We had another interesting reflection last night. Fr. Bill led us in a discussion using Ignatian way of thinking. One girl was telling us that one of her patients was basically living his last days and that the therapy they did was to sit and pray with the family. I know this would never be re-imbursed for in the States, but the family really appreciated it and was hugging them and sharing with them. Also, I went to Conani yesterday, which is a orphange. We took a group of kids who all pretty much have some sort of disability to a nearby park to play with them and love them up since they aren't typically given a lot of attention. The kids were shrieking with joy on the playground and they all wanted to hold our hands or hug us. We reflected on those situations and how much simple things can mean to people. We think that we are coming down here to share our education and help people with our therapy skills, but the things that mean so much to people are often things that don't take special knowledge....just some time, attention, a smile, or physical touch (Dominicans put my hugs to shame!)

Hahahaha!

So as of last night, I did not yet have the chance to get Yogun Fruz at Bon....which for those that don't know is frozen yogurt with various combinations of fresh fruit blended in. It is the most amazing thing and I don't think there is anything that compares in the US. So a group of 4 of us went last night despite the pouring rain. We got soaked on the way, but this is how much we love Bon ice cream! When we left there, the streets were flooded and there was basically a river flowing where we had to cross the street. I was wearing flip flops and I lost one while trying to wade through! The water was moving fairly fast and was too deep for me to find it again. So I had to make my way on the guagua van half barefoot...good thing I got a tetanus shot before coming here! Luckily the guy in our group gave me a piggy back ride from the guagua to ILAC (still in the pouring rain) because it is a gravel road with debris in it. It was quite the trip (it was actually very fun!) and I'm pretty sure that was some of the best ice cream ever!

the view outside our family's house at the campo

Home visit in the campo

El grupo at the campo

We just got done serving over 75 patients

Free clinic in the campo -patient with knee pain

At the campo river

Deanna, Me