Continuing Promise
Chiriqui Grande, Panama
Too much to write about..so here are some interesting notes:
Once again our fabulous friend, nicknamed Panama came through with an
opportunity for us to work directly with the Ministry of Education in
the host nation. We were fortunate to not only meet with a ministry
director for the area, but also were able to have a sit down
discussion with the Mayor of Chiriqui Grande.
When I say that we were lucky, that is an understatement. I will
explain further….Prior to our arrival in Panama; our ACE team friend
was able to acquire a listing of schools from the Ministry of
Education for us to research for distributions. We looked at some of
the numbers and decided to visit seven potential schools. However,
once we met with the mayor at the main medical site he suggested that
we visit ten schools instead to reach some that were not supported
previously with aid. The lucky part of the situation was that on the
same day all of his principles from around the area just so happen to
be holding a meeting at the very same location we were meeting.
Panama, our friend, worked some magic and at the beginning of the
principle’s meeting introduced our organization and we were able to
coordinate all ten schools right then and there. We still had to tie
up some loose ends and make sure that our transportation and logistics
worked out. We made sure that we had one driver who knew our routine.
We probably would not have been able to reach all ten schools if the
situation had been different due to coordination challenges; we went
out every day except for Sunday visiting schools.
Panama was amazing! We rode with our backpack troop (12-14 people)
along one main road with mountains, luscious greenery, and even water
buffalo along the side. Our first school would later become medical
site three, it was situated right off of the main road; however, it
was directly on the side of a mountain. It was a beautiful sight.
There were small tiki huts in front of the school for the children to
sit under and along the side of the school there were some family and
farm huts where one could view little yellow and brown ducklings
waddling their way along a small creek that ran down from the
mountain.
The director from the ministry came with us on our first day; she
helped introduce us to the principle and helped facilitate the day’s
activities. We moved from classroom to classroom with our marine
volunteers, who enjoyed their interaction with the children. The
director organized several treats for us. Panama was the first country
where almost every class had a performance or demonstration for our
group. Standing on the front porch, so to speak, we all gathered along
the edge and in a semi circle with the children across from us to wait
for what surprise was in store for us. The first graders began with a
performance utilizing vowels. Each of them had a large piece of
cardboard tied around their neck with string and sang their vowel when
it was their turn. It was so adorable! Next, we had several songs
performed from the second and thirds graders as well as a short play
about helping others and friendship. For the first time, we decided
that we should perform for the children in a different way. Yes! We
(all of us) decided to sing and dance the “Hoky Poky” as well as “If
Your Happy and You Know It”. Well, the truth being that the marines
were a bit hesitant, but then they soon jumped in and sang along. The
children got the biggest kick out of the visitors from the states
jumping, clapping, and singing just for them. It soon became the
program for the week as with each new school-the children would
share/perform and so would we.
Our group was able to visit all of the ten schools, some being very
small and remote. One of my favorite memories comes from the last day
of our Panama backpack journey. Usually, at each school there are a
couple of little girls who become my good friends and we share smiles,
laughs, and hugs. On the last day, there was one little girl who was
so loving. I kept running into her as I moved between each classroom
since she would wait in the walkway for us to pass by. I decided to
briefly teach several of the little girls some ballet after we had
distributed the backpacks and so we moved over to their concrete
courtyard. We played and practiced ballet positions and twirled in
circles-since every girl likes to spin We had fun. This school was
along the beach and being from Florida I decided I needed to see the
water up close. As I walked along the edge of the school, I found my
friend peaking around the corner of the wall alongside the school’s
outer perimeter. I soon learned that my friend had a small
house/wooden right behind the school and on the water. Her mother
greeted me and welcomed me into their space. Their family used this
house, which she purchased two years ago due to the fact that they
lived two hours away from the school. Her mother wanted a place for
the kids to rest until they were able to travel back to their home. We
shared stories about family and it was lovely to see this sweet little
girl playing with the new stuffed animal that we were fortunate to
give to her as well as to see a glimpse of their life. The people in
Panama were so friendly and the children were thankful. I believe that
the backpacks and our presence were truly felt there.
As Van Halen screamed..so did we PANAMA..AAAA! Just for the fam..
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Continuing Promise Blue Fields, Nicaragua
Continuing Promise
Blue Fields, Nicaragua
Day 1-3 Assisting at Medical Site 1:
I was excited to be back in Nicaragua. Last year, I visited Granada
with GKB and was hoping to return in the near future. I was fortunate
that CP10 scheduled a visit to Nicaragua, so I was able to fulfill my
wish sooner that I had expected.
This country was very different from the previous visits since the
military was only able to utilize helicopters for operations. There
were fewer individuals able to go into Nicaragua; however, I witnessed
a great deal of work completed at the main medical site despite fewer
staff. The military also arranged for many individuals to remain in
country overnight, which increased the mission’s capacity.
I was able to work check-in processing of patients at the main medical
site for three of the ten day visit. The set up included three large
tents that were connected in the middle and rows of chairs underneath
for patients; this was a makeshift waiting room. We split up the
sections into optometry, dental, general medicine, and pediatric care.
The sun was pretty intense at times and there was a lot of movements
as patients were escorted through the gates at one end of the school
compound. The Nicaraguan military helped organize a system where they
would pre-screen patients outside and provide numbered tickets to
track volume and facilitate efficiency. We provided bottled water for
those in the waiting area; the water was much needed since the heat
was so intense. I met some wonderful Nicaraguan Red Cross volunteers,
who helped me to check-in patients and translated symptoms that I
could not understand.
The last day that I assisted at the medical site was hectic at times.
I found myself moving through the rows of patients, one minute to the
next asking questions to help process their information. Before I was
aware, I almost fainted on my Red Cross friend. We laughed as I had to
grab his shoulder to stay standing. I cannot emphasize enough how
important hydration is in these situations. I feel like a person can
become so involved in the work that he or she is doing and forget to
watch out for themselves. I was having such a good time talking with
the families and I also wanted to process as quickly as possible-that
I just forgot to drink in between patients. I learned my lesson that
day and continued to make a more conscious effort to drink more water
while working.
El Bluff, Nicaragua
Day 4 Island Backpack Delivery:
We had one backpack delivery in Nicaragua, due to the challenges with
logistics. If not for the Marines (MAGTAF) we would not have been able
to deliver any backpacks in Nicaragua. We were so thankful that one of
the Lt. Colonels mentioned that the marines were training near a
school in a very small rural community called El Bluff. Once we
discovered that there might be an opportunity to visit the school and
handout backpacks, we were so excited.
A fun and interesting twist to the distribution was that we would have
the opportunity to ride in a Nicaraguan speed boat to the island with
our supplies. The gears started turning and we began to organize the
distribution. The marines provided all of the information that we
needed; we even received a detailed map of the area and where we would
be landing! The marine chaplain also agreed to come with us; he is a
balloon animal expert- and was able to make swords, flowers, and dogs
for the children. The kids absolutely loved it!
On the big day we met our party where the military offloads many
things. That day we were offloading ourselves by climbing down a rope
ladder, it was so much fun-I love climbing on anything. The marines
also helped offload our backpacks by tying a rope around each box and
individually lowering them to the awaiting boat underneath. Great
teamwork! Soon we hopped into the boat and sped to shore. We were
moving so fast that my small earrings were sideways and I thought that
my glasses would snap at the sides. I originally thought that we must
have been going 100; however, later I was informed of my gross
overestimate as we were going around 50-which is still very fast.
When we arrived to the dock in El Bluff there were more marines
waiting to help us carry our supplies to the school. I would say that
we looked like a trail of ants carrying our boxes down this paved
sidewalk through a neighborhood. We arrived at the school and the kids
were energetic to see us. We started with the pre-schoolers as normal
and moved up the grade levels. Each student received a greeting, thank
you, and backpack. I apologized for my broken Spanish; however, the
students seemed to understand me and forgave me since I tried.
I made two new friends with these (amigas), who kept finding me after
each class. They were so adorable and loving. They enjoyed smiling and
one was able to take some pictures using my camera. It is amazing how
quickly a child can learn from just simple demonstrations. A group of
kids also posed showing their strength by flexing their muscles- this
reminded me of kids I had worked with in the states. As they picked
each other up, each one wanted to demonstrate their strength. They
loved showing everyone what they could do and laughed along the way.
We said our goodbyes to the director and teachers. I said my goodbye
to my two little friends. As I was leaving the marine chaplain laughed
and yelled as all of the boys he made balloon swords for made him
climb the flag pole. It was hilarious!
We walked back to the dock and waited for our clearance to return back
to the ship. Before we left, the Nicaraguan Navy gave us a tour of one
of their flag ships- it was very modern and impressive. I was glad to
see that they had a vessel of this caliber.
We jumped into the speed boat and headed back to the IWO. This time we
went faster and one of the Nicaraguans allowed a marine Captain to
drive. We flew over the water- I was smiling the entire time, which
even produced a bit of drool on the side of my mouth- you know the
kind when you are moving too fast to control it! That is pure fun and
life! It was a great day- Hoorrahhh!!!!
Blue Fields, Nicaragua
Day 1-3 Assisting at Medical Site 1:
I was excited to be back in Nicaragua. Last year, I visited Granada
with GKB and was hoping to return in the near future. I was fortunate
that CP10 scheduled a visit to Nicaragua, so I was able to fulfill my
wish sooner that I had expected.
This country was very different from the previous visits since the
military was only able to utilize helicopters for operations. There
were fewer individuals able to go into Nicaragua; however, I witnessed
a great deal of work completed at the main medical site despite fewer
staff. The military also arranged for many individuals to remain in
country overnight, which increased the mission’s capacity.
I was able to work check-in processing of patients at the main medical
site for three of the ten day visit. The set up included three large
tents that were connected in the middle and rows of chairs underneath
for patients; this was a makeshift waiting room. We split up the
sections into optometry, dental, general medicine, and pediatric care.
The sun was pretty intense at times and there was a lot of movements
as patients were escorted through the gates at one end of the school
compound. The Nicaraguan military helped organize a system where they
would pre-screen patients outside and provide numbered tickets to
track volume and facilitate efficiency. We provided bottled water for
those in the waiting area; the water was much needed since the heat
was so intense. I met some wonderful Nicaraguan Red Cross volunteers,
who helped me to check-in patients and translated symptoms that I
could not understand.
The last day that I assisted at the medical site was hectic at times.
I found myself moving through the rows of patients, one minute to the
next asking questions to help process their information. Before I was
aware, I almost fainted on my Red Cross friend. We laughed as I had to
grab his shoulder to stay standing. I cannot emphasize enough how
important hydration is in these situations. I feel like a person can
become so involved in the work that he or she is doing and forget to
watch out for themselves. I was having such a good time talking with
the families and I also wanted to process as quickly as possible-that
I just forgot to drink in between patients. I learned my lesson that
day and continued to make a more conscious effort to drink more water
while working.
El Bluff, Nicaragua
Day 4 Island Backpack Delivery:
We had one backpack delivery in Nicaragua, due to the challenges with
logistics. If not for the Marines (MAGTAF) we would not have been able
to deliver any backpacks in Nicaragua. We were so thankful that one of
the Lt. Colonels mentioned that the marines were training near a
school in a very small rural community called El Bluff. Once we
discovered that there might be an opportunity to visit the school and
handout backpacks, we were so excited.
A fun and interesting twist to the distribution was that we would have
the opportunity to ride in a Nicaraguan speed boat to the island with
our supplies. The gears started turning and we began to organize the
distribution. The marines provided all of the information that we
needed; we even received a detailed map of the area and where we would
be landing! The marine chaplain also agreed to come with us; he is a
balloon animal expert- and was able to make swords, flowers, and dogs
for the children. The kids absolutely loved it!
On the big day we met our party where the military offloads many
things. That day we were offloading ourselves by climbing down a rope
ladder, it was so much fun-I love climbing on anything. The marines
also helped offload our backpacks by tying a rope around each box and
individually lowering them to the awaiting boat underneath. Great
teamwork! Soon we hopped into the boat and sped to shore. We were
moving so fast that my small earrings were sideways and I thought that
my glasses would snap at the sides. I originally thought that we must
have been going 100; however, later I was informed of my gross
overestimate as we were going around 50-which is still very fast.
When we arrived to the dock in El Bluff there were more marines
waiting to help us carry our supplies to the school. I would say that
we looked like a trail of ants carrying our boxes down this paved
sidewalk through a neighborhood. We arrived at the school and the kids
were energetic to see us. We started with the pre-schoolers as normal
and moved up the grade levels. Each student received a greeting, thank
you, and backpack. I apologized for my broken Spanish; however, the
students seemed to understand me and forgave me since I tried.
I made two new friends with these (amigas), who kept finding me after
each class. They were so adorable and loving. They enjoyed smiling and
one was able to take some pictures using my camera. It is amazing how
quickly a child can learn from just simple demonstrations. A group of
kids also posed showing their strength by flexing their muscles- this
reminded me of kids I had worked with in the states. As they picked
each other up, each one wanted to demonstrate their strength. They
loved showing everyone what they could do and laughed along the way.
We said our goodbyes to the director and teachers. I said my goodbye
to my two little friends. As I was leaving the marine chaplain laughed
and yelled as all of the boys he made balloon swords for made him
climb the flag pole. It was hilarious!
We walked back to the dock and waited for our clearance to return back
to the ship. Before we left, the Nicaraguan Navy gave us a tour of one
of their flag ships- it was very modern and impressive. I was glad to
see that they had a vessel of this caliber.
We jumped into the speed boat and headed back to the IWO. This time we
went faster and one of the Nicaraguans allowed a marine Captain to
drive. We flew over the water- I was smiling the entire time, which
even produced a bit of drool on the side of my mouth- you know the
kind when you are moving too fast to control it! That is pure fun and
life! It was a great day- Hoorrahhh!!!!
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