Lost in Translation

Little late in posting, but nonetheless I'll leave a few thoughts.

2 weeks and 4 days ago I left for Guatemala...for two weeks rather than 1 week. The extra week was inserted for a long overdue Medical Spanish course at one the numerous Spanish Language schools, La Union near the Iglesia San Francisco in Antigua, Guatemala. Per Rick, Mark, and Beverly (all from the cold climes of Maine), I had more fun than they as I drew stick figures and labelled body parts on them. Beverly, I really was learning (yo hablo espanol por example). I also jogged on the cobblestones in the mornings and that presented its own unique challeges as well as dodging the chicken buses and more to the point the fumes they generate. All said though, waking surrounded by the landscape of lush green on the backdrop of 3 volcanoes is by itself a reason to make the trip.

The second week was a work week with daily trips to Guatemala City or San Miguel Milapas Alta. The kids in the dump area and more rural area are no different than other children, excepting the clothing they wear. They seem just as happy and all have plans to be nurses, teachers, doctors, accountants, chefs, or lawyers. That question was my favorite one to ask while obtaining the "social history". The week of the medical mission was busy....the oldest peron was 85, the youngest I evaluated was 3 months. We rode in a van, a bus, and the back of a pick-up truck (the latter was the most fun particularly if you stand up as its moving along less than straight, hilly Guatemalan highways/roads). All patients and their families were appreciative. I learned that even an excellent dermatologist ("Dr Nancy") can be flummoxed by skin disorders. I also learned the meaning of a firm bed(cama) is more like a box (caja). Days were long but the team gathered made the work seem fun. I'm looking forward to the next trip in July. Buenas tarde. Yo gusta Guatemala.