Unconditional Love

My week in Guatemala was a surreal experience. No amount of knowledge prior to the trip could have prepared me for what I was going to experience. It felt like the necessary pause I needed before returning back into my everyday life. It was as if I was reflecting on different aspects of my identity within the activities of this trip. For this reason, I separated this trip into three different aspects of my life: my clinical life, my personal life, and my life within a community.

My clinical experience at Guatemala, opened my eyes to how generous my life is at home. On my first day at the clinic during my rotation in pediatrician with Dr. Lauri, I witnessed firsthand a number of patients who had a severe delays or illnesses due to not being diagnosed on time. Although I would feel distraught for these children, I couldn’t help but admire them and their parents for their resilience. Throughout all our visits, I consistently felt the unconditional love these parents have for their kids, and their desire to seek help for them — even if it means that they have to walk since the crack of dawn to get to the clinic. I also couldn’t help but see my family within this Guatemalan community. Though it was a good motivator, it would leave me frustrated at times because there was only so much I could do for these patients. Going back to my everyday clinical life, I hope to keep viewing my patients as an extension of my family so that I may be able to give them my all.

During our debriefs after every clinical day, I was able to reflect on my personal life and the kind of woman I want to be. I didn’t realize how good my life was until I was aiding a community that had so much less than me. It opened my eyes to all the things that I should be thankful for. I will never stop being mesmerized by the way so many of our patients are willing to walk for hours just so that they can meet with a doctor and then share a prayer before they go back on their walk. Now that I go back home, I aim to practice graceful meditations so that I aim able to truly see what life has to offer.

During my time on the bus and in Antigua, I was able to reflect on my life within a community. I cannot help but admire how beautiful each and every member on this trip was so passionate about helping others. It’s not everyday that you are given the opportunity to be surrounded with people who genuinely enjoy helping others. This grew a desire within me to make sure that I have a strong community at home that motivates me to help the most vulnerable.

Over all, my time in Guatemala was a life-changing experience. There are no words that can describe the way I feel. Truly, a part of me is still wondering how I will be able to explain my experience to my friends and family. It feels as though I have a reawakened a longing to love others without expecting nothing in return. Moving forward, I hope to spread this unconditional love in every aspect of my life so that I may be able to see the smiles I saw in Guatemala back at home.  

-Sandra Rodriguez