When it comes to negatives and positives, it’s a no-brainer that my personal experience over the last year tips the scale in the positive direction.
The Negatives…
Of course, poverty levels and poor sanitation, dangerous public transit, crime, and faults in the healthcare system are obvious negatives common in South America. But on a personal note in regards to my own daily life here, the negatives include…
Dog attacks – 2
Bout of unidentified 3 to 5-day fever illness – 6
Food poisoning - 1
Near pedestrian-car collisions – too many to count
Flea attacks – 2
Parasites – yup
Cockroach incidents – 3 especially scarring moments
Bed bugs – yup
Other than the occasional cheddar cheese craving, there’s not a whole lot that I’ve found I really miss anymore as far as “things” go. I feel pretty adjusted to powdered coffee (or no coffee), no sense of personal space (in fact I think I will miss this!), long conversations after dinner, hand-washing clothes and dishes, the smells, bugs and rats, the slowness of daily life. Constant mugging-prevention precautions. Frequent power and water outages. Less frequent bathing/hygiene. Answering to "gringita" and various versions of my name ("Ahm-bar.") Latin music (In fact, I will really miss this!) New ideas of what is “loud.” LOTS and LOTS of white rice; my host moms' spiciest aji. "Peruvian time" - lines, waiting, and everything starting late. Crazy public transportation rides (which have interestingly enough helped with my motion sickness- I can now read in moving vehicles!) Being gawked at when doing any sort of physical activity. (Well, being gawked at whenever I leave the house). Daily male harassment on the streets. Having to eat unidentified parts of animals. Peer pressure to dance (with 5 foot tall men) in front of everyone at family events. Being charged three times the rate, simply because I am white. These things all make up bits and pieces of my daily life that I now come to savor and expect – I’m enamored with the culture. Which leads me to …
The Positives…
I feel very blessed to have so many wonderful work opportunities and professional connections here. As someone recently pointed out, I’ve had the chance to have a unique glimpse into such a broad spectrum - not only the poorest of the poor, but also the national political level through work with the Peru Ministry of Health. I’ve networked through hospitals, physical therapy clinics, physical therapy academic institutions, public health projects, schools for kids with special needs, different groups of religious congregations, different levels and groups within the ministry of health, groups of physical therapists from all over Peru, Regis University and PTs in the US, various other non-profits, health outposts, and rehab equipment specialists.
Socially I’ve had the time of my life - meeting people from all over the world. Having the chance to use vacation days to explore other parts of Peru. Learning how to surf and attempting to master another language. Learning all about so many different aspects of Peruvian culture and experiencing holidays and special events. The incredible culinary experience, regardless of the side effects (will have a stomach of steel when all is said and done!) The personal growth – spiritually, professionally, and in leadership. So many amazing experiences leading to the expansion of my comfort zone boundaries and the shift of my worldview - something I'm already having a hard time putting into words, but something that's ultimately had a huge personal impact.
By the far the greatest positive of all has been the people – the heart of Peruvians. My “second family” – the host family that have treated me like one of their own. The incredible co-workers and support from the clinic, the school, the physical therapy community and the Hermanas Del Buen Socorro. Peruvian friends and neighbors. My patients. My friends at Espanglish and Muchik surf shop. And the different little networks of gringos I've stumbled upon.
No comments:
Post a Comment