A few words from the University of Wyoming brigade members and what they learned during their trip to the frontera:
1) A very small part of a beautiful language
2) The rule of unintended consequence
3) A view into a brand new culture
4) I can somewhat “rough it” in a tent
5) It is possible to form connections without speaking the same language
6) Why I continue to love world travel and experiencing new cultures and
countries
7) How to problem solve a little better
8) The value of non-verbal communication
9) To appreciate creativity and resourcefulness of others
10) A little kindness goes a long way
11) Development work is never as easy as it may seem
12) Relationships are more healing than band aids (or stickers)
13) How to be dirty and be “ok” with it
14) If there is nothing, people won’t fight over it; but add anything,
worthless or not, and they will
15) It I do ever adopt a child, I’ll have to consider a Honduran
16) One of the greatest sounds on earth is children laughing
17) Community should be community and not just where you hide out in your
home
18) Everyone can do something to help others
19) How much healing can be done without medicine…but Ben Gay helps
20) Most things that are appreciated by people are similar across cultural
lines
21) Honduras is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited
22) Honduran culture is one of the most unique and inspiring
23) People are more alike than different
University of Wyoming (March 8-19th, 2012)
Completing the first of their tri-annual trips to the frontera, the University of Wyoming left the snow and cold to come to their affiliate community of Agua Salada during the heat of the dry season. The brigade was comprised of 1 attending doctor, 2 residents, 1 nurse, a nurse practitioner student, an EMT, 7 nursing students, 2 engineers, an engineering student, and a social work student, all of whom added unique perspectives from every discipline. They spent their week hosting a clinic at the local Catholic church, educating students at local elementary schools about proper tooth brushing, hand washing, and sun protection, and teaching English to local students. They also did home visits for those patients who could not make it to the clinic and oversaw/ worked side by side the contractors on the new clinic. Excursions to local waterfalls, the Concepción market, and nightly games and reflections were also highlights of the trip. The clinic is well underway with the leech field done, the walls up, and the roof of one building complete. Hopefully, by the next brigade, the University will be camping on the clinic site rather than on the school grounds and classrooms of the local elementary school! The community of Agua Salada is excited about continuing the partnership with the University of Wyoming as the clinic progress moves forward!
Some words from brigade members:
“I got so much more out of the trip than I had even hoped for.”
“Experience was outstanding. No complaints. The food, people, clinic, and building were all amazing.”
“Everything exceeded my expectations, I can’t wait to come back!”
Johns Hopkins in Santa Lucia (Nov 5 – Nov 19)
Two fourth year medical students from Johns Hopkins were accompanied by Dr. Zuroweste and a translator for a two week stay in Santa Lucia. During their time here they saw 173 patients during daily paquete basicos and made ten house calls. They also met with 37 patients with hypertension or diabetes during three separate Hypertension and Diabetes Clubs. This new brigade activity is designed to educate patients about these chronic illnesses in addition to checking on their condition. The medical students took call a couple of nights and delivered a baby. During the weekend they swam at the Concepcion waterfall, visited the Magdalena market, entered El Salvador by crossing the Rio Torola, and did the traditional sunrise hike. In the evenings the group got together for a lecture on a tropical disease, a slideshow, or to talk about the local culture and Shoulder to Shoulder. They had a very productive and fun visit and the staff enjoyed getting to know this group.
A few comments from brigade participants:
“Very rewarding experience! My Spanish history taking improved. I learned about health care sustainability and improve in clinical and primary care skills”
“Brigade assistants made sure of directions everyday and supplies. Translator Carolina was AWESOME”
