carmen. We saw a total of 21 patients. Today I worked at the well child station. Of the 2 "well children" that we saw, both of them were not your regular well child visits as both had stunting. One family with a boy with major stunting reported food insecurity 50% of the week and greater than 50% of the week when their family wasn't working. My heart broke for these kids as I felt helpless in my ability solve their situation. They reminded me of how much we take for granted in the United States. In the US, there is SO much food waste. It's not uncommon that after a lunch time noon conference, there will be containers and containers of food leftover that is immediately thrown into the garbage. Imagine if all the kids and families here in Honduras could even receive a small portion of the amount of food we waste in the US.
The art station
Speaking of food. My Asian self could not help to document all the dishes we've had so far for our meals. Pictures below.
Rambutans are so delicious!
Our lunch on our first day of outreach clinic
Breakfast for champions
Our first meal, which was my favorite thus far
Afterwards, a few of us had the privilege of helping to install a stove in a house nearby. The stove is designed amazingly and it was so neat to watch (and help) it being put together and watch it in action as it boiled water. Apparently this stove uses a lot less wood and of course also helps prevent respiratory problems given that it has a chimney that lets out the smoke :)
One of my favorite things thus far has been connecting with the community here. The first day we arrived, the kids next door were already in front of our gate asking us if we had a ball to play soccer with. We played a bit with them and boy do they have energy. Each of them were only wearing clogs or socks, yet were running around with full energy and determination trying to kick the soccer ball. We played until we could barely see the ball because it got so dark. The next morning, the first thing I saw when I walked outside early in the morning as I was headed out for a run were the kids yet again at our doorstep with a soccer ball waiting eagerly to play with us. Unfortunately, it rained that day so we weren't able to play with them. The following day, they were YET AGAIN waiting for us when we got back from the clinic, ready to play soccer with us. Despite it raining (pretty hard at first), they continued to wait for us in the rain soaked. This time, we were determined to play with them. 2 of us went out in the rain to play with them for 10 minutes. Even though it was just 10 minutes in the rain, they had expressions of happiness on their face as they kicked our new ball around.
Waiting for us to play futbol in the rain
Well, it's time for me to help out with some preparations for tomorrow.
Until next time,
Jen
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