Lions, Elephants, and Giraffes, oh my!

After a productive and rewarding week of work, our group was ready to experience Malawi’s wild side, with a safari. We would come to do this at the Majete Wildlife Reserve, and more specifically the Thawale Lodge. The park boasts an animal population of over 12,000 individuals, which includes Africa’s “Big Five”. The Big Five’s members include the buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard, and lion. This used to refer to Africa’s top five most dangerous animals to hunt in the early 20th century, which ironically (and thankfully) has now been turned into a list of must-see animals by tourists on safari, helping to promote conservation. Majete likes to call these the “Big Seven” as they include the African wild dog and cheetah. Majete has a wonderful and interesting conservation history that I would love to dive into here, but for brevity’s sake I will primarily discuss our group’s personal safari experiences. Though I strongly encourage the reader to check out their story on their website, as well as more conservation efforts that are happening right now within Africa as a whole.

Once we got by the gate and giftshop area, we were greeted by a small herd of zebras on the side of the road. Having never been on a true African safari, I thought us lucky to be experiencing animals right at the start, even before getting on a safari vehicle. I was naïve to how much abundance Majete had to offer. When pulling up to the main lodge: a baboon climbed up on a wall to our left and at the base of the wall stood a nyala (a type of striped antelope). Then, when we approached the main dining area, (a raised, open-air platform possessing a long dining table, overlooking a watering hole) I was stunned. There were so many animals: herds of antelope (impalas, nyalas, and waterbucks), troops of baboons, a couple of kudus, and an elephant. I was quick to take pictures of this spectacular site, but I was ecstatic to be able to actually see a wild, African elephant. The elephant commanded such majesty and respect with its presence, as it ate from the tree line that flanked the dining area. Later on, we even got to see a herd of elephants approach the watering hole.  This is by far my favorite animal, and it was a dream come true for me to finally be in a place like this.

We had arrived a little late on the first day, so the safari was ready to begin promptly at 4:00 PM. After eating lunch, we made our way to the vehicles (our group was divided amongst three) and went on our adventure. The evening safaris last three hours with one hour being devoted to a sunset view gathering. The first hour began with zebras and impalas. These were followed by many of the same animals we had seen at the lodge, including elephants and nyalas. Impalas were by far the most numerous “large” animals at the reserve as they were common on the safaris, at the lodge, and near our rooms. Specifically, you would always see a single male with its many female partners, that it would defend against other males looking to mate. After the first hour, we would gather on the bank of the river to look at constellations and enjoy beverages before going back into the vehicles to close our night with an hour of safari in the pitch black. Aside from a pod of hippos and a lone eland we saw with a flashlight later, there were no new animals that had not already greeted us when we first arrived.

The second safari was in the morning and began at 6:00 AM, meaning we had to rise early from our tents and rooms. The morning was shaping up to yield Africa’s apex predator, the lion. A pride had been spotted near the riverbank, so all three vehicles were quick to make it over there. Unfortunately, we did not see lions at first, only signs of them. This included footprints, roars from the bush, and impala making warning calls. One vehicle managed to snag a glance of two male lions, but they soon disappeared into the bush. My vehicle’s first hour was spent trying to find the lions which I so very badly wanted to see, as it would be the next member of the Big Five, I could check off. After that endeavor, we went further into the bush than we had before and saw some of Majete’s quainter life including warthogs, Guinea fowl, monkeys, kingfishers, darters, and various lizards. We had a particular dry spell of sightings when suddenly, an elephant barreled through the bush and trumpeted at us. It was then quickly joined by a large herd with the matriarch (the lead female elephant) taking up the front and chased us for a good 2 minutes! This was highly thrilling to be a part of, but I would lie if I did not admit I was slightly concerned if the matriarch had caught up to us. Henry, our guide, assured us that “she does that a lot”. The safari would wrap up with a giraffe sighting, uncommon as there are only 30 giraffes in the whole park. Our driver thankfully let us bask in their grazing presence and take plenty of photos.

Once the safari ended, we had some time to relax at the lodge. The group had the chance to see some warthogs come up for a drink, as well as a lone buffalo (though I was not there to see it). We were able to enjoy some time poolside, soaking up the African sun as well as be provided some traditional Malawian food in the form of chambo with nsima (fish with maize flour). When some of us drove back to the gift shop to do some shopping, we spotted a pair of lions on the side of the road! They were no more than 10 feet away from our bus and we were able to get some wonderful, personal pictures of the big cats. It certainly made up for not seeing any in the morning.  The third and final (for most) safari began later that night, and unfortunately my vehicle did not get to see anything new from the previous treks. That is not to say it was not enjoyable as we still had the challenge of looking onto the bush and searching for any possible animals to point out to our guide. The experience is akin to a scavenger hunt, looking for as many animals as you can. That night as we sat on the bank of the river, we got to see a lone bull elephant wading in the river, in addition to a hippo fairly close to where we stood.

After the final safari, I was feeling a little disappointed I was not able to see rhinos, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, etc. Do not get me wrong though, the overall yield of animals was outstanding, it just so happens that a lot of the animals I listed are very shy and hard to spot in the bush. One of the rangers commented that the last time he saw a rhino was over a year ago. Additionally, most in my group had gotten to see three of the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, and lion), while I had only seen lions and elephants. That would soon change that night however, as I was surrounded in my tent by a herd of 50-60 buffalo making their way to the watering hole. I felt very vulnerable at first as these are large animals, let alone to be amongst a herd of them. The frightfulness gave way eventually as I was able to walk back to the lodge and witness the full might of the herd as they got their drink and returned to cover of the bush. Most of our group left Majete the next morning so that we could return to the United States, but a few stayed and got to see a pack of wild dogs and a hyena! It just goes to show how wild it truly is there, as those animals are not in a zoo for our viewing pleasure and tied to a schedule. They are all very much real, breathing things, that we have the privilege to witness in their own home. Places like Majete are special and I hope and pray future generations will be able to see the beauty that nature has to offer. This was an unforgettable experience and I hope everyone interested in nature gets a chance to experience this at least once so that they might truly linger in the serenity of Africa.

Blog post by: Caleb

Making a Difference in Blantyre: Our Medical Outreach Experience

In the heart of Blantyre, Malawi, our medical outreach team embarked on a mission that would touch the lives of countless children and leave an indelible mark on our hearts. Comprised of pharmacists, physicians, medical students, pharmacy students, social workers, nurse practitioners, public health students, in-country providers, undergraduate students, and translators, our diverse group aimed to provide essential healthcare services to the pediatric population of Blantyre. This blog post chronicles our journey, the challenges we faced, and the profound impact we made.

The Team and Our Mission: Our team of 28 passionate individuals was driven by a shared goal: to offer medical care to children in need. By visiting various orphanages and schools, we were able to reach children in their environments, providing check-ups and necessary medications on-site. Each day, our group split into two teams to maximize our reach, allowing us to cover more ground and see as many children as possible.

Setting Up Clinics: A Coordinated Effort: Our clinics were meticulously organized into several stations, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for the children:

1. Registration: Children were registered and given identification tags.
2. Triage: We measured their height, weight, and temperature.
3. Laboratory: Tests for malaria, typhoid, hemoglobin, and glucose levels were conducted.
4. Provider Stations: Providers, with the help of translators, assessed the children and created treatment plans.
5. Pharmacy: Medications were dispensed based on the physicians’ orders.

A Day in the Life of the Clinic: Mornings began with the registration of children, who then progressed through the various stations. At the laboratory, we focused on identifying common illnesses such as malaria and typhoid and checking for anemia and other conditions. The providers played a crucial role in diagnosing and planning treatments, while the pharmacy was the final stop for receiving prescribed medications.

My Role as a Pharmacy Student: As a fourth-year pharmacy student, my primary responsibility was in the pharmacy. This experience was unlike my usual day-to-day work, exposing me to medications and conditions I had rarely encountered. The most common ailments we treated included malaria and severe dehydration or malnutrition. It was heartbreaking to see so many children affected, yet it was in these moments that I felt most connected to the mission.

Dispensing Coartem, the preferred medication for malaria, was a frequent task. We ensured that the first dose was administered immediately in the pharmacy, allowing us to provide personalized attention and education about the medication. Despite the severity of their illnesses, many children remained remarkably upbeat and full of energy, which was both surprising and inspiring.

Overcoming Challenges and Teamwork: The volume of patients we saw daily was overwhelming at first. However, our team quickly adapted, optimizing our workflow, and recruiting additional help as needed. By the end of the week, we had transformed into a well-oiled machine, efficiently handling the high demand with the invaluable support of our in-country translators and team members.

Beyond the Clinic: Building Connections: Each day, before returning to our accommodations, we made it a point to interact with the children outside the clinic setting. Playing games, singing songs, and simply spending time with them were highlights of the trip. One particular memory that stands out is playing soccer with a small group of children – a joyful experience that was the highlight of my week and something I will cherish forever.

Reflecting on the Impact: Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative. Our team’s efforts significantly improved the health and well-being of the children in Blantyre. The experience not only enhanced my professional skills but also enriched my personal life, leaving me with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.

Our medical outreach in Blantyre was a testament to the power of teamwork, compassion, and the unwavering human spirit. It was a beautiful experience that I would not trade for the world, and it serves as a reminder of the vital impact we can make when we come together for a common cause.

Conclusion: Our journey in Blantyre was more than just a medical mission; it was a life-changing experience for everyone involved. We left with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that our efforts had made a tangible difference in the lives of the children we served. This outreach was a powerful reminder of the importance of global health initiatives and the profound impact they can have on communities in need.

We hope that our story inspires others to engage in similar efforts, spreading care and compassion to those who need it most.

Blog post by: Reghan

Luxury in Malawi

My expectations when traveling to Malawi were not to be staying in a beautiful hotel with large suites, gardens, and common areas that remind you of homes in the United States. However, The Leslie Bed and Breakfast was all of that and more.

The Leslie designed their rooms so that it feels like you have your own miniature home in Malawi. The rooms were suites that had a kitchenette, a large bathroom, a living room, a sleeping area, and large sliding glass doors that opened to a beautiful porch with a view of the gardens and lawn. Being able to come back to these rooms after the difficult days of clinic made it easy to decompress and relax with a feeling of comfort that you don’t get in a normal hotel room.

The biggest difference, and what made The Leslie so special in my eyes, was that between The Leslie and a standard hotel were  the dedicated common areas. They were warm and inviting and fostered group hangouts where we got to play games, paint, or fold origami. Like everything else at The Leslie, the common areas were beautiful and made hangouts comfortable and relaxing for everyone involved. The common areas were also large, so multiple small groups could all spend time together doing different things without interfering with other groups using the areas.

I also want to take some time to acknowledge the amazing staff at The Leslie; like everyone else in Malawi, they were nothing but gracious and kind. Our group must have been hard to care for with our large numbers and crazy hours that forced the staff to work long days with little rest, but the staff always made us feel welcome and provided service that would be praised anywhere in the world. I hope they realize just how much their work made a difference for all of us staying there.

My expectations were shattered by The Leslie and I hope I have the opportunity to go back and relive this experience.

Blog post by: Liam

New Things Bring New Challenges

Once we arrived in Malawi on Monday night, work quickly began. We organized and divided donated supplies between the two teams that we would have for the week. Soon, the night ended with a peptalk full of goals for the trip: we were going to 10 sites, we were going to see thousands of patients, and we were going to work hard. 6 am came early and it was time for our first day of clinic.

The first day of clinic was full of excitement and challenges. Team 1 started the day with a short bus ride to our first site and quickly set up our temporary clinic. The flow for our patients started with registration and triage, followed by lab and/or a visit to a provider. Once they were diagnosed the patients were directed to the pharmacy to pick up their medications. Our team was quickly overwhelmed by the number of patients, adjustments to new providers, and learning new skills on a whim. It was crucial to remember it was day one and we would work out the kinks and find our flow. The day flew by and at 5pm all team members were packed in the tiny pharmacy racing against the fleeting sunlight to finish every prescription. We left after dark and were beaten to the hotel by Team 2. Our night continued until midnight. We prepared prepacked medications for the next day and assisted Team 2 in finishing their prescription orders. Once we were in bed, we drifted to sleep in seconds.

Day one of clinic challenged me the most on this trip. I was assigned to lab and struggled to perfect a new skill, finger pricks. Child after child I struggled to get blood samples for the tests I needed to run. I became so frustrated and angry with myself, but I overcame the challenge and found my flow. For the rest of the week obtaining blood samples was as natural as walking. I was reminded that new things come with new challenges. It is okay to struggle, make mistakes, and learn. I am proud of my team and myself for not giving up this week when faced with challenges and so grateful for my team’s patience, support, and willingness to practice in new areas the whole week.  The triumph of day one will stick with me for a lifetime.

Blog post by: Kati

63 Hours Later …

What started as just a normal travel day, quickly turned into something none of us could have ever expected.

Our travel trip to Malawi started with a 3:15am meet time at the Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) to ensure that we were able to check-in on time and start off a good foot. Although, an early start to our trip it did provide its own beauty as we were able to see the sun rise from above the clouds and allowed us plenty of time to navigate the Charlotte airport (CLT), because if you know, you know!

After our 3 hour layover, we were right back up in the air and headed to JFK in New York City for our 16 hour flight across the Atlantic. However, before we could be up and on our way, we had to navigate a terminal change through JFK and let me tell you that was not easy at all. We had to go down the escalators, up the escalators, down this strange hallway deemed the “movie theater” by our group, and then up, down, and over a few more times all to get to the air train so we could change terminals. After all that we made it to terminal 8 where we went back through security and found our gate. We had about 4 hours in terminal 8 and during that time we picked up a few more passengers; Bobbie, Meghan, and Olivia to finish our trip to Malawi. Boarding begins and we are all situated on the plane, ready for take-off when the sky bridge starts moving back. Suddenly, the captain comes of the PA system as says, “Well it looks I have bad news, we will not be leaving today”! Turns out when they went to move sky bridge they ran into the engine of the plane and put a hole in it!

So, there we sat on the tarmac while the police surrounded the plane and they tried to find a way for us to get off the plane. After about an hour and a half of sitting at the gate, the captain comes back on and says, “Okay ladies and gentlemen please fasten your seat belts as they are going to tow us to a remote location to deboard the plane.” You can just imagine our shock when she said an “remote location”, we had no idea where we were going to end up, and in turned out it was just somewhere on the other tarmac with another broken plane. From there they bused us into what we referred to as “airport jail”, when in reality it was just the basement of the terminal where they weren’t letting anyone leave. So fast forward about 4 to 5 hours and our travel agent, Golden Rule Travel, has performed a miracle and we are leaving at 9:00 pm and are headed to Ethiopia. So, we quickly headed towards baggage claim, navigated another terminal change, checked in with Ethiopian airlines, and went through security again with just enough time for everyone to grab a snack before our 14 hour plane ride.

Fast forward to 10:00pm Sunday  and we landed in Addis Abada, Ethiopia (ADD) for our 12 hour overnight layover. Now the nice thing about Ethiopian airlines is that if you have a longer layover, they will provide you with a hotel room, which allowed us to take a shower and get a few hours of sleep. Then we were right back at the airport for our last flight to Lilongwe, Malawi (LLW), which everyone was glad for. However, our journey was not done there, we still had an 8 hour bus ride down to Blantyre, Malawi and our hotel. We finally made it to The Leslie around 10:00pm on Monday, and I think our whole group was so ready to finally be in one place.

Although our trip may not have looked exactly the way we expected it, we all made it safely and with a great story to tell!

Blog post by: Eliza

Catching You Up!

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted and that is because it has been busy! There have been so many wonderful opportunities in global and rural engagement over the past year so I want to take a minute to summarize before we head into the next big blast of blog posts from students. As you have seen, we had a wonderful outreach in Ecuador in July 2023. You are welcome to scroll back and check out those blogs. Here are a few other things over the past year or so:

February 2023: Recruitment Trip to Puerto Rico – A small group from ETSU’s College of Pharmacy went to Puerto Rico to visit with prospective students and undergraduate student groups in Puerto Rican Universities. The hospitality was wonderful and the interest in pharmacy was inspiring! Our Puerto Rican students always brighten our days!

June 2023: Camp Adam Fisher – Dr. Kaitlyn Phillips, an alum of our College of Pharmacy, joined me at Camp Adam Fisher, the largest and longest running camp for children with diabetes in the southeast in Summerton, SC for a week of serving as medical staff and providing care while having fun with the children! We are looking forward to going back this summer in just a few short weeks and we are even more looking forward to her joining our ETSU COP faculty soon!

July 2023: Missions of Mercy Dental Event in Wise, Virginia – Several groups of pharmacy students, alumni, and faculty provided medication education and prescription instructions over several days at a dental outreach event. Dental care is a big need for rural and underserved populations.

Throughout the year: Rural Primary Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), ongoing service with Appalachian Miles for Smiles, Church Hill Medical Mission, and Providence Medical Clinic, and other opportunities as they arise. These partnerships are a wonderful part of our rural/underserved foundational partnerships and provide great opportunities for students to learn while serving!

October 2023: Site Visits in Australia – Faculty members from Education, Pharmacy, and Public Health, had the opportunity to visit with several Colleges/Universities in Queensland Australia to explore opportunities for partnership and student exchange. It was such a cool trip and we are working to see what can come from it for a variety of ETSU undergraduate and graduate students! We saw some really interesting animals, some great academic facilities, drink some wonderful coffee, and learned about programs that are improving sustainability and combatting environmental concerns.

November 2023: ACCP Meeting in Dallas, Texas – I was able to graduate from the Research & Scholarship Academy and also participate in a poster presentation related to Global Health

December 2023: Christmas Party with Mentees – This was a fun time with students that I get to mentor for a variety of reasons; our formal mentoring program, global or rural health engaged students, APPE/IPPE students and/or research students. It was a fun time together!

April 2024: Appalachian Student Research Forum – Two posters related to Global Health research projects were presented by ETSU COP students or fellow.

April 2024: Field trip to Wise, Virginia – Rural Primary Care APPE students and I went to Wise, Virginia to meet with their new pharmacist and check out ongoing pharmacy efforts there. It is always great to meet with our partners at the Health Wagon and work on more opportunities to learn and serve together! On the way home we stopped at a regional museum and learned more about the history, culture, and past medical practices in the area.

Thanks for following along! We are excited to keep sharing the partnerships we get to share for providing care in Appalachia and abroad!

Blog post by: Emily Flores

Bienvenidos a Quilotoa

After three days of setting up clinics in remote communities in Guangaje, Ecuador, our interprofessional team took a short break to explore Quilotoa. For those of you who are not familiar with Quilotoa, it is a volcano with a lake in its crater. Before traveling to the volcanic lake, our team enjoyed our hotel’s usual breakfast buffet, which consisted of cereal, eggs, various fruits, and bread. Upon arriving in Quilotoa, our team loaded onto two large charter buses and traveled for over an hour with some of the trip on small, winding dirt roads. Although at times we felt like our buses would not make sharp turns or even fit on the tiny roadways, we arrived safely. Once we stepped off the bus, we immediately noticed how windy and cold it was. Many people that were dressed in hiking gear were not prepared for the intense winds. So, we made our way to a large building where numerous Ecuadorian women and men set up booths with alpaca blankets, ponchos, scarves, gloves, and hats for sale. Most of our group racked up souvenirs to keep them warm during the hike down to the lake. Once everyone was layered in the new items they had just bought, we walked over to the top of the crater.

The first thing that I noticed about the lake was that the water was a vibrant blue/green color. After we all admired the beautiful scenery, we began the hour-long hike down the crater where the lake was located. Some of our group hiked all the way to the bottom, while others only hiked halfway down the trail. While hiking down the crater, there were numerous spots where people could stop to take in the breathtaking view or capture pictures. There were also spots where you could stop and take a picture with an alpaca for $1.

At the bottom, there were additional activities like Kayaking in the lake and horse rides back up the crater. The horse rides were a popular attraction for most of our team since the hike back up was extremely steep. Once everyone was back at the top of the crater, we all enjoyed lunch and browsed the artisan markets that lined the streets until it was time to depart back to the hotel.

Thank you for supporting us as we went and as we returned changed! It was a pleasure and honor to serve the wonderful people of Ecuador and work alongside the Ecuadorian team. Have a great weekend!

Blog post by: Whitley

Shopping in Quito

Although the main goal of our trip was to provide our best care to the residents of remote communities in Ecuador, I was especially excited to be exposed to this new culture via shopping. After a long day of travel filled with hours on planes and buses, and after a restful night of sleep in Quito, students had the opportunity to explore the markets and purchase authentic Ecuadorian goods. Luckily the morning was warmed by the sun, because the shops were mostly outdoors. There were many rows with at least 20 booths in each row, each with locals eagerly shouting out the items they have for sale in hopes to grab your attention and money. However, my attention was already caught by all the bright colors and aromas filling the space.

For the months leading up to travel, I had heard from many individuals that the alpaca blankets are a hot commodity, so I set out to find some in my favorite colors when I first arrived. It was immediately evident that these blankets were sought out by tourists because almost every booth had various sizes of blankets, scarves, and ponchos in colorful stacks from floor to ceiling. I hadn’t even been on the premises for more than 5 minutes and I already had my wallet open to purchase three of these blankets, one for myself and some to give to friends and family. As an amateur bargainer, I was not yet aware of the willingness to negotiate prices with the shop owners. I came to find out that many shops encouraged bargaining because they were more willing to sell their items if the consumer thought they were getting a special deal.

I was worried that the 1.5 hours built into our itinerary was not going to be enough time for a shopaholic like myself, but the fast-paced environment allowed me to find gifts for everyone on my list in only a short 30 minutes. This gave me enough time to go back through the booths and buy even more than I initially intended. Despite the little remaining space in my luggage and the limited cash in my wallet, I circled back through all the booths and bought even more goods including local coffee beans, hand painted mugs, linen overalls, and even a stuffed alpaca made from real alpaca fur. If I had an unlimited amount of space to store my purchases on the journey back to theUS, I would have indulged in the many other wonderful items these booths had to offer. There were real leather goods, bags, paintings, jewelry, various articles of clothing, decadent treats, toys, trinkets, and many more. As an individual who loves shopping almost as much as I love giving gifts, the bright atmosphere markets in Quito provided the perfect opportunity to experience Ecuadorian culture and to bring a piece of it home with me to share with loved ones.

Blog post by: Mallory

Roles y Responsabilidades de Los Niños de Guangaje

The daily life of your average child in the United States consists of waking up in clean pjs, going to a kitchen with a wide array of cereals/breakfast foods to fill their stomach, taking a warm bath/shower, putting on new fresh clothing, and choosing what activities or toys to play with for the day. Now imagine not having a choice of food items from the grocery store, not having running water nor access to warm water for baths, and the only toy you have is the community soccer ball shared with 50 other children in your village at the local school, a 45 min walk from your house.

Artwork from students at the school in the community Tigua Yaguartoa

Artwork from students at the school in the community Tigua Yaguartoa

In preparation for a global medical brigade, you are informed that you are serving the underserved. It is known that the communities you serve do not have access to basic resources such as electricity, running water, medical facilities, or pharmacies. You anticipate diseases and conditions not commonly seen in the developing world, that are often left untreated for many years with complications that are often irreversible. What might not directly come to mind during your preparation, is the mental and physical impact these disparities have on members of the community you are serving.

Two school friends (on the right) caring for their young sibling (second from left) as the wait for family to finish up, so they could walk back home. They asked many questions about where I was from and how old I was.

Two young boys learning hand washing and proper dental hygiene

On our trip to the rural communities in Guangaje, Ecuador, roughly an hour drive from medical resources, I saw many endeavors that members of the community face in their daily lives. Trekking up mountains, traveling down uneven gravel/dirt paths in shoes that are too small with no socks, frigid wind seeping into the multiple layers of clothing, brushing across and painting cheeks red, all to stand in line for hours waiting to be seen by a group of providers and students with limited resources.

The children of the communities of Guangaje, hold many roles and responsibilities in their lives as well. They watched siblings and aided grandparents in finding seats in the frigid cold air. Young girls carry younger siblings on their back because their parents are riddled with arthritis from working in agriculture for years without equipment like tractors or plows. Grade school children translate for family members that only speak the native language, Quichua. They even put their health on the back burner to make sure their family is taken care of first. Even with all these tasks in mind, they still expressed the needs and wants of a child.

Many of the children that I spoke to talked about their favorite subjects in school, their favorite sports to play with their friends, and their favorite colors. They curiosity peaked as they asked my age, name, birthday and where I was from. During exams of other family members, children would watch in awe and curiosity. They excitedly jumped at the opportunity to play futbol (soccer), color, or play with the blown-up physician gloves with faces on them. The children were eager to learn and practice brushing teeth and washing hands. They didn’t need iPads or tablets to keep them preoccupied. No need for fancy toys or playrooms. They walked faced their life struggles with no fear.

Kids playing in after waiting in long lines to be seen

The utter joy kids had after waiting in lines all day, truly impressed me. Visiting these communities humbled me in a way I never expected. I learned how to adapt and cater to a population of people that experienced a life vastly different than my own. I experienced true compassion and mercy. I revised counseling and medical education to best fit the lives and rolls upheld by these Ecuadorian children. They impacted me in a way I could have never envisioned. I will forever have a special place in my heart for the children of Guangaje.

Blog post by: Madison (permission was obtained for all images)

Corn-ivore Meets Ecuador

The Ecuadorian cuisine is unique in its own way. It is a mix of Spanish and Artesian cultures. The different mix of flavors are an explosion in your mouth that fills your heart with warmth – especially when you have been serving in cold weather. When we first landed in Ecuador, my first mission was to try their native food, because it is one of the best ways to learn about a country’s culture. The first meal that I had was bowl of fried white corn, also known as Choclo, at a gas station. A gas station – I know, right? As simple as this may sound, it was not just any bowl of corn – it was full of different ingredients and spices. The corn is different in Ecuador; it was not sweet corn, and the kernels were thick and starchy. This bowl of Choclo had spicy ceviche, Lima beans, and onions to top it off. My first meal in Ecuador truly invited me to the culture.

During clinic days, 2 Ecuadorian women had the duty of cooking our team a meal for lunch. The meals were cooked in a space where a portable gas stove was moved to a desolate area of the school – this area only included the stove, large metal stew pots, and 2 phenomenal cooks. As lunch time arrived, we ate in the same room the meals were being prepared – sometimes there were no chairs or tables. If there were, they were limited. In Ecuadorian culture, eating food is more of a gathering that brings people together. When eating in Ecuador, it is important that you eat the portions that you are served. During our lunches at the clinic, providers, students, and interpreters ate as if we were family. The lunches at clinic were an experience that will never be forgotten, because the homemade food was heart-warming, and the lunch brought the group together as we were able to take a break from the day and learn more about one another.

Our cuisines in Ecuador were mostly remembered by the famous sauce that was served every day, ají. You can’t go to Ecuador without eating ají. This sauce holds very close to my heart, because it was accented every dish well – it could be put on anything. Ají is made of tamarillos (tomatoes native to Ecuador), red hot chili peppers, onions, dill, cilantro, and lime – the amount of peppers differed depending on how spicy it was to be made. It is used to accommodate any Ecuadorian dish whether that be one consisting of chicken, fish, beef, vegetables, and everything in between. Because there is not a wide variety of different ingredients in Ecuador, the clever natives created this innovative sauce to add to dishes that one may claim as being bland. The Ecuadorian food is part of the culture that I was able to truly grasp and appreciate.

Blog post by: Ameer