The first two days in Santo Domingo have been very busy and overwhelming for me. The ride from Quito to Santo Domingo was extremely crowded and curvy. Our cab driver unfortunately wasn't aware that we would have luggage. After 3 hours or so, we arrived at our apartment in Santo Domingo where we met one of our neighbors, Megan. She was very helpful in making us feel welcome and taking us to the "Shopping", a giant supermarket in a mall and the farm fresh market on the first day. Although I was very thankful, I was also very overwhelmed. It had been a very nauseating car ride and long trip to the grocery, so needless to say I was very glad when we had a chance to rest.
After a decent nights sleep, we met Megan and Maggie (the Peace Corp volunteer, also our neighbor), and they showed us how to get from our apartment to the Clinic via bus. The busses in Ecuador are quite an experience, but much cheaper than a taxi. Upon arriving at the clinic, the secretary gave us a tour of the clinic and introduced us to all of the people that work there. The clinic is very interesting. There are 2 doctors (but one is not there for very long), 2 nurses, one dentist and someone in the pharmacy. We also met a medical student from France who will be with us for a week at the clinic. From what I can tell, everyone seems to operate like family. After the tour, we went on some home visits with one of the nurses and visited 3-4 patients. We also met with a patient that had uncontrolled diabetes and was very upset when Dr. Carrion told her that she needed to go to the hospital. We should find out more tomorrow about what we will be doing on the rotation.
The temperature today was fabulous. It is very cloudy and misty in the mornings and then in the afternoon when the sun comes out from behind the clouds, it was a little warm, but not near as hot as I expected.
I knew that it was going to be difficult t adjust to being here, however I was hoping I would have a more positive attitude. The most difficult thing for me to adjust to is the language. I unfortunately have realized that I do not know near enough Spanish to be here. While we were doing home visits this morning, I was astonished at how people in horrible situation were still putting a smile on their faces and enjoying life, while I was having a pity party about not being able to understand anything that was going on. I know that I can change my situation, and these poor people cannot do much about theirs, yet they are more content and positive than I. I am going to do my best to take my husband's advice and change my attitude about being deficient in Spanish, and use this rotation just as it is, a learning experience.
That's right Erica! Think on the bright side! Find the silver lining! It was only our first day, you will be used to it before you know it!
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
You'll be surprised how much your Spanish improves during the six weeks you'll be there. You will have to make a concerted effort, but you'll have all the incentive that you need to make it - I know how much you like to talk! :) Watch people carefully, including their non-verbal language and you'll pick up much more, particularly when you stop panicking that you don't know every word and concentrate on what you do know.
ReplyDeleteCheck with Maggie about finding someone to give you lessons there 2-3 times a week. The actual formal assistance from someone who knows how to TEACH another language, coupled with the constant practice will really make it work. Seriously!
-Melody Ryan