Extreme Makeover... Peruvian Edition.

It's business as usual in Huancayo.  Yesterday we were back at the hospital to shadow men's surgery rounds, when we were in for a surprise, we got to see a case study presentation of a patient we saw the day before.  Honestly, it was nothing short of hilarious to me.  All I could think about were the medical profession stereotypes, which my Dad has so graciously enlightened me with, and compare the surgery case study with the internal medicine case study.  In internal medicine, there was a rather heated argument that broke out regarding the philosophical notion of medicine.  In surgery, the presentation lasted forever just because every surgeon needed to hear themselves talk... Dad, I now get why you hate those meetings.  Also, something that really shocked me was that they had drug reps floating around the case presentation giving doctors food, drinks, information, and little presents.  Dad, it would have been a living nightmare for you.  Not to mention that practically every single surgeon and medical student's phone went off during the presentation.   The poor resident's presentation had a background track of Justin Bieber, Maná, salsa music... and my personal favorite, Eminem, oh a taste of home.  After needless pontification it was time to do surgical rounds.  Just like the wonderful Chelsea Community Hospital back home, I somehow became a hit with the recovery room nurses.  Dearest Val, I found the Peruvian version of you, everything from the mannerisms and demeanor, down to the jewelry and glasses.  Clearly we are now best friends.  


After the hospital it was time for the Special Needs School.  Trying to avoid last week's episode we divided up and went to classrooms and then went outside to play in small groups.  Of course I had to find my best friend Jefery and we hung out for a little bit, soaking up some rays and playing with ribbons.  Soon Jefery left me and I had to make a new friend, Cristian.  Cristian is incredibly mobile, but still can't really articulate any ideas clearly.  We had a grand old time digging in the dirt (one of my favorite pastimes, I must admit), walking around, and just holding hands.  Before we knew it we had to shepherd the kids back to their classrooms and I had to help Jefery finish up his lunch.  He must have known that I called his drool beautiful last week, because I was soaked with slobber by the time I hopped into the van.  As much as that places runs me ragged, I absolutely adore it.


That afternoon it was off to Rosario Orphanage to teach a lesson on what to do in natural disasters and emergency situations.  It is so much fun to egg the kids on and encourage participation.  Afterwards, it was fútbol, fútbol, fútbol... and coloring/english tutoring.  You can imagine how delight I was when Lake Michigan was the topic of an exercise in Doris' english book.  


This morning we did more surgical rounds and actually got nods of approval from some of the surgeons after I knew and explained what the CDC was to some of the surgical residents.  Unfortunately, one of the surgeons that we shadowed was kind of a pompous jerk, but hey, you win some you lose some.  After rounds Emily and I got interrogated by some incredibly nice nursing students curious about us, our organization, opinions of Huancayo culture, marital statuses (dead serious, one of the top ten most frequently asked questions I've been confronted with), you name it, it was asked.  They were so much fun to chat with and I can't wait to see them tomorrow.


From the hospital we went to Rosario to give another presentation on emergency and natural disaster situations.  Then it was back to the homestay and then to the main plaza to shop.  Well, we intended to shop, but the store was closed for siesta so instead we walked around, enjoyed some ice cream (Ev, they may not have chocolate chip ice cream at Sherman's, but they have it in Huancayo :) ) and my personal favorite, fresh juice.  I had a fresh banana with milk juice (it's basically a milkshake but better for you), and the best part was they ran out of cups so she made a makeshift juice-pouch out of a to-go bag.  Seriously, who needs a juice box when you can have a juice bag.  

Mari Elouise and me, at the beginning of the makeover

After our wonderful outing it was time to go back to Rosario to teach the kids about physical activity and to do some physical activities with them.  Callie and I got to teach the moms about nutrition.  They got so intense with our "Jeopardy" inspired game that it was hilarious.  When we were done we got to play with the kids as per usual, but this time with prizes... think elementary school field day.  However, play time today was a little different though.  Yes, I worked on some homework with them, but they also worked on me.  Maite (in the words of Ana Aguilera Silva, David Gorman, Oswaldo Galicia, and Paul Andres Sierra, SUCH A SASSITA!!) had me running around with her playing freeze tag and getting her out of trouble.  Then, before I knew it I had a wonderful face full of stickers, courtesy of Fernando, Maite, and Mari Elouise.  I had no clue that I had about 15 stickers on my face until they started taking them off.  When I asked the older girls whether or not that would be a good look for las discotechas, they told me that I would certainly get attention, but probably not the kind I wanted.  


After having my alternative make-up done, we headed to the artisan market shop, which was actually opened this time.  Of course, I walked in and bought a pair of mittens, yes for you Dad, with a jellyfish sticker still on my cheek, how glorious.  Afterwards there was a little bit of drama with one of the now nine FIMRCers, but it should all be okay since the instigator is scheduled to leave on Friday anyways.  Let's face it, it's been a miracle that we all get along so well, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have these people as my eight or nine (we still miss you, Clare!) housemates, roommates, FIMRCers, and most importantly, friends.  


By the way, the picture is courtesy of Emily VavRosky.  


Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.                     1 Corinthians 15:58


Tired of being clean, sick of being proper.  I wanna live among the beggars and dig out in the dirt.  Step outside the walls we built to protect us, don't be afraid to get some mud on your face.  Come on, come on, everybody.  Come on, come on and serve someone.  Let's get dirty, let's get used.  No matter where you come from if you're beaten up or bruised.  Let's get dirty, let's give free.  Free to be the one thing, you were meant to be.                       "Dirty" by Audio Adrenaline