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The trip seems to get better with every passing day. I’m finding my rhythm—learning how to communicate more effectively and how to care for each patient with confidence. None of this would be possible without the incredible helpers and translators who have become the backbone of our work here.
Every member of our team brings something invaluable. Their compassion is unmistakable—fighting for patients’ rights, guiding those with mobility challenges from triage to the doctor’s station, kneeling down to play with little ones, and handing out small toys that spark huge smiles. Even when they aren’t feeling their best, they push past their own discomfort. It’s as if every ache and pain fades when faced with the needs of these patients.
I’ve already encountered cases that will stay with me for a long time. One young woman, only 30 years old and struggling with infertility, came in with urinary symptoms. A simple abdominal exam revealed a large mass, roughly 7 to 10 centimeters. Although our handheld ultrasound device was meant for muscle imaging, Dr. Katie used it creatively to try to understand what we were dealing with. At one point, five doctors were gathered around, examining her together. She’ll be referred for further imaging at the local hospital, but the teamwork and urgency in that moment were remarkable.
Another patient—an elderly man—came in with dangerously high, untreated blood pressure and a six-month history of sudden vision loss. I learned he had completely lost sight in his left eye, though he previously could see fairly well. Given the severity of his hypertension, I could only assume he’d suffered a major hemorrhage or clot behind the eye. Conditions like these would be rare back home, at least as first-time presentations, but here they walk right through the clinic doors.
My daughter, who joined us on this trip, has been swept up by the joy of this community. Every day she’s surrounded by hugs, laughter, and small gifts from children who have so little yet give so freely. She’s amazed by their resilience—the way they pay no mind to dust, dirt, or runny noses. She told me she’s surprised how quickly she has adapted to their living conditions, things that would shock many of her classmates back home. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, she’s simply embraced it with an open heart.
This journey has been filled with meaningful conversations, deep laughter, new lessons, raw humanity, and a powerful sense of community. It’s exactly what I needed—and the best part is, it’s not over yet.
