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!!!!
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