Making the best of an unexpected situation, May 7

Today, we had to choose places to go in and around Ocoa to do our placements.  I chose to go on one of the "community visits", partly because the other options were all filled up, and partly to see the rougher side of the town.  We all trouped off to the packing house to load up back packs of medications, vitamins, clothes, toys, etc....to give out to the poorest ares of the city.  

The idea was to split up into three groups, each with a translator to be able to visit home within the barrio in three areas and then to meet back at the starting point at the noon hour.  As there was only two trucks to get us there, we did not bother to organize our groups (previously set up), but thought we would follow our various leaders once in the barrio.  Hmmm, bad idea as our truck took off and the other did not.....apparently the driver lost his keys and they were delayed.....we waited for them at the agreed upon starting point for a while and then decided to head off making the best of the situation with the packs we had and the people in the group.  

Very fortunately, we had two translators with us and we walked to the end of a street and then started the visits, assessments, treatments and handing out of clothes and toys.  

Pretty bleak, but I guess there is no place like home!

Having no real skills as to nursing, I was nominated to stay with the bags and organize the materials for the real workers, the nursing crews.

Well, long and short, I had a great time playing with the kids and handing out balloons, balls and jewelry.

Here I am being swarmed by enthusiastic kids and their moms.....what a great time.....what's in a language barrier when you can communicate with simple words (no, momento, si.....). It turns out my hand gestures are all in Spanish!  They even enjoyed my singing...well they did not leave anyways!

All in all, my favourite moment of the trip so far.