Wow, just like that 4 weeks have flown by! Our experience here has been one that words will not adequately describe. On arrival, we were extremely overwhelmed with the health system, the lack of resources and the handwritten (rarely comprehensible) notes. Slowly but surely, we learned our way around and fell in love with the patients and the support staff. The nurses, doctors and residents were all extremely helpful at explaining how to navigate the system and helping us with day to day tasks.
During our time, we saw the cutest babies on the planet and were exposed to many diagnoses that we simply don’t encounter as frequently in the US such as rheumatic heart disease and myiasis. We also practiced independently and gained a new sense of autonomy. As we leave, we will take with us renewed strength (thanks Ms. Caryn for the massage), increased knowledge and the overwhelming amount of love that has been showered on us since day 1.
Memorable moments:- Telling a mom that her baby’s name (Chloe) was beautiful and asking her where she got it from. Her responding pleasantly, “Thanks! At first I thought it was a white persons name but now I love it!”
- Having 1 chair in my exam room and telling a young boy to sit down, then his mom walking in and him getting up to allow her to sit, stating, “Have a seat my love!”
- Hearing patients describe ‘mold germs’ and ‘balloon germs’.
- Riding in the ambulance to and from work.
- Walking around the resort and at any given moment, someone walking by and recognizing you and yelling, “HEY DOC!!!!!”
- Indulging in a beef patty every day after returning from work.
- Taking our first Noni juice shots (my eyes are still cringing as I write this!)
- Walking by the talking parrots (before knowing they were talking parrots of course) and hearing them say, “HELLO!” Then looking at each other for confirmation that we both heard the bird speak.
- Super Bowl party on the beach (man Jamaicans really know how to party 🙂 )
- Friday lobster nights at Eight Rivers!
Thank you to the people of Jamaica for instilling their trust in us and allowing us to care for their children, Issa Trust for the wonderful opportunity and the staff at Couples Resorts for taking us in and truly making this feel like home for us. One Love and we’ll meet again soon.
A little girl with Hand, Foot & Mouth showing off her fancy tongue
Our final dinner with Diane, Ernie and Carrie!
With all our love,
Shanna and Wanda
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