Agradecida

There's much to be thankful for recently. Mother's Day here is a big deal - and with good reason, as the women here work extremely hard. Most of the time during the medical campaigns, and even in the clinic itself, the women are those who come, who bring their kids, who have to leave in time to cook the traditionally main meal for lunch by 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Of course there are all kinds, but I've met some really strong women. The Friday before, we had a small little party at the clinic for our two staff members who are mothers. Nila is a sweet LPN in her early 60s who makes sure you've had your coffee break and always tells you "you haven't eaten anything!" Below, I'm with la hermana Marina, an active member of the Wichanzao church, mother of 4, a hard worker at the clinic keeping everything clean for us, and one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.

Speaking of people like that, I'm thankful for my mom and grandmothers, both Liz, who's still living, and Virginia, who was a loving and strong woman herself. Thanks for being wonderful examples to me and so many others.

Also, transitioning a little, it's been and will be (at least in parts) a little bit of an emotionally draining month. Heidi, one of my roommates and dearest friends here, left tonight. She had to leave a couple of weeks before the rest of the interns at the end of May when the fellowship program ends, but it's fitting, I think, as she's been here two years. This way, I think she got a special thank-you and goodbye from a lot of people. Anyway, she has touched and will be missed by so many people in Trujillo. As have/will the other interns when they leave in two weeks. I'm so thankful to get to stay for 2 more months, but it's strange going through this goodbye process with them all - knowing I'll be doing it soon, but not yet. Just hope I can be with and helpful to them as they do it, while, at the same time, being present and thankful for the time we've had. So Heidi... the first... many, including Karina and me, will miss you a lot.