Today was a day of excitement and great experiences. We woke up quite early for a great breakfast of fresh fruit juices and fresh mango slices. Directly afterwards, we viewed the sewing co-op which was built by a group of women by their own hands. The remainder of the day was left for work at the health clinic in Nueva Vida which I had learned so much about. It felt surreal to finally arrive at the clinic.
The drive to the clinic was a short one and not much was between the compound and the clinic. The city of Nueva Vida is comprised of a compilation of cinderblock housing which is common for this country. The clinic itself was a sight to behold. This two building complex was simply packed with people waiting for help.
As the majority of our group painted the new clinic, I was lucky enough to shadow Dr. Stechschulte. I learned the most I have ever learned in the course of a single day. Being interested in medicine and pursuing a major in Spanish at Bucknell, this couldn't have been a better situation. We listened to patients who spoke only Spanish and the Doc treated them.
The people here, though they have very little, are the nicest people I've met. They constantly struggle but remain loving towards one another, a truly beautiful thing to witness. Tomorrow, it seems, will be an exciting day as Daniel Ortega is inaugurated. This trip is really shaping up to be one of the best things I've ever been a part of.
