Honor and Privilege to Partake in Outreach to Peru

Written by Miranda S.

I think I witnessed and received more kisses on the cheek than I have ever before. However, that is normal every time I come on this mission.

This may be my third time in Paita, but those feelings of shock, gratefulness, sadness, and the dust in my eyes (which definitely isn't me tearing up from exhaustion) don't seem to go away. There are animals roaming the streets, people sitting or sleeping wherever they can find a spot, trash more present than there are plants, and of course, the first day of clinic like there is today.

Marc and Young Boy

Stress and emotions are always high as we are working out the kinks in our system, dealing with backlogs, and naturally, hearing the stories of people as they come in to get treated. Even though we are serving and helping this community, it is easy to feel helpless. Today, we met a woman who doesn't own a wheelchair that she needs to transport her bedridden mother. We couldn't convince a family to take their sick infant to the emergency room because their living of selling water bottles won't cover the cost. 

Dr. Papp with Mom and Baby

But this doesn't come without the small victories either. It's not everyday that by having a conversation with children through google translate, handing out little toys, or giving out a pair of reading glasses that you can put the biggest smile on someone's face. The gratitude that comes from all of our patients is unseen almost anywhere else I've ever been. They come up and put their children in your arms for pictures, practice their English phrases with us, and, of course, give us lots of kisses. That is why I and everyone else here do this mission and it's an honor and privilege to be a part of it.