Carrying Gratitude Home

The third day of clinic came with a new sense of excitement because I finally felt like I understood how everything was going to go. I had learned the process of checking patients in, taking their vitals, and making sure they were seen by the doctor they needed. Today was also special because it was picture day. We all showed up in our matching shirts to take pictures with the people who work so hard to keep this project standing as strong as it does. It was a moment where everyone came together to smile and create memories of our time here at La Ciudad de la Esperanza.

My day started in the pediatric room with Dr. Lauri, where I knew I was going to be challenged on how I pieced together a patient’s story to better understand what was going on and what we could do to help. Throughout the day, Dr. Lauri showed us the deep care and compassion she has for every patient she sees. The way she speaks to children is so gentle and comforting that anyone would immediately trust her. While working in her room, I was asked questions about height, weight, patient history, and more. One thing I learned for sure is how important height and weight are in pediatrics because they help determine the correct medication dosage to safely and effectively treat each child.

In the afternoon, I was able to spend time in the pharmacy with Dr. Eric. I walked into a room filled with shelves of medications, and I wanted to know what every single one was used for and why certain medications were chosen over others. In the pharmacy, we were responsible for filling prescriptions, creating labels, delivering medications to patients, and asking if they would like to join us in prayer. Although I found it difficult at times to read prescriptions from the doctors and understand the meaning behind certain symbols, I also struggled with doubting myself while counting pills, even after checking my work multiple times. Dr. Eric constantly reminded me to trust the work I had done and to have confidence in my abilities. Pharmacy challenged me because it was completely new and unlike anything I had ever experienced before, but now I can proudly say that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and gave it my best effort.

Like I mentioned before, after delivering medications to patients, we asked if they would like to pray together. As someone who has mostly prayed alone, I found these moments incredibly beautiful. There was something so meaningful about seeing people place their trust in us, not only with their health, but also through something as personal and powerful as prayer. The prayers were led by the students and followed by a few moments of silence while the patients finished prayers of their own, whether for themselves, their children, or even for the medical teams and students.

That is what stayed with me the most,the way these families wait an entire year for the medical team to arrive, yet they welcome us with overwhelming gratitude and kindness. Their willingness to include us in their prayers touched my heart deeply. Being able to share such meaningful moments with so many people taught me a level of gratitude that I will carry back home with me long after this clinic experience ends.

- Nalleli Flores Robles