Post Title. 10/26/2009
 
This is your new blog Hola! First off i just want to let everyone know im doing well. Second, my apologies for not keeping everyone updated in a timely manor. I’ve been pretty busy in Ecuador and internet is not always easy to come by J

 

I’ve been taking it all in this beautiful, dilapidated, wonderful, country. The culture so different from what I’m used to or have ever seen and I am taking it all in with openness. I’m staying with a nice host family in Puerto Rico, a very small shanty town about 20 minutes outside or Puerto Lopez. The part of the house I live in is a small bamboo room complete with mosquito net wich is much needed. Although I stick out like a pink elephant here I am for the most part welcomed into the village.

 

There are two sides to this place, one the poor towns filled with children, mud and dogs. The other, upscale resorts along the crystal clear beaches catering to tourists. Two very different worlds intertwined. It is off tourist season now and the beaches are empty these nice resorts resembling ghost towns. Next to the shanty towns. Its rainy season and a light mist has continuously descended on the town since my arrival. All though this does make drying cloths or anything for that matter hard, it is a refreshing mist, and one that has allowed me more time to study Spanish in my room. If the sun was to shine I think I would be very tempted to play on the beach all day.  

 

I am working at a small health clinic in Salongo a sleepy little fishing village close to mine. Everyday I walk into work and the entrance is filled with people lining up to see the one doctor that works at the clinic.  Unfortunately while my limited Spanish has decreased the amount I am able to assist with, I am able to take vital signs, and give vaccinations. There is also a small “pharmacy” in the clinic and I frequently sort medications, and dispense them.  The clinic can boast an impressive healthy newborn program that includes education for new mothers and regular check ups and follow ups for newborns and infants. However the hospital is lacking running water, sharps containers, windows, and unlike what im used there is not an endless supply of gloves available. I am very thankful I brought a lot of supplies. I hope to continuine improving my Spanish so I can assist more effectively and I am also working on having an inservice for the staff about the dangers of recapping sharps and the importance of proper handeling.

 

 

This experience so far has been an amazing one, and already 3 months seems like it is going to be too short (although I do really miss hot showers) Well I will try to keep everybody posted as much as possible. Until then hope all is well

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