NEWS from Arequipa, Peru

Report 2# - Sunday, March 9, 2008
Clinical/Cultural Immersion:  Alto Cayma, Arequipa, Peru

Reporter:            Alexis Medlin
Photographer:     Nathan Bach

      The past few days in Arequipa have been very eye opening and motivating.  Many of us have traveled into Pueblos to meet with families and assess their needs.  We sat on benches in these homes with corrugated tin roofs and dirt floors and listened to the stories of these villagers’ lives.   We have learned a lot about the way of life here in Arequipa and have truly been touched by their culture.  The women offered us food to thank us even though they did not know what they would have to eat the next day.  Many of the children kissed our cheeks and smiled the most beautiful smiles amidst their hunger and fatigue.  Visiting the Pueblos has probably been the most humbling experience thus far. 

      In the clinic this past week we met with patients suffering from a variety of parasites, respiratory problems and even a broken arm.  Though many of the nursing and medical practices here are the same as the states, it seems as though the use of alternative therapies is more readily implemented and accepted.  This past week working with Dr. Christian we witnessed the use of “nabo” (turnip) seeds to help with the healing of an ear infection.   Also twice this week, we assisted Karen with physical therapy.   In an effort to decrease the incidences of parasites from poor drinking water we helped assemble and distribute water filtration systems to community members.

      The first week of our cultural immersion has helped us to grow both mentally and emotionally as future nurses.  We have seen creative techniques used in the clinic as well as in the community.  The communication, though sometimes challenging, has been both therapeutic to us as well as to our patients and members of the community. This experience has enhanced our abilities as nurses and we look forward to the weeks to come!