Brother Dan Allen '13, Does Spring Break Mission Work in Nicaragua

Dan Allen ’13 – FIRMC in Nicaragua – Buenas! I can full-heartedly say it was another wonderful day in paradise. Once again the day began quite early. What I have come to really appreciate though is that early isn’t that early. The reason I say this is because it is nearly pitch black here by 7:30 with no streetlights, so it seems like our nights have been a little earlier than what one would consider to be a “Wabash Night.” Wrapping up the evenings early along with the tropical bird alarm clock I have sitting outside my window have made it quite easy to wake in the morning.
This morning began like most every other day we have had. The breakfast was phenomenal thanks to the staff here at the resort, and after we began our day. Upon arriving at the clinic some people worked in the pharmacy and a group of others, including myself, got to sit in the room with the doctor as he diagnosed the patients. (Obviously the only thing they have guarding the doctor -patient confidentiality is my lack of understanding of the Spanish language!) But today was a great success. After sitting with the doctor for a few hours we all got into the van and traveled about 20 minutes down the road to see another doctor. For a long time her work was considered illegal until later in history when people found that doctors using natural remedies were blessed with great success. During the trip we all got to be assessed by the doctor as she diagnosed us with no technology only nature and science. After leaving and after seeing the monkeys near the woman’s house we returned back to the clinic where we were greeted by another fabulous meal prepared by our neighbor. The native dish today was rice, beans, homemade flour tortilla shells, and steak. The food was divine and after we carried on with our day.
The last stretch of the day a group of us traveled to a lady’s house in town and waited with the nurse, Gloria, to issue vaccines for Hepatitis to the patients. Many people came and went which made the afternoon very exciting to talk to everyone. Overall the day was a great success. I have become closer to a lot of people in the group and the community, my Spanish has improved surmountable amounts, and we have made a difference in so many people’s lives.

Hastaqueotravez (Until another time),

Dan
AK 1441