UUMC Panamá Mission 2009

Learning is a life-long hobby

What a privilege it is for me to be on the UUMC Panama Mission team!  Everyone on the team is unique and special in their own way, but most importantly, each has something to share.  I can´t count the number of times I say to myself, "How lucky am I!"  I am surrounded by people who are incredibly intelligent, compassionate, gracious, humourous, and very experienced in all aspects of life.  It has been a joy to listen to them, learn from them, and serve this community WITH them.  Once a student, always a student, but this time I am a member of the team too.  How exciting!

 The first day at the clinic was a little overwhelming.  My rusty Spanish skills were slighlty over-extended, but the calm demeanor of the seasoned clinic veterans kept everything moving smoothly.  The patients were grateful for the care they received, and I´m pretty sure everyone enjoyed themselves amidst the craziness.  We finished the day with a soccer match on a makeshift basketball court-turned soccer field.  Carl was a blur all over the field, determined to score. (I must say it´s pretty nice having a pastor who is so young at heart :))

Day 2 at the clinic was surprisingly smooth.  It´s is very impressive how the clinicians adapt to the language barrier.  The translators (Jeff from our team, Norma, and Zorida) are indispensible, and the clinicians work very well with them.  It´s been fun to see Andrea´s sense of humor and her ease with the kids.  I was lucky enough to have her as a teacher in nursing school, and she is making sure I get my full dose of education on this trip as well. Today I had the pleasure of working with Wes as "enfermera Jessica." Wes´bedside manner is remarkable.  His Spanish is perfect and the patients respond to him very well.  Although his speciality is emergency medicine, his patience, compassion and unbelievable knowledge of...everything :) allow him to take wonderful care of his patients.  I was able to teach many women about self breast exams and a variety of other topics.

 I am so grateful to be on this trip, serving a beautiful community with a genuine group of people.  I can´t wait to see what God has in store for us the rest of the week!

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Roger Henderson
Posts: 1

Nice post
Reply #1 on : Wed July 15, 2009, 06:52:34

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Loved your post Jess. I'm in Austin TX,then Atlanta tomorrow. Glad to hear and see you're having a great trip. See you soon. Love ya,
Dad