De que mundo son?

After arriving on Tuesday night, we have been able to shadow doctors at Hospitals of Hope the rest of the days this week.  Already, our team has gotten to experience the exciting atmosphere of life at the Hospital.  Trauma, Internal medicine, pediatrics, genecology, gastro intestinal, and surgery are some of the medical ‘fields’ that we have the opportunity to shadow while we are here.

Today Heidi and I shadowed the Dentist, Dr. Kayla.  She was so friendly and eager to talk to us even as we answered slowly.  There were not many patients today since Friday’s are usually slower and many of the local children are in school.  However, we did get to see three patients: seven-year-old Pamela, seven-year-old Esperanza, and Esperanza’s mother.  We were able to see cavities filled and teeth pulled in the few hours we were there. 

          Heidi and I watched as Dr. Kayla worked on the patients.  When Pamela was lying down, she looked up at us and asked “De que mundo son?” (what world are you from).  We couldn’t help laughing at this sweet little girl’s choice in words.  What she meant to say was “De que pais son?” (what country are you from), but the symbolism of her words stuck with me.  The place we come from can seem like a different "world" from Pamela’s.  Our appearance, our words, our actions must have seemed very foreign to her. 

            Speaking Spanish has also been quite an adventure while here in Cochabamba.  Only a few doctors understand English and fewer can speak it.  The key to conversing with the people is to not be afraid to mess up or use wrong grammar.  I already feel as if I’ve learned so much in the few days I’ve been here!

Hasta luego!

Stephanie