Rooted in Caring

    Once again in awe at this place. Everything feels fulls circle. My first trip to Ciudad de la Esperanza was in 2023 and I was a freshman in college, pursing nursing. After this trip in 2023, it was no longer just a pursuit of something, it was a passion for something. A passion for people, a passion for the science of medicine, a passion for the good that can come from small acts, a passion for hope and justice in our very unjust world. This place and these people have taught me what it means to be a nurse, the meaning behind all of the strenuous hours, late night and feelings of hopelessness. And this passion that got me through school continues into this year. What I have found that differs this year coming back is my shift in perspective. It’s almost like getting to the part in the book where everything just starts to make sense, a lightbulb moment. I remembered once again why I have this passion for caring, what it’s rooted in and it is rooted in this place, the things I have learned and am still learning here though this place and this community in Cobán. These people remind me that sometimes less is more, and the smallest acts are so impactful here. Today I was reminded of all these things in clinic when I was helping people find glasses. It was so rewarding to see these girls smile when they found a pair that helped them see and read. Or a boy that felt stylish after finding a pair of sunglasses and wearing them the rest of the day. The smiles and hugs I received are unforgettable.  There is a reason this place is called “ciudad de esperanza”. And there is a reason I came back to it, a reason we all did. 

        - Adelaide