Last Day at the Clinic

If only this trip were two weeks long instead of one! What an incredible experience I've been given here in Guatemala. Learning from our amazing staff of nurses and doctors, interacting with and providing medical care to the Guatemalans, and spending quality time with my amazing team of peers, was more than I could have ever asked for. I got so much out of this trip medically, spiritually, and emotionally. I discovered that I prefer a fast-paced, intense, and ever changing environment that requires flexibility and critical thinking. I discovered that I can't ever and will never be satisfied with my knowledge base, but constantly searching and asking and striving to improve myself as first, a person, and second, a medical professional.

One day this week, when we had some free time, Shannon and I were discussing what gives human beings purpose to live. This wasn't an unusual topic, as most of our team often found ourselves engaging in deep and meaningful theological and philosophical conversations. After some discussion and reflection, I came up with the answer to what keeps humans living as human connection. Later in the week as I was reflecting, I realized that through the course of this trip I had developed a newfound understanding of the meaning of human connection. Yes, the main purpose of this trip was medical service, and With this I was able to practice my skills and further develop my medical knowledge base. But, that was not my main take away. Rather, I discovered human beings' capacity to engage in and formulate boundless spiritual and emotional connection that is beyond linguistic description. In regards to my team members and the medical staff, I was able to create a cherished and unique relationship with every individual person. Even greater, we created a culture amongst ourselves- one with so much strength and passion that you really felt that together, you could do anything. In regards to the Guatemalans at the clinic, despite a language barrier, despite the differing backgrounds and ways of living, and despite only having short interactions, connections were made with each and every patient who went through our clinic. To give a specific example, I had a special bond with a little girl named Natalie that I met on the first day of clinic. I only had a brief conversation with her, but every day after that she would greet me with a big smile saying "Maddie! Maddie!" each time she spotted me. The last day at clinic, on March 8, she presented Maggie, Rachel, and I with individual hand made cards wishing us a happy International Women's Day and saying how happy she was to have met us. Tears were shed when we had to say our goodbyes.

In other words, I was deeply moved by the ease and swiftness that the Guatemalans gave away their smiles, appreciation, and spirits to us Americans who have limited knowledge of who they really are and what they go through. I think this human connection that I have noticed and received in a new way so profoundly and deeply this week is, in fact, love. In the next couple weeks, as I enter a new stage of my life and begin a career as a nurse, I am encouraged by this unique aspect and ability of health care providers to connect with those they serve. I hope I am able to portray and engage in this skill even half as effectively as the Guatemalans and the medical staff that I have interacted with this week have. I am incredibly thankful for their example and teachings of how to love whole heartily and without fear or hesitation. I leave this trip feeling inspired, but nostalgic, encouraged but not shaken, and without a piece of my heart, which I left in Guatemala.



Madelyn Hayes