Poquito a Poquito

Little by little things are getting better here in Ecuador. 

Yesterday we were able to get a much better feel for the flow of the clinic.  Before we see each patient, Dr. Carrion discusses their history with us and then we go and see the patient and talk with them about their current condition(s).  After we have conversed with the patient, we meet again with Dr. Carrion and he asks us what we think about the patient and gives us his thought process about what is going on with them.  This is a very effective way for me to learn as a healthcare professional, however it would be much better if I could understand the language ;)  I think my Dad put it best, I am still trying to "listen in English".  I know this is a hard concept to understand unless you have tried to learn another language, but it is much more difficult to listen and comprehend to what other people are saying than it is to speak or read the language, especially when they talk very fast.  I am thoroughly enjoying this process and I am doing my best to follow the conversations closely so that I can have some input in the patients' care.

Last night Maggie and Megan had a get together with the people that work at the clinic.  We got to eat a homemade Ecuadorian meal and experience their welcoming hearts on a different level than at work.   Megan did some singing and we did a little bit of dancing.  We really had a great time.  Today we helped Maggie with a party that she had for the children that have been coming to the clinic for different types of after school activities.  Since the children have been reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, they got to watch the movie today and have candy, popcorn and lemonade.  Although it was difficult to figure out what the sweet children were saying to me, I knew they were having a good time and wanted me to trace more Willy Wonka coloring sheets.  "Debujame," they would say as I traced a coloring sheet for a different child.  (It only took me 3 different kids to figure out what they wanted me to do.)

As for the city of Santo Domingo, Stella and I are becoming much more comfortable with the city and streets each day.  We have gone to a fresh market several days, if not every day, of this week.  I really enjoy going with her because she has a lot of experience with this type of environment since she has traveled to several different countries.  It is a joy to watch her interact with the people of Santo Domingo.  Tomorrow we get to take the bus by ourselves...just the two of us plus the medical student from France, Chloe, that has been here the same amount of time that we have.  Although a little nervous, we are very ready for this big adventure.