Each day following , our group would split into 2 - one half would travel to a local community and set-up a pop up clinic while the other would walk on foot to do home visits . I was surprised to find out just how much I would enjoy doing the home visits . We walked with packs of medical supplies strapped to our backs in sunny , 80-90 degree weather . On one day alone we walked over 6 miles . We were covered in dirt and dust by the time the day was done but I couldn ’ t be bothered by it one bit .
At first , I was apprehensive because I was only a second year student coming out of didactic education . I was nervous to provide hands-on care and recommend medications to my preceptors and third years that I would consider if I was their provider . As the hours and days went by , I felt more and more confident in my ability to take vitals , assess the patient ’ s situation , and contribute to treatment planning and health education . By the end of the trip I was comfortable performing physical examinations and making medical decisions , under the supervision of my preceptors .
Many of the homes we visited were lacking running water and electricity , had dirt floors , and thin metal roofs . We would see families of 10-20 people at one time , many of them living together in 1-2 room houses . As we approached each house , the inhabitants would gather plastic chairs and arrange them in a circle , inviting us to take a seat with them . There was typically one individual who was willing to establish trust in us to help them as the entire family watched . Then , one by one other family members would come forward asking to be checked . We saw everyone in the family from the children to the elders . The people we cared for thanked us for coming and even referred to us as “ angels ” sent there to help them . I felt honored to be in the presence of these beautiful people and welcomed into their homes .
The staff at Los Rayos and the translators we worked with consisted of native Nicas . Some of the translators even commuted more than 45 minutes each day to join us . Working side-by-side with them was so much fun . We quickly became friends , and even got to go ziplining as an entire group ! I learned about everything from language , food , family life , and culture . Everyday we would wake up and see smiling faces at breakfast . One of my favorite experiences during the trip was that we would all sit together at one big table for every meal , sharing stories and laughs . I felt like I got to know my peers better than I ever had back home .
This was one of the most powerful experiences of my life . I have returned with a new perspective on patient care , and feelings of happiness , and humility . I cannot think of any better way to have spent my spring break this year than to have been in Nicaragua .