Monkey Brain Musings

My second Monday in Honduras and my first day at Predisan clinic, in Catacamas... It's been a long day of lecturing, for me, and I'm surprised by how tired I am this evening. Similar to my prior trips, the plan and training program designed in the states is not quite compatible with the reality here. That's not to say that it was not a successful first day, but it does explain why this post might not be as detailed as I might like...I've still got some work to do tonight and it's already 8:30pm. I'll back up, just a moment, to yesterday afternoon. I wasn't able to add to yesterday's post, because of a lack of wifi, and a dandy little electrical storm last night. Yesterday, the administrator of Predisan (Laura), was kind enough to take me on an outing with her and her family. We drove up to the base of the mountains, to the entrance of a National park, where the locals like to take their kids to play and swim in the river. It was a gorgeous, sunny afterno...

Sunday morning  in Catacamas, Honduras. The day of rest...in theory.  At 5 am , a local shop keeper decided that we all need to hear mariachi music. By all, I mean everyone in Catacamas, because that's how loud the music was...is. It's still going, hours later.  At 5:30am , I gave up and got up. I headed up to the rooftop, to see if I could catch the sunrise through the morning fog. I also ventured out onto the street, but not too far. I spent yesterday on lock down, in a sense. I'm on my own this weekend, until Jennifer joins me this afternoon, and it's not recommended that I wander the town without a Honduran sidekick. Unfortunately, it's the downside of being a woman, traveling on her own. I'm happy to say that a bit of my Spanish has returned, but I am far from fluent, so getting lost in Catacamas could be problematic. The hotel where I'm staying has a pool, so there are worse places to be when you're on lock down. I've finished the two books tha...

My last day at Clinica Medico de Buen Pastor... After a little bit of a late start, thanks to muddy roads from the rain, I gave my final lecture to the staff. The advantage of lecturing to a group of Dr's is that I don't have to spend a lot of time explaining anatomy, or medical terminology, which allows me more time to talk about pathology and the usefulness of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. Considering the short amount of time I have to teach here, that makes a world of difference. It was also helpful that Dr's Cruz and Nester have scanned, so I could help them refine their skills, instead of starting at the beginning. When I finished, and asked for feedback, it was decided that I should come back...and stay for a month! To which Fransisco replied "If you stay for a month, eating all the food, you will need stretchy yoga pants and sweatshirt!" Hilarious! And so true. :) My little angel returned to the clinic today, unfortunately worse. Her fever was constant...

At some point in the very early morning, the rain started and it hasn't stopped. Sometimes heavy, but mostly just a soft, gentle, sprinkle. It has given the evening a well needed cooling down. The humidity feels kinder when it's a bit cooler and the evening is lovely. I'm sitting outside my room, on the patio, enjoying the light back ground noise of voices from the street, a passing car, a young Honduran couple whispering to each other on the other side of the courtyard. Young love really does sound the same in every language. I'm not sure, yet, if you will get this post  tomorrow morning . As usual, the power has been off and on throughout the day, Fransisco tells me that when it rains, the wifi often stops working. Which it has, for now. So, I'm writing in hopes of posting later on tonight. It was a very busy and productive day at the clinic. The physicians met with me  at 7am  for an hour of ultrasound lecture, patients were seen throughout the morning and aftern...

Miercoles ... Buenos Tardes. Today was a busier day at the clinic, Wednesday and Thursday are usually when parents bring their children in to see Dr. Nester. I had the opportunity to scan some patients, give some hands on instruction to the Physicians, and get a better idea of the flow of the clinic. As usual, when I go on these trips, my mind is overwhelmed with ideas of how I can expand my own skills and knowledge, in order to better serve these wonderful people. It's difficult and complicated to prioritize what I would like to accomplish, because every trip presents new opportunities and ideas. Each clinic has different needs, and unlike back in the states, their resources are so limited that they themselves are often overwhelmed by what they want and need. Have you ever been asked, or wondered, what super power you would like to have? I would choose languages. I wish I could learn languages faster and easier. I can't help but think I need to study Spanish again...but in Ma...