Mi Nueva Familia

 Mi Nueva Familia

I like to write my contribution to the Guatemala blog once the team is back home. I like to sit and contemplate the week’s trip and all the memories that come flooding back. The team members have shared several times that it is quite difficult to put into words what and how we feel when we are trying to explain what we just experienced in Guatemala. When I sit and consider what to write about, the word ​family​ replays in my mind. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines the word FAMILY as: Fam’ily (noun) 1. The collective body of persons who live in one house and under one head or manager; a household, including parents, children, grandparents, etc. Family is very important to me - I grew up one of four kids. Mom and dad provided a wonderful life for us. When it was time to decide on a career, pharmacy school was my journey. I tell people that in my family, pharmacy is genetic - my grandfather, my uncle, and my mom were all pharmacists. I hope I made them proud with the work I did in Coban this past trip. My wife and I have been married for 37 years, we have 2 wonderful kids, a great son-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter, and a grandson on the way!! I think the Bertelsens have managed to live out the definition of family pretty well!

Ciudad de la Esperanza is a special place. Padre Sergio and Rosario welcomed the team with open arms. The staff provided space, tables, chairs, water filtration, and just about anything else we needed to set up our clinic for a week. The team was introduced to many beautiful people in Coban and at Ciudad. I observed that family is very important here. Several family members living in the same household, caring for elderly relatives, tending to the needs of younger children and siblings. Starting on day one of clinic I could see the love, compassion, and concern for one another in the family units. I was struck by the fact that older siblings (some only age 9 or 10) were taking care of and being responsible for younger siblings - helping our students process the children through triage, sitting in the exam rooms and discussing medical concerns with Dr. Lauri and Dr. Richard, and taking responsibility for the medication directions for the medicine I dispensed from the pharmacy. The students and I discussed how this would not happen in the USA. Almost every encounter with the patients ended with a big hug and prayer of gratitude for our medical service coming to their community.

Family is important to our team members too. Beginning all the way back to the interviews, the medical staff learned about each students’ family. The students opened up and shared stories of grandparents, parents, siblings, and even their pets - the medical staff shared our stories too.

I did a little more searching for definitions of ​family ​and I found a few more. One that I like while thinking about our team of students and the medical professionals states: FAMILY - people you love and love you back, not necessarily blood or biological, but you trust them and they trust you, and they take care of you and you take care of them. The week in Coban strengthened our family bond as a team - living apart from our biological family members, but living in community with our new family members. Over the months of preparation at Regis and continuing to the week at Ciudad, I have seen and felt the love for one another, the trust we offer to and receive from one another, and the tender care we share with each new member of this beautiful family

 of students built at Regis University and the family members of Ciudad de la Esperanza in Coban. I told the students about midway through our education meeting process that I was happy to have twelve new friends. But after this wonderful week in Ciudad de la Esperanza I have twelve new children!!

Mi Nueva Familia, I love you!

Zarzas Ardientes y Tierra Sagrada (Burning Bushes and Holy Ground)

**Spanish and English Text**

Cuando yo empezaba de pensar en lo que querría escribir en mi blog, fue difícil para mi de encontrar las palabras. Es difícil para mí de describir esta experiencia. Pero, recordé la primera reflexión dirigida por Dr. Lauri. Ella y Misch leyeron una poesía de Julia Esquivel (una poeta Guatemalteca) que se llama “Yo no soy una poseída!” Las lineas hablan del coraje y audacia que es el espíritu de una mujer. No loca, no obsesionada, no poseída. Una mujer que rechaza o se rebela a las normas de la sociedad que considera muchas cosas importantes antes del amor de su vecino y la humanidad del vecino. Este espíritu esta vivo, no muerto, y que absorbe/consume todo pero no esta absorbido/consumido . . . como la zarza ardiente. Cuando considera la historia de la zarza ardiente, Dios explicó mas que ya veía el sufrimiento de Su gente y lanzará una red de amor para ellos pero Moises tuvo que recordar que estaba de pie en una tierra sagrada y tuvo que quitar sus zapatos primero si querría oír la mensaje de Dios. Antes de que Moises podía recibir, tuvo que reconocer la santidad de estar en la presencia de este amor que consumía todo pero no estaba consumido. Dios le pidió a Moises que se quitara los zapatos . . . Esta semana, pensé que nos pidió que nos quitamos nuestras ideas preconcebidas y repuestas al sufrimiento ya escritas, nuestros egos o falta de, el miedo de lo que no conocemos, nuestras armaduras y barreras . . . Así que podemos prestar atención y estar presentes allá en tierra sagrada, rodeados de zarzas ardientes en La Ciudad de la Esperanza. En mis aventuras de la semana, atestigüe el espíritu de la mujer que describió Julia Esquivel en nuestros compañeros de la Ciudad de la Esperanza. Como lo de Rosario la trabajadora social, que está luchando por la protección y desarrollo de niños y mujeres en la comunidad en y cerca a la Comunidad de la Esperanza. O como Esmeralda la enfermera para la escuela de Esperanza, que como un esponja absorbió la enseñanza medica y pidió preguntas a un nivel que yo nunca he sentido en mi carrera . . . en el nombre de preparación en caso de que alguien se enferma. O en las caras de las madres que llevaban a sus niños a la clínica en buscando las repuestas de sus preguntas astutas. O finalmente en la cara de una mujer que se ama a su amiga y por eso ella nos dijo la verdad completa de la salud de su amiga cuando su amiga nos dijo una media verdad. Yo vi la zarza ardiente en esta lugar que se llama Coban. Estaba de pie en tierra sagrada y no me daba cuenta inmediatamente. Pero cuando me dé cuanto, me pidió que me quité mis zapatos y era humilde. Me recordó lo que significaba ser consumida por una pasión por los demás sin ser consumida o extinguida. Lo mas increíble era la realidad de que teníamos la oportunidad de crecer en esta colaboración y nuestras almas que son parecidas trabajaban como les conocían por mucho tiempo. Tierra sagrada, zarzas ardientes, y un poco de Esperanza me parece como una receta para amor, pasión, una creencia inextinguible, y sueños por el futuro. Un futuro coordinando y iluminado por la luz de estas zarzas ardientes en lo que nosotros como un equipo continuaremos compartiendo nuestro espíritu de pasión, amor, y deseo para un tiempo en que amor, humildad, y gracia sean tan importantes para los poderes como son para nosotros.  Si, si, posiblemente es un poco loco, tal vez yo soy posesa por sueños, pero te digo, “Yo no soy posesa . . . Yo soy sólo una mujer con un corazón humano.”

Julia Esquivel era una activista para paz durante la guerra civil que resultó en la opresión y la masacre de innumerables Mayas. Por eso, Julia, una rebelde contra los poderes, fue exilada de Guatemala y mudó a Switzerland después de algunas amenazas contra su vida de la policía y las fuerzas armadas. 

When I started to think of what I would post my blog about, I really struggled to find the words. This experience is often difficult to describe. But then I remembered our first reflection led by Dr. Lauri. She and Misch read a poem written by Julia Esquivel (a Guatemalan poet) entitled “I am not possessed!” The lines speak of the courage and boldness that is the spirit of a woman. Not crazy, not obsessed, nor possessed. A woman, that refuses or even revolts against the societal norms deeming most things more important than the love of your neighbor and their own humanity. This spirit is not dead, but alive, and is all consuming but somehow not consumed . . . Like the burning bush. When you look at the story of the burning bush, God explains further that he has seen the suffering of His people and will cast out a net of love for them but first Moses was asked to remember that he was standing on Holy Ground before he could hear that message. Before Moses could receive, he had to acknowledge the holiness of being in the presence of this all consuming but not consumed love. He was asked to take off his shoes . . . This week, I think we were asked to take off our preconceived notions and pre-written responses to suffering, our egos or lack thereof, our fear of the unknown, our shields and barriers . . . So that we could be present there on holy ground surrounded by burning bushes at La Ciudad de la Esperanza. In my adventures during the week, I was able to witness the the spirit of the woman Julia Esquivel spoke of in many of the partners we have at Esperanza. Like Rosario the social worker, who is fighting for the protection and development of children and women in the community surrounding Esperanza in Coban. Or like Esmeralda the school nurse, who soaked in medical education and asked questions at a level I have yet to experience in my career . . . In the name of preparing for any person that may fall sick. Or in the faces of the mothers that brought their children to the clinic in search of answers to their astute questions. Or lastly in the face of a woman that so loved her friend that she would not let her friend tell a half truth about her health and promptly told the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I saw the burning bush in this place called Coban. I was standing on holy ground without realizing it at first. When I did realize it, I was asked to “take off my shoes” and humble myself. I was reminded what it meant to be consumed by a passion for others while not becoming consumed or extinguished. What is the most amazing is the fact that we get the opportunity to grow this partnership and our likeminded spirits work together as if they have known each other for a long time. Holy ground, burning bushes, and a little bit of Esperanza seem to make a recipe for love, passion, inextinguishable belief and dreaming for the future. A future orchestrated and illuminated by the light of these burning bushes to which we as a team will continue to share our spirit of passion, love, and desire for a time when love, humility, and grace, will be as important to the powers that be as they are to us. Yes, yes, maybe it is crazy, perhaps I am possessed by dreams, but I say to you, “I am not possessed . . . I am simply a woman, with a human heart.”

Julia Esquivel was an activist for peace during the civil war that resulted in the oppression and massacre of countless Mayans. That is why Julia, a rebel against the powers, was exiled from Guatemala and moved to Switzerland after some threats from the police and the armed forces against her life.

By: Stephanie Ibemere, PhD, RN 

 

Mente Sin Químicos - Mind Without Chemicals

*English translation included below

Es fácil reducir 6 días en unos párrafos cuando no estás muy conectado a la realidad, a veces no sabes si pasó una semana o unas horas.

Probablemente nunca más escuches más sobre mi, entonces te daré la información necesaria para entender todo lo que vas a leer.

Tu debes saber que soy chapin (guatemalteco).

Podemos continuar...

En los últimos días tuve una sola excusa para salir de mi cama, normalmente estoy en la cama una o dos horas pensando en una razón para levantarme y hacer cosas simples como cepillarme, comer y tomar una ducha, así que las tareas como trabajar o ir a la universidad son más difícil de hacer. Cuando por fin te levantas y estás frente al espejo y reflejo algo inferior. Solo queda rezarle a ese perdedor con cara sin expresión para no saltar al vacío, y muchas veces durante el día solo quiero regresar a mi habitación y nunca salir, pero en esta última semana, en cada desayuno para recoger tú comida siempre escuchabas personas sonriendo y haciendo la pregunta “cómo estás?”, esto me hizo pensar que al menos una persona realmente estuvo interesado en conocer una verdad sobre mi al iniciar el día. Entonces las tareas simples fueron divertidas y no necesité obligar a mi mente a realizarlas.

Pero aún en los buenos días mi mente siempre pregunta “¿por qué estás haciendo esto?”, cada día en la semana muchas veces tuve que responder, pero puede ser difícil porque te puedes dar cuenta qué haces las cosas por orgullo, por obligación o para sentir qué haces algo bueno para remediar todo lo malo que has hecho, al final puedo decir que la raíz de estás y otras respuesta puede ser la culpa que te motiva ayudar a los demás, puedo decir que no es algo malo ayudar a los otros. Pero la diferencia con las personas en esta semana fue su amor, en su acciones podías ver como decían te quiero a otros sin hablar el mismo idioma, podías apreciar el cuidado que están dispuesto a dar por alguien que no es de su país, lo maravilloso fue ver las miradas conectadas, no importaba la clase social, el color de piel y el idioma, sabias que sus miradas daban y recibían amor en el alma. Esto suena como un cuento de hadas, alguien más puede decir que todo esto no es de ayuda pero soy testigo y puedo decir que no se trata de cómo intentas cambiar el mundo tú solo, es como todos construimos una parte en la vida de alguien y luego otra persona añade más a esas vidas, así fue como puedo decir que aún sin estudiar medicina  puede contribuir en la vida de las persona en la comunidad la esperanza, porque una fotografía no ayuda a mejorar la salud, no tiene vitaminas y no le salva la vida a las personas, pero en cada fotografía quiero contar y ser parte de las historias, espero que tu puedas encontrar las historias y quieras construir a más personas. Muchas de ellas son evidencias del amor en el ambiente de la clínica, en otras puedes ver la humildad para dar y recibir, también hay historias graciosas como al ver las fotos del doctor Eric diciendo “señor” a cada niño, joven y adulto, esto me hace pensar que alguna familia siempre va a sonreír al escuchar otra vez esta palabra.

En una semana sin medicina para la depresión puedo decir que cada estudiante y doctor fue como una pastilla que mi cerebro necesita para regular mis emociones.

Entonces solo te puedo decir que no necesitas tener un súper poder para salvar al mundo o una vida, somos estrellas en un universo infinito y lo único que puedes hacer para lograr el cambia es dar una parte de tu y recibir la otra de alguien, rompiendo fronteras y estigmas de culturas, porque el amor es universal y solo tienes que conectar con tu parte humanitaria para construir y ser construido.

Quiero agradecer a las personas que construyeron un poco en mi esta semana, la compasión y amor de doctor Rabino y Richard, la sabiduría infinita de Stephanie, el humor del doctor Eric, la felicidad Kristin que todo el tiempo me hizo disfrutar las sonrisas, la aceptación para ser parte de algo por mi amigo Lorenzo, el humor de los amigos mexicanos Anakaren, Monse y Ricky.

Pero no quiero olvidar a mi persona favorita, ella pudo reconstruir mucho cariño en mi alma con muchos abrazos, pero lo mejor que puedo hacer por mí fue tener empatía, nunca olvidaré a mi amiga Katie Lewis.

Así es como mi vida y la otras personas puede ayudar a construir, porque el mundo es mejor cuando haces algo por amor y no por culpa de todo lo malo que hemos hecho en el pasado.

Hoy solo me queda la esperanza de encontrarme con mis nuevos amigos en algún rincón del mundo.

Y recuerda que no necesitas un súper poder o una capa para ser parte de esto...

English Translation

It is easy to reduce 6 days in a few paragraphs when you are not very connected to reality, sometimes you do not know if a week or a few hours have passed.

You have probably never heard much about me, so I will give you the necessary information to understand everything you are going to read.

You should know that I am a Chapin (Guatemalan).

Let us continue...

In the last few days, I had an excuse to get out of my bed. Normally, I am in bed for an hour or two thinking about a reason to get up and do simple things like brushing my teeth, eating and taking a shower, so tasks like working or going to college are harder to do. When you finally get up and face the mirror, and in your reflection see something inferior, all you can do is pray that that expressionless face does not jump into the void. Many times during the day I just want to return to my room and never leave. But in this last week, at each lunch break when you lined up to get your food, you’d see people smiling and asking the question “how are you?”. This made me think that at least one person was really interested in knowing a truth about me at the beginning of the day. So the simple tasks were fun and I didn't need to force my mind to do them.

But even on a good morning, my mind always asks “why are you doing this?”. Every day in the week, many times I had to find an answer. It can be difficult to realize that you do things out of pride, obligation or the need to do something good to remedy all the bad things you have done. In the end, I can say that the root of these and other answers may be that those faults are what motivates you to help others. I can also say that it is not a bad thing to help others . But the difference with the people this week was their love, in their actions you could see how they said “I love you” to others without speaking the same language. You could appreciate the care they are willing to give for someone who is not from their country. It was wonderful to see the connections form, no matter the social class, skin color and language, you knew that their eyes gave and received love through the soul. 

This sounds like a fairy tale. Someone else can say that all this is not helpful, but I am a witness and I can say that it is not about how you try to change the world by yourself. It is about how we each built a part in someone's life. Then another person adds more to those lives. This is how I can say that even without studying medicine, hope can contribute to the lives of people in the community. A photograph does not help improve health, does not have vitamins, and does not save people’s lives, but with each photograph, I want to tell and be a part of the stories. I hope you can see these stories, and want to create more with people. Many of them are evidence of love in the clinic environment, in others you can see the humility to give and receive, there are also funny stories depicted like seeing the photos of Dr. Eric saying “señor!!!” to every child, teen and adult. Remembering makes me think that the families will always smile every time they hear that word. 

I spent the week without the medicine that I take for my depression. I can say that every student and doctor was like those pills that my brain needs to regulate my emotions.

I can tell you that you do not need to have a super power to save the world or a life, we are stars in an infinite universe, and the only thing you can do to achieve change is to give a part of yourself and receive parts of someone else. You must break borders and stigmas of cultures, because love is universal and you just have to connect with your humanitarian side to build and be built.

I want to thank the people who built me up a little this week: the compassion and love of Rabino Abie and Dr. Richard, the infinite wisdom of Stephanie, the humor of Dr. Eric, the happiness of Kristin that made me smile all the time, the acceptance and inclusion of my friend Lorenzo, the humor of my Mexican friends Anakaren, Monse and Ricky.

But I do not want to forget my favorite person, she could rebuild a lot of love in my soul with many hugs, but the best thing she could do for me was to have empathy, I will never forget my friend Katie Lewis.

This is how me and other people can help build, because the world is better when you do something for love rather than because of all the bad things we have done in the past.

Today I only have the hope of meeting my new friends in some corner of the world.

Always remember that you don't need a super power or a cape to be part of something like this ...

Mateo- Photographer 

Esperanza y Sueños

The first thing that you see when you enter the gates of La Ciudad de Esperanza is a wall containing a colorful mural. Among images of children playing and many uplifting phrases is the one “Cree en tus sueños”, or “believe in your dreams”. This week, I have reflected on an important element to having the ability to believe in your dreams: Esperanza, or hope. Because without hope, how can you dare to dream? 

This community gives me immense hope in the future of the people of Cobán, specifically those who call the dump their home. Yesterday we saw the dump, and it was hard not to feel disgust and sorrow at their situation. But I quickly checked myself, and remembered what my mom has always told me: there is no shame in honest work. I wondered, do they feel shame about what they do, or are they grateful that it puts food on their table? If they do feel shame, I think it comes from the ostracism they face at the hands of their own government, rather than their occupation. Prior to La Ciudad de Esperanza and Escualita Feliz, the children of the community who lived around the dump didn’t receive education or healthcare because of their Mayan heritage, and because they were considered dirty people of the dump, not worthy of these rights. Padre Sergio and Rosario had a dream for a better life for this community, and so was born La Ciudad de la Esperanza. 

There are so many people that I have come across this week who give me hope. The little children who demonstrated maturity well beyond their years when they explained medical histories for their younger siblings, or translated for older family members who only spoke the indigenous tongue, Q’eqchi’. The parents of 5 little ones who took in two more because they were abandoned, despite living in a shed smaller than my closet at home. The 23 year old young man, Darwin, who works at the Casa associated with La Ciudad de la Esperanza. One day I spoke to him in my broken Spanish, and he explained to me that he is a “papa”. I came to understand that this meant he was a father figure to 18 boys and 1 girls who live at the house because they are escaping bad home situations. The 13 year old boy who lives in Casa that taught me some Q’eqchi’ and who spoke kindly about his family despite what horrors he might have faced growing up. Bryan from Casa who wants to be an astronaut for NASA and loves astronomy. The mother of three young children who recently turned 20 years old. If my sister was still with us today, she would be 20. She was a young, carefree college student and I can’t even imagine her having one child, let alone three little ones to take care of. This mom’s name is Mariella, and her babies have healthy weights for their age, and have healthy little white smiles because of her meticulous, loving care. Despite difficult circumstances, all of these people dared to hope, dared to DREAM of better circumstances for them and the ones they love.

Lastly, I have hope in the team that came down here with me. In the medical staff that dedicate their time to helping these communities and providing this opportunity to change the perspective of future health care professionals. In the students from Regis University. Bearing witness to the growth of all of the students has been inspirational. They give me hope that there are 12 more people in this world who will fight for the poor and marginalized in the world around us, and change the world one life at a time. 

Katie Lewis- Trip Coordinator 

A Chain of Opportunities

It is the first day since our arrival that our destination is not the beautiful Cuidad de Esperanza. This reality has caused a new set of emotions to settle within the Team. Emotions so great that Coban itself seems to be embracing them on this cold, raining day. 

Overwhelmed by sudden bursts of sadness, and radiating gratitude filled with hope, I think back to three simple words. Mish (Micheal Tzul), one of our amazing translators, shared with us that opportunities create opportunities. This trip has demonstrated time after time that one person’s opportunity allows for the creation of more opportunities not just for that same person but for those around them as well. 

As a sophomore in college, let alone a pre-nursing sophomore, a medical service trip to Guatemala is the experience of a lifetime. It is an amazing learning opportunity. An opportunity that would have not been possible if the people of Coban would not have given Padre Sergio the opportunity to build a community with a soccer ball and a pot of Atole. An opportunity that would have also not been possible, if it weren’t for the welcoming hands of la Cuidad de Esperanza. 

At Cuidad de Esperanza there were many opportunities of education for both the people of Coban and the Team. My first day in clinic, I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Lauri, where I meet an eleven-year-old boy by the name of Darwin. Darwin, like some of the other children we saw, came alone and was exceptionally at communicating his current complaint and medical history. Darwin’s visit gave me the opportunity to hear a wheezing lung and learn about its impact on a person’s health. It also provided the opportunity for Darwin to be diagnosed with asthma which would result in a better recovery time when he gets sick with a cold. The following day, Darwin’s mother came in to become better educated on asthma and how to help her son. Throughout the week a simple doctor’s visit opened up multiple opportunities. For example, the opportunity to speak to patients about clean water, eco filter, which would result in an increase of health. One can not talk about on opportunity without seeing the other opportunities that come from it. In reality, our lives are full of these chains of opportunities. 

Tonight I was given the opportunity to make a second family. Although I knew that I had gained 12 new friends, as Dr. Eric would say, I had yet to realize that these people were more than friends. The Shabbat Dinner gave us the opportunity to break bread together and experience another practice outside our comfort zone. Rabbi Abie blessing us as one of his own solidified the fact that we have become a family to one another. 

The three simple words - opportunities create opportunities - have been with me since the day Mish spoke and, being completely honest, will stay with me forever. 

It’s only fair that if I will keep these words close to me, I thank those close to me who gave me multiple opportunities. Quiero tomar el tiempo para agradecerles a mis padres por todo lo que han hecho por mi. Papá y Mamá con todo mi corazón les digo muchísimas gracias por todos los sacrificios que han tenido que hace y los que están haciendo. Sus sacrificios son la razón que tuve la oportunidad de ir a la universidad y ser parte de este viaje. Verdaderamente les agradezco mucho. Finalmente les agradezco a mis hermanos por todo su apoyo. Estas oportunidades no fueran igual sin ustedes. 

Monserrat Pineda-Lagunas 

The Bush That Will Not Be Consumed

Exodus 3v3

March 7th

Faith is believing in things that cannot be seen or touched. Believing that a new morning will rise and that the stars or moon will greet you in the night. Believing that a place in which we have touched will be better than how it was received. Believing that the hands of 24 people can become a bush that fire cannot consume.

The day started off with a tour of Antigua, starting from hotel El Carmen all the way the Chapel of St. Hermano Pedro. Partaking in a little shopping therapy and walking through the main square, the sights and sounds of Antigua proved that a gem always exist in the littlest places possible. With credit card responsibilities forgotten and a few sunburns later, we partook on the next adventure, a Mayan Ceremony.

With a bumpy road and 2000km up towards the mountains, not only did we get a better view of the city, but we got closer to heaven. Surrounded by my new family, we sat around the fire pit awaiting the Mayan priestess to begin the ceremony. From delicately placed colored candles to topping the fire pit with rosemary, tree sap and molasses, we began the journey to greeting the 20 nawals. Nawals are the different gods of the Mayan religion. 

With the history of the ritual being explained beside the crackling fire, we greeted the atmosphere with our prayers, heart’s desires, and hopes of the unforeseen future. Each individual partook in throwing in a grouping of colored candles to the mixture of tangible aromas, also throwing in our beliefs. While watching the colors of the candles blend together, I saw that we were believers. We believed in the process, we believed in the purpose, we believed in the people.

My burning bush was right in front of me. I was sitting with a group of movers and shakers, good upholders, believers, peace makers, healers, mentors and most importantly they were heart fillers. Voids that I didn’t know existed in me were filled as the smoke from the burning fiery pit filled the sky.

With opened eyes I was grateful for the community of la Cuidad de la Esperanza, I was grateful for the country, I was grateful for the journey and most importantly I was grateful for the people. 24 people taught me that when we come together we are more than ten fingers and ten toes, more than thirteen major joints, more than our mind, hearts and willpower combined. We were a force that could not be moved with a united mission in mind. We wanted to make the world a better place by helping, educating, nourishing and most importantly loving one individual at a time. Together we are a giant light that burned like the one we encircled, but unlike that one we became the burning bush that will not be consumed.

Tumilara Idowu

Home is Where the Heart is

Growing up, there were spider plants everywhere. My mom had maybe 10 spider plants throughout the house; keeping with the tradition, as does my own. When we got to the seminary and were shown where we would be staying, I knew I was home because of the 10 or so spider plants planted directly outside our room. This small comfort meant everything and allowed my preceding life to coalesce with the new one just beginning.

I have never felt more welcome into a community before walking into that of Cuidad de Esperanza. All the directors, professors, and students immediately treated us as if we were one of their own; a simple extension of their own family. They all love unconditionally and accept all the flaws you walk in with, which for most of us was our ability to speak Spanish. In a family you can always count on each other. I found that within the community and in our team. We laugh with our whole bodies, ugly cry, and truly listen. Not just listen to respond, but listen with no alternative motives, to make sure they feel heard and offer anything possible whether its just a hand or a smile. The people at Cuidad do all this as the norm, not the exception, a stark contrast to what we are used to state side. When they ask “¿Como estas?” they want to hear about your day and will give up their next two minutes to listen with their whole bodies, a quality we have all been lacking.

However, this is the quality that Dr. Lauri and Dr. Richard have fully embodied as doctors. They listen to every patient with the same patience they would their own family members. They make their patients laugh by joking about making dancing dates or by making the softest bird noise when looking into the ears of the children and asking “pajaritos?” Their eyes light up and twinkle somehow even more when they can speak with and care for their patients. Watching how they work (which isn’t a good enough word for what they do) inspires me to be a better person and instills a desire to be that great of a doctor one day.

It’s not just them though. It’s one thing to have a truly amazing doctor, but to also have a compassionate nurse and a knowledgeable pharmacist is another. Even still, all together? The integration of disciplines so effortlessly and cohesively allows for a deeper understanding of how the healthcare system could and should work. Every brain working in network to give every single person that walks through the clinic doors the best possible chance to be healed and to thrive. And good lord the brain capability in these four rooms. Each holds a contributing piece of information that leads to the best possible care. It’s like watching a symphony orchestra. All the parts playing independently yet harmoniously to give way to a powerful and robust sound. The nurses, the percussion and heartbeat of clinic keeping beat and pace of todos. The doctors, the brass adding depth and dimension to the entirety of the concerto, seemingly improvised yet structured. The pharmacy, the woodwinds introducing a melody, a regime, something to recognize when all else is complex. The strings, oh the strings, the soul and passion: the patient. The complexity and dynamics of whole working together to produce salud.

I will never forget the people, never recreate the feelings, never comprehend the true meaning of all of what I’ve witnessed. Guatemala, te amo.

Kelley Coakley

I’m Not Sad for the People, I’m Sad for the World

As I looked out over a sea of trash speckled with people, I could feel my heart crack. But my heart is not cracking for the people. Now some people may be shocked by this. Saying, “How can your heart not be breaking for these people digging through a dump just to make a living?” But it’s the truth. My heart isn’t breaking for the people. 

A family came into Dr. Lauri’s office the other day. A mother, a little boy, a little girl with the messiest but cutest hair, and the smiliest little nugget of a baby. I don’t really recall what exactly the family was in for. We saw a ton of kids that day that were sick because of a lack of clean water. That’s it, just lack of clean water. My whole life I’ve taken something seemingly so simple for granted. I grew up at the tippy top of the Rocky Mountains. In an itty bitty town set at 10,000 feet. I had never experienced unclean water a day in my life. The water that ran from my tap was crystal clear, crisp, and clean. The idea that I needed to filter, boil, or clean my water had never crossed my mind. Yet there I sat. For the eighth or ninth time that day talking to yet another mother who told us they couldn’t afford any kind of mechanism to give her family clean water. 

What can you do in that situation? Even the best doctors in the world (and trust me when I say I was with the best doctors in the world) can’t do anything about that. 

Coming into this experience, you know you’re going to be challenged like you’ve never been challenged before. You know that you’re going to see someone who you can’t do enough to help. You know you’re going to see kids who need clean water that you can’t get for them. You know that you’re going to visit an old women in her home who you can give medicine and give your best to, but who still might need you the next day and you won’t be there. You know that you’re heart is going to break. 

But, you don’t know what that is going to feel like yet. You don’t know that you’re going to leave behind a nurse that it’s so ready and excited to keep running a clinic. You don’t know that the people you will meet are going to be the happiest that you’ve ever met. 

How can that be? How are people who can’t even afford clean water so happy and full of life? 

When we went to visit the preschool next to the dump (literally next to), the family with the little boy, the girl with messy hair, and the smiley baby boy, lived there under a big tarp, surrounded by trash, with a dirt floor where the baby can’t even be set down to work on strengthening his muscles. Yet when we walked past they were all still so happy and excited. They didn’t think twice about the dirt floor or the tarp. They were just pure joy.  

As we walked down the steps from the school and looked out over the dump I stood there, my heart shattered. Dr. Stephanie said something to me that resonated in my soul. She said, “I’m not sad for the people. They are making a living and they are doing what they need to. I’m sad for the world that caused them to end up here.” And she was absolutely right. I’m not sad for the sick and marginalized people in Cobán. They are happy. Truly happy. I’m sad for the world.

Lorenzo Patti

La Educación Puede Cambiar Vidas-Education Can Change Lives

Overlooking the green hillside, there’s a sense of serenity, hope, and happiness that overcomes me. This is exactly what Ciudad de La Esperanza has felt like these past couple of days. “Nada es imposible”, Nothing is impossible, “Cree en tus sueños”, Believe in your dreams, “Todos tenemos los mismos derechos”, We all have the same rights, “No necesitas más para cambiar el mundo” You don’t need much to change the world, are just some of the phrases surrounding the walls of this center. It’s these phrases that keep this center and the people in a place like this alive.

This small young girl, with a wide smile, dark black hair, and a brand new pair of glasses approaches me. “Hola!” she immediately exclaims as she gives me a great big hug. I began to compliment her on her glasses and how great it was to see her wearing them.

I was reminded of her name again, which was Ana Leticia. I told her my name was also Ana and as soon as we came to learn this, we both expressed an evident joyous expression on our faces. Ana’s enthusiasm and spirit reminded me a lot about myself and I immediately felt a connection with her. She began to express how she was so happy with the glasses she had received, that she was brushing her teeth, drinking pure water, and taking her medications. Seeing how excited she was about all the new things she had learned and received at clinic and how she had already implemented them into her life was beautiful.

Throughout my time on this trip, I have been constantly in awe and inspired by the children. I can’t help but think “How could a 9 year old child be going to the doctor by themselves, without a parent, and be fully aware, responsible, and independent of their own health and well-being?” “How could a person not have access to clean drinking water?” and “How could these children and their families not have access to the adequate and necessary resources to take care of their own health?”

Ciudad de la Esperanza has shown to be the light and haven of hope for the children and families of these communities. Visiting the dump and seeing first hand the living conditions of the people of this community has made me reflect upon many things. The realities that these children are faced with are harsh and unimaginable. Many of these children would not have warm, nutritious meals, clean water, or a shelter above their heads if it wasn’t for this place. Given the circumstances these children are faced with, the center offers the hope and opportunity to live a dignified life.

Watching Dr. Lauri and Dr. Richard treat and educate their patients and teach them about the importance of either changing their lifestyle and making drastic changes in their health was powerful. They’ve truly made a significant impact on their lives and helped contribute to their improvement in health and quality of life.

Being with Dr. Lauri and watching her interact with the children and figure out what health issues they had going on was amazing. So many changes and development occur in the early years of life which is why it is crucial to address any healthcare needs immediately or as soon as possible to detect any issues or prevent anything worse from happening. While teaching these children at this age, they have the ability to prevent many health issues that their parents or family have. It’s at this young age when children can begin to learn about how to live a healthy and dignified life and carry it on for the rest of their lives.

I was inspired by the work that these medical professionals manifested and felt compelled to also do some education. Even if it was just conversing with some of the boys and girls from the school, I emphasized the importance of certain health topics like drinking enough purified water and staying hydrated, washing their hands, and brushing their teeth as much as possible every time I interacted with the children etc. There was one day, after speaking to two kids, that I saw with their very own reusable water bottle after I had spoken to them about this and making sure to drink plenty of water. It felt really good to speak to these children about this especially since they may not really know or understand the importance of this.

Just as the Guatemala medical team did, everyone at Ciudad de la Esperanza works in community and as a team to offer the best quality of life. As a nursing student, I resonanted a lot with the school nurse, Esmeralda or Esme. She is the only point person for any and all health and medical issues for these children. Whether a child has diabetes, a sore throat, a fever, an injury etc., Esme has been the person to take care of these issues. Esme is constantly educating children and their parents on important health issues. She’s given them so much information that they would never had known or given access to. She’s certainly an inspiration and a light in many of these children’s lives.

Talking with Esme she told me about a specific experience that she had while working with the community at Ciudad de La Esperanza that truly impacted and changed her way of thinking and practicing. She told me about a young girl who had come to see her who was experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction. She had given her Loratadine to help with her allergy but it only appeared to make her worse. Esme has had to adapt to the realities of these children. She mentioned how with any other child in the city or in any other place, she would not have had to think about if a child had ate some breakfast or not. For the kids coming to Ciudad de La Esperanza, the only food they get is what they get at the center. Given these circumstances, she has to continually think about whether a child has had any food to eat, especially when it comes to giving a child a medicine on an empty stomach, which is what had happened with this young girl. There are many things that one has to take into consideration when caring for a population like this one, and Esme has done an outstanding job. She has dedicated a lot of her time and effort into not only improving the health care situation in this community, but the lives of people.

Thinking back on the phrases that I first mentioned, you can tell how impactful some simple words can be. But to these children, this is all they have. Being continually motivated, to learn, to work hard, and to better themselves is what these children need. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Guatemala medical team and to bring more resources and awareness to this community. I know that this community was inspired by us, but I was also inspired by this community. I know now more than ever, that I have the ability to help those in need through the power of education, and I strive to live a life that does just that. For the children are our future, and have the power to change the world.

Anakaren Nieves