Love what you do.

Over the past year I have met so many doctors, nurses, and therapists that do what they do because they WANT to make a difference. Their jobs are not easy and the work that they do in Guatemala is even harder. Maybe they're so awesome because they've come to Guatemala to help and aren't looking to be pampered. Guatemala is an amazing and beautiful country that is overflowing with culture but by no means is it a safe country and the medical system has a terrible reputation.  For over a year I have walked around with pepper spray(thank goodness I've never had to use it) and everywhere I go I am targeted for being a white women, the cat-calling and grabbing is a reality of the machismo that exists here in Guatemala. Also the government is very corrupt and the longer that I live here the more I learn about the outrageous things that are happening, but something about THESE doctors and medical personnel who have come here to make a difference makes me remember that there is hope!  Things are changing, its getting better and the doctors and nurses that I have befriended have given me an overdue dose of faith.  Some days I feel deeply sad, frustrated and outraged by many things in this country. But that doesn't help me or anyone for that matter. I have found that the best way to combat those feelings is by doing what I feel is my purpose and putting everything into my work.  I am so excited to to be on the path of midwifery, its rewarding, challenging, and I am constantly reminded what a gift life is.

 

This week in the birth center I attended six births, one with Dona Ana's daughter who is my age, we really bonded. She is a nurse and has attended hundreds of births with her mom. While Dona Ana and I attended the births, she took pictures and videos for my future website. I hope to be able to do some publicity and grant writing when I am in the states. They have really adopted me into the family and they continue to  lovingly teach me new skills with each birth.  The births this week reminded me to use my intuition and think with intention. Although, I wouldn't consider myself religious I am deeply spiritual.  Dona Ana is an Evangelical Christian and prays constantly during births and I really like this about her, it keeps me present in what we are doing.

(I'm burning the umbilical cord with a candle)

My night at the clinic has just started.  I arrived to find Dona Ana in the kitchen and we sat and chatted for an hour or so while eating mandarin oranges, that I had brought as a treat. We both love to talk and though we know we should sleep we don't.  Why would we when the company is good and the night is young?  Eventually, we both shuffle off to bed and she tells me she'll wake me when a patient comes. I love the chaos of my work. It is so unpredictable, I never know when a birth is going to happen and I think that is why I love it so much. 

My days in Guatemala are numbered I leave on the 12th of December which isn't far off.  Though I will be sad to leave I am so excited to go back to school and work on my degree.  I'll be taking a grant writing class and working hard to find Dona Ana the assistance she needs to get more equipment for her clinic.  Then this September I hope to start Midwifery school in El Paso Texas.  Next week watch out for my blog on the Faja! (the wrapping of the abdomen to support the uterus and help bring the pelvis back together)