On a typical day, I wake up to the sound of roosters, not because roosters only crow in the early morning; I know that to be completely false now. However, I have to say that they don’t drive me as crazy as when I first moved here and I'm actually becoming use to them. After a cup of coffee and breakfast, I make my way across the road and up the hill towards Clínica Esperanza. Let me just say, it’s quite the experience riding and driving in a country that does not enforce a speeding limit or even really having a driver’s license. Thankfully, I haven’t had any problems with transportation here and I actually drive Peggy’s vehicle from time to time. I was kind of forced into driving my second week on the Island. The pastor of Peggy’s church asked me if I could house/dog sit for his family and I agreed before realizing they lived up a very steep hill and in order to get back down the hill, I had to drive much closer to the edge of a cliff than I would ever have wanted to in my lifetime. Needless to say, I overcame a big fear of mine that week.
Once I make my way up the clinic’s driveway, there are usually dozens of men, women, and children waiting outside the clinic to check-in. I’ve heard that people start lining up as early as 5am in order to be seen for that day. I’m usually greeted by Karla with a big smile and a “Buenos dias, Senorita Makayla”. Then I go unlock the pharmacy, make sure we have enough student nurses to triage patients, and that the pharmacy is stocked and ready. If not, I help triage patients and/or refill medications in the pharmacy. When there is time I sit in on the early morning conference presented by the visiting medical residents and students (and make sure they’re doing one for that day). During the day, I spend time overseeing the nursing students, distributing medications, giving intravenous medications and breathing treatments, instructing patients on diabetic management, giving injections, cleaning and dressing wounds, fitting patients for eye glasses, sterilizing equipment, organizing donated supplies and medications in the back room, and giving tours to people visiting the clinic from the Cruise lines or vacationing. We also have weekly promotora meetings in the afternoons and occassionaly our community health volunteer and I go out into the community to do checkups on families and/or visit within the communities. Needless to say, days in the clinic are always very busy.

Family in Belfate Colonia

Promotora in Belfate Colonia

In January, the clinic decided to extend hours until 6pm every week night in order to reach more people. Thankfully, we’ve had an abundance of medical and non-medical volunteers to help us with the extended hours. I work the day and/or evening shift depending upon what is needed for that day. I’ve also started Spanish lessons with Vicki, a woman from the mainland of Honduras, who volunteers once a week at the clinic translating for non-Spanish speaking volunteers. I would say about 70% of our patients speak Spanish and 30% speak both English and Spanish. Therefore, it is very helpful to know Spanish, but not required for volunteers. 
On weeknights my roommate and I usually take turns making supper which I really enjoy. If you know me well, you know I love to bake, but now I'm learning how to cook because it's fun and there really isn’t much to do in the evenings. Also, if you’ve been on the Island long enough, you get tired of going out to the same touristy places that short-term volunteers want to visit. Needless to say, I’m very grateful to have a long-term volunteer as my roommate and we've become good friends. She is a long-term volunteer; working with the promotora program. Some evenings we hang out with short-term volunteers, usually playing cards or talking. For me, life is much simpler here, which I appreciate and look forward to everyday!

 


public dock near my place

Elizabeth's store (near my apartment)

 my place