Learning Until The End - Day 7

We are coming home. I am writing from somewhere over the great state of Texas. Our flight will land around 9pm and I hope to be back in San Diego by midnight. It has been a remarkable experience - and I feel honored to have participated alongside some of USD's finest.

We were up, packed and on our way to the airport by 8:30am. It may have been a titch early for some of the team, but they shook off the fiesta from the night before and rallied with their usual spunk. There were a series of goodbyes, last moments in the hammocks, and a few photos. As we drove to the airport, I had begun to settle in to 'return' mode. As we got closer to the airport, we encountered some kind of accident on the opposite side of the road. A man had been killed and his leg contorted in an obvious break. His body lay in the middle of the street - no cover, just there. As we passed, a silence overtook the bus. Tears formed in my eyes, and the student next to me whispered, "I've never seen a dead body." It was horrific. As we pulled up to the airport, I tried to check in with students but there was such hustle and bustle to get 26 of us checked in. We stopped at an airport gift shop and took turns "guarding" the luggage left outside.  Lots of rememberances of our time were purchased. Our departure was uneventful and the group was (once again) patient as I walked through the plane with my checklist to make sure all had made it. At this point, they just roll their eyes and smile.

As we landed in Houston, the group re-entered the age of technology. A student that I was walking with quietly asked, "Did you hear about Chuck?" (A 2012 graduate that had passed away during our trip.) I nodded and she continued on to say that she had found out 2 days before, but didn't want to ruin anyone's experience. (I am now second guessing my decision to not tell the group...) We then talked about the man in the accident, her disdain for the seeming lack of respect. And, finally, circled back to the painful death of her friend, my friend. She shared that she hadn't expected death to be a part of this trip. My heart broke further for the grief experienced far too young. It wasn't until all were settled at the gate in Houston that  it all washed over me. Vulnerability and pain apparent in others, empathy filled me to the point of overload. Exhaustion completely set in.

As we were passing through the airport, two students asked if I was coming to Ghana next summer. When I smiled, they began in earnest- "You have to come!" I told them that the organization had to decide who they wanted to ask to attend, and that we would see. One of them got a little twinkle in his eye and declared something to the effect of, "I'm voting for you!" Ghana? In August? I wonder if MandyandGhana.blogspot.com is available?

Rainbow (Hope) over Honduras

The Day of Building - Day 6

Last night I overheard two students from other university talking. One said. "I see these people and they have none of the things that I thought made me happy. They are so happy, and I just want to figure out why." Profound, and truly a moment for her as she navigates the road to discovery that 'she is enough'. I shared this in our final debrief/reflection tonite. It resonated with a few of them. The staff person did a great job facilitating a conversation about social change. Made me proud to be bringing these Changemakers back to USD.

Today we spent the day on the Architecture Brigade. The plan had been to do a half day there and then a half day seeing the city. The president of the USD group told me that the another university, earlier in the week, had purchased and then consumed hard alcohol on that trip. (There is a no hard alcohol rule at the compound.) From there, the decision was made to cancel future city trips. Ahh - risk management at its finest. Tonite is our "fiesta" - and I am reminded of how much easier life is with just beer and wine. Students have had a drink or two during the week, but all have been responsible. Tonite has been more, but still ok. Some don't drink at all- really, it is a strong model for responsible alcohol use. How do I bring that home? But... that is a different story for a different day.

A few more observations about today...

Everywhere we went on our way to El Canton and Santa Rosa were corn fields. I mean everywhere. The landscape was beautiful.

Billboards are painted on the sides of rock cliffs.
The areas here have coconut trees next to evergreens next to fruit trees. The climate allows for it, I suppose.

Today our work focused on building/furthering the building of a Health Care Center. The community of El Canton is the 2nd to have the complete holistic model of Global Brigades. The pieces are (in order): Medical/Dental; Water; Public Health (which has 4 parts); and Architecture. Having the community commit to creating this Health Care Center/Clinic has now prompted the government to allocate a doctor and nurse to the Clinic.

It is the wet season in Honduras, so some of the roads are not in great shape. Today the incline was too steep and we were unable to get the bus up a hill. Half the bus exited and then half jumped up and down as the driver put the pedal to the metal. Outstanding. It was CLEARLY not his first time with this issue. 

Before we left, a woman brought out a pot of Honduran coffee. Everyone loved it except for this girl. Still tasted like coffee. Weird. We also had an opportunity to tour a home that had just been built across the street from the new Health Center. It was great to be able to see a glimpse further into the culture. At the end of our time, we mixed 5 batches of cement by hand, dug and filled a trench, and built a rebar tower (you're welcome for that unknown skill I had!).

On our way home, we stopped in Santa Rosa to see the school that the Architecture Brigades teams are building with the community. The structure was impressive and had been designed by US students via a contest. The school serves 6 different communities, both primary and secondary and about 100 kids. One of the staff shared that some walk as far as 2 hours to get there each day. The new facility will be amazing - a library with a view of the valley, a computer room, a kitchen and three classrooms.

Tomorrow we head home. I am ready, but so thankful that I came to Honduras.

Closing the Brigade - Day 5

Pharmacy Team

I have had the privilege of spending each day of the brigade with Dr. Louisa, the head pharmacist. She is a Honduran, and has been gracious in answering many of my questions about the culture and "norms" here as we have served the people of Los Animas. I would guess that she is in her mid/late 20s, but here 50 is considered elderly, so...

Coconut break

Here are a few of the observations she shared during our three days together. Some people walk 10K (or 6+ miles to see the doctor during the brigade. The people that visited us in Los Animas are not among the most needy. When I asked her about that statement, she said, "Look how they are all wearing shoes."

A few other 'fun facts' to round out our day:

Our security team

Animals everywhere

-Honduran drivers drive where the road is smooth, not according to traffic rules. This means at any moment, both directions of traffic may be on either side of the road.

-A baby burro is called a burrito.

-If you are a male student, asking a male patient if he is 'embarasada' (pregnant) will get a solid round of laughter. After understanding your mistake, stating 'estoy embarasada' (I am pregnant) to the next patient, a teenage girl, ensures you will NEVER hear the end of it.

-I saw my first smoker today. Maybe the economy impacts that habit. One of the staff team shared that many families live on $10/month.

A classroom that was used to see patients

Our own running of the bulls

Overall, we saw 583 patients in 3 days. This was with 3 medical doctors, 1 dentist, 1 pharmacist, 26 brigaders, several staff/security and 15 community volunteers.

Tonite closed out with an overview of what we are doing tomorrow. We are doing a pilot of an Architecture Brigade. When that was fully explained it sounded like full-on construction. Half the group looked ready to run for the hills. It got real quiet and then one student raised his hand. "We have a pregnant group member, will there be something for HIM to do on site tomorrow?" I think it eased some worry.

Today two members of the group thanked me for coming. It was an unexpected kindness. They are all tired and starting to argue about little things. Yup - exhausted, tired and crabby. Sounds like it is almost time to come home. 

Same Experience, Different Experience - Day 4

As we close out today, I am laying in a hammock listening to crickets chirp and students laugh. The compound facility is really remarkable, and provides and sense of the US in its luxury.

As we drove to our same site today, I was mindful that the washed out road remained exactly as it had the day before. No CalTrans here to come and repair a dirt road 45 minutes outside of Teguc. 

Today was hotter than yesterday. Ever aware that my discomfort is normal, everyday life here. Even our staff advisor (US citizen) that works for Global Brigades wears jeans in this heat. It is certainly different here than home. Today, I observed a man walking down the street with a machete. There are also old yellow school buses that drive around on the regular bus route and pick up passengers. The buses are decorated, maybe almost themed, and no one seems to think it odd that private individuals just drive around.

Our Doctors

The medical work has been difficult and insightful. I worked in the Pharmacy again today. There were two different patients that came through and received prenatal vitamins. They were 15 and 16 years old. Lives changed forever. Our day began with one of the Honduran doctors walking a patient over with her 1 month old baby. He needed a breathing treatment like my niece used to have for her asthma. This mother sat with this wheezing baby in the pharmacy as the machine administered the treatment. She left with an inhaler and a plastic cup with a hole cut in the bottom to put over his nose and mouth so the inhaler would work for a baby. This leads me to today's lesson...

You do the best with what you have.

This baby needed more. A plastic cup and inhaler was all we had. Today the suitcase that held the supplies for the Triage area was forgotten/left behind. You just make it work with what's available. The jug of water arrived without the dispenser. You make it work. A person with allergies was given a 1 week prescription. It was what we had. A couple hundred more people were seen today.

About an hour into our work today, the Pharmacist, Dr. Louisa, leans over to me while checking medications for a patient. In her hand was a bag of aspirin. She showed me that stamped into each pill was the message, "Jesus Loves You". Healthcare and faith - hope for the people of Honduras.

Go! And go and go - Day 3

Today we began the brigade/brigaded/were brigaders. It was wonderful to participate in a group driven by such a strong work ethic. Today, as we were taking the last item to the truck, a student made a snarky remark to another student, as a joke. It occurred to me that it was the first sarcastic or negative comment I have heard. So refreshing to be in a group that is positive.

We loaded the van by 7am and began the 2 1/2 hour drive to the village. Along the way we saw beautiful, lush scenery, oxen pulling a cart, and a variety of livestock just wandering around. I think the care of animals has been one of the largest culture shocks for the students. Animals do not hold the same elevated status that they do in the US. It has been interesting to talk about people starving as a primary concern over a dog or horse.

We made our way to the village, but became trapped in a mud puddle. The ground was wet from the overnight rains. After much maneuvering and a tow out from one of the Brigades trucks got us back on our way. The group began chanting, "Si se puede!" (I think I can!) The bus rides have also been filled with what can only be described as ECLECTIC music. There is much singing, even as half the bus sleeps.

We saw over 180 patients today. I spent the day in the Pharmacy: taking in the forms, writing names on bags, etc for the students to fill the doctor's orders. The pharmasist that is assigned to our brigade is so patient and kind. Lots of questions and multi-tasking for her, but she approached each as an opportunity for the students to learn. And learn they did... Medications, dosage, etc. I learned that every question matters, and every question asker matters even more.

It was hot and humid. We were in a cinder block school room. It was a long day, but the weather held out, so we stayed until 4:30pm. One student said to me, "This is even better than I imagined!" As we gathered tonite and reviewed the logistics of the day, the group was tired but satisfied. I shared that I knew some people saw and experienced things today that may have been new. I asked if anyone had something to share. A couple did, but the group was largely quiet. Tomorrow may bring the opportunity for more dialogue.

Ready, Set - Day 2

Today was significantly more productive. We spent the morning sorting and counting medicines for the brigade tomorrow. It is hard to imagine needing that much, but the staff have shared that we will see almost 300 patients per day. The students are very excited and all worked, without exception.

This afternoon, there was a training meeting for us. I continue to be surprised at the lack of conversation around justice, poverty, etc. It almost seems assumed in some ways by the staff, but not necessarily by the participants. I found myself asking those around me more reflective questions... They just looked at me like I was a nut.

This afternoon/early evening we visited the orphanage where Global Brigades began. Such humble beginnings, and from a nun that raised money, advocated, etc. The kids we saw were excited - so glad to see our smiles. But, the need was so apparent. I asked the kids how old they were - many in the 8 and 12 year old range. Their lives are so different than my 8 and 12 year old. What would our lives be like if we were born in Honduras? The sky opened up while we were there and it just poured.  Two students braved the rain to play some futbol!

Our trip ended with a stop to purchase fried plantains. Yuck. The students loved them. Many, many offers to share. Sigh, if only it didn't look like a banana. Here is a shot of our two "soccer players" standing out in the rain at the plantains stop. Silly, but so funny!

A few more are warming up. I am hopeful that tomorrow cracks the final few holdouts. Today, I spent time talking with a sorority woman - she knew who I was. Just before that conversation, two students asked me where I work on campus. It's a total variety pack of students - and I like the mix!

Tomorrow we brigade. I will spend our time stationed in the Pharmacy. Prayers for the right things to say and do as I serve the people of Honduras and, equally as important, the students of USD.

Settling In - Day 1

We arrived safely in Tegucigalpa (also known as Tegus), but not without me asking "is everyone here?" no less than 5 different times. Little details have continued to remind me of the joy of not being in charge of all the logistics.

The exit station at the airport

As we exited the airport with the two Global Brigades staff, I was exceedingly aware of the soldier armed with an automatic weapon that was following me at the end of the line. Traffic was  stopped for us and we made our way to the bus. It was the first of what I anticipate to be ongoing moments of, "Are we exerting our privilege as we are here to serve?"

The bus ride to the compound was adventurous. It started with the surprise that a recent grad from Whittier College had joined us. (Praying that was our last surprise...) The ride was made all the better by a USD student, Taylor, who was seated next to be and taking it all in. He had traveled to Panama last January, so I was able to ask about the differences and similarities. The city was a mix of new and old. A brand new retail chain next to a shack. Taylor and I talked about how these were Hondurans that had money - could afford a car, living in the city, etc. Tomorrow we prep for the brigades - and our chance to see life in the rural villages up close.

The compound where we are staying is amazing. Again - such luxury in the midst of need. I spent a couple of hours in a hammock today catching up on sleep. (If I have a vote in future trips, we will not be flying out in the middle of the night.)  The women are all in a 24+ person common room with bunks. Showers and food are just across the courtyard. Amazing. We all eat together at one long table, so tonite I 'interviewed' several students. One shared that this is her first time out of the US. The students have all been polite, but it is clear that about 5 of them want nothing to do with me. Big dummies - don't they know that means I am going to talk to them more!

It rained throughout dinner, and the temperature/humidity was really mild today. Fingers crossed that stays! I started the night in my Bug Bivy... Got too hot and had to abandon it. Praying the bugs are repelled by my ultra-expensive bug lotion.  Hmm - maybe that's what repelling those 5 students? Just sayin'.