We went to the Embera community today. Embera is an indigenous community, so they are more traditional with their beliefs, customs, and way of life. The women were only allowed to wear colorful skirts and most of them walked around topless during the day. In America this was a strange custom but it was how they lived, so we tried to mask our embarrassment if we saw any vulgarity. Also, unlike the other community we served, this community was very limited to resources. They did not have air conditioning or even windows. It was rather challenging because most of the volunteers became very dehydrated and hypoglycemic. Also, we noticed that we mostly only treated women, older adults, and children. There were no men at the clinic, which I found odd. However, I was informed later that they were not able to go see the Doctors because they couldn’t afford to take a day off. Yet another thing we often take for granted in the United States, the opportunity to have the day off from work. Another surprise was the Embera community did not have access to clean drinking water, nor did they brush their teeth. I worked with the Dentist today, treating mostly children and older adults with fluoride treatment. Since they did not have clean water, it was no surprise that they did not have fluoride either. The biggest challenge in dental was the extractions. It was very surprising to see kids with such awful teeth; they would get 3-4 teeth extracted at a time. Not only did they have to have scary instruments in their mouths, but they also had to feel the pain and pressure of the extractions. The worst part was not being able to do anything for these kids, all we could do is hold their hands and wish them luck.
As the days go on I am starting to realize how nice we live in America; very conveniently, and everything is at our disposal. Every night we stay here I literally sleep in my own filth, because we don’t have enough water for everyone to take showers. My bag smells as if something died in it, and most of my clothes are so dirty that I am unable to wear them a second time here. After this reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I could not survive living in a third world country, as sad as that sounds. Panama is an amazing country, and I have enjoyed all of the time I’ve spent here. I’m realizing how blessed I am to have my eyes opened for the first time; this experience has humbled me. Admittedly, I miss America, my friends and family, and the convenience of living. But, I will definitely miss the simplicity of life in Panama. The people, the culture, the weather, volleyball, the food, and the Global Brigade team have made this one of the greatest adventures I’ve ever had. Honestly, I cannot wait for my next brigade; if it is anything like this one I know I won’t be disappointed.
As the days go on I am starting to realize how nice we live in America; very conveniently, and everything is at our disposal. Every night we stay here I literally sleep in my own filth, because we don’t have enough water for everyone to take showers. My bag smells as if something died in it, and most of my clothes are so dirty that I am unable to wear them a second time here. After this reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I could not survive living in a third world country, as sad as that sounds. Panama is an amazing country, and I have enjoyed all of the time I’ve spent here. I’m realizing how blessed I am to have my eyes opened for the first time; this experience has humbled me. Admittedly, I miss America, my friends and family, and the convenience of living. But, I will definitely miss the simplicity of life in Panama. The people, the culture, the weather, volleyball, the food, and the Global Brigade team have made this one of the greatest adventures I’ve ever had. Honestly, I cannot wait for my next brigade; if it is anything like this one I know I won’t be disappointed.