Clinic in Batey

Today was an eye opening experience. I went on a run at 5:40 early this morning out on the highway. It was good to start with, but the streetlights didn’t go far outside of the city. I thought I would have enough starlight to travel with, but after a little while it became pretty dark. I could still see somewhat but it was hard when cars came towards me with their headlights in my eyes. At one point I got blinded a little and accidentally stepped on the edge of the road twisting my ankle. I fell down and scraped up my hands and shin a little bit. Just a little bit after I rolled my ankle again. I was worried if I should stop running, but I felt okay so I continued to run. My ankle was a little bruised after but I took some ibuprofen today and it’s feeling better now. I’ll try and run again tomorrow.

Breakfast was oatmeal, eggs, and ham. We left at 7:45 to our first neighborhood. It was an hour drive. We set up our clinic in a school. I worked in “triage” which is the station where we received patients. I wrote down their medical history and principal complaints. I spoke Spanish constantly the whole day. My translator joked that I spoke better Spanish than he did. It was a great one-on-one interaction with the patients.

Most of the kids that came in had parasites, fungus on their heads, and urinary tract infections. The women had vaginal rashes and infections. Almost everyone had a cold and a headache. I felt sad that I couldn’t do more for those people. However, the medications that we brought made a huge difference. The amoxicillin suspension that I brought was prescribed to almost every kid along with vitamins, Tylenol, and other things. The reusable female hygiene kits were really popular too.

It was good weather today too and I felt so grateful for that and the few mosquitos. I talked for a while with Andres who is from Chile and a member of a foundation based out of Santo Domingo that also helps the poor of the Dominican Republic. They fed everyone (the locals) lunch today. This afternoon we counted vitamins again, got ice cream in the city, and played cards.

I got a few souvenirs for my family too. I almost wish I had even brought more money. I’m really enjoying this trip so far actually. I hope that I can continue to learn throughout the week.