Happy case of the Mondays everyone. My monday has been pretty good. Started off waiting the usual 15 to 20 minutes this morning for the gua-gua, sucking in fumes. Then we got the only gua-gua driver in the whole city that is actually cautious and waits in traffic instead of trying to pass on either side, which I prefer no matter how long it takes to get to work. I got to sit in the front seat today, where it was me, 2 other passengers, and the driver. It was actually probably the best seat in the gua-gua.
After work, we waited for a gua-gua for at least a half an hour, until Tenille got frustrated and flagged down a taxi. We thought we were home free until the taxi driver had to make a stop to drop off something. We waited in the taxi, with windows that didn't role down, contemplating whether or not we knew how to hot wire a car. He finally came back though, and we were on our way. I think the taxi driver gave us a discount because of the stop, he only charged 200 pesos for all 3 of us when it usually costs 150-ish per person.
Work went pretty well today. I think word got out that we are unable to see 50 patients in the morning, so we didn't have near as many. I don't know how I do it, but somehow I manage to get the patients who speak some english. We only worked with one inpatient, the man with the amputation, and we are trying to get him to do a lot of the things on his own since we leave this week. One idea was to try to get one of the outpatient therapists over to work with him at least once a week. I think he gets a kick out of my lack of spanish. Speaking of my awesome spanish skills, I was trying to tell a patient to "show" me the exercise using the word "mostrar" but apparently I was pronouncing it like "monster," and everyone thought it was quite funny.
This afternoon, I went with a group to another orphanage where we played with the kids, and did some physical therapy. These experiences definitely push you to use all your skills. I really don't have much physical therapy experience with children, but somehow I figure out what to do when it comes down to it. Wednesday I'm going with a group to the Batey, which is the place where Haitian refugees live, to hand out parasite medication. I really like going there, the people are so great.
Tomorrow we go to a monestary, and then get to take a hike to a waterfall. I'm super excited, but a little nervous about my lack of coordination and my still sore coccyx.
I'm pretty sure I've not lost any weight while I've been here, I've actually gained a little I think. I went to put on jean shorts earlier, and immediately aborted the process being that they didn't quite fit. I have a sneaking suspicion that it has something to do with the carbolicious meals we've been eating.
Well, dinner is approaching, even though I could just go to bed now and sleep until tomorrow morning. Hope all is well with everyone, and I can't wait to see everyone.
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