Craig, Mark, Cory and I made it in Sunday afternoon to Cochabamba. We all were a little haggard after the overnight plane trip followed by a high altitude layover in La Paz. Juana (our house mother) and Barbara met us at the airport and I managed to leave my passport behind for the second time on the trip. After a drag race in taxis through town we made it to our apartment and met Cindy Jackson, founder of BCI, and her daughter Emily. We spent the afternoon on a bus tour of Cochabamba and saw what the city has to offer us. Cochabamba is a beautiful city, lying in a valley flanked by rolling green mountains and overlooked by El Cristo (Craig is laughing at my poetic typing). We ate at Mohammed´s restaurant, which was owned by a good friend of Cindy´s. The interior would make Dr. Wells jealous, as the oven was constructed with a stained glass exterior and all the interior furnishings were made by Mohammed. We went home after a great meal and slept like kings.
This morning we went on a tour of the Viedma Burn Center and Hospital. We were escorted by Dr. Montaño. In the burn center we saw children who are sure to impact our lives in the coming weeks, and the hope that the burn center offers them and their families. As we walked through the hospital we met our supervisors in various departments we are rotating through including OB/Gyn (Cory), Emergency Pediatrics (Craig/Samuel), CRIN, Pediatric Nutrition Management (Mark/Marcos) and the Burn Center (Pete/Pedro). The tour concluded with Mark being asked to observe a surgery, which he was grinning from ear to ear about when he returned home. We spent the afternoon pumping iron, and wandering the city of Cochabamba. All I have to say is this was a great place to turn 25 in. We`ll write more in the coming days especially when we find a computer where the i doesn´t run and the v doesn´t stick (on the keyboard).
Peter Cathcart, out.
This morning we went on a tour of the Viedma Burn Center and Hospital. We were escorted by Dr. Montaño. In the burn center we saw children who are sure to impact our lives in the coming weeks, and the hope that the burn center offers them and their families. As we walked through the hospital we met our supervisors in various departments we are rotating through including OB/Gyn (Cory), Emergency Pediatrics (Craig/Samuel), CRIN, Pediatric Nutrition Management (Mark/Marcos) and the Burn Center (Pete/Pedro). The tour concluded with Mark being asked to observe a surgery, which he was grinning from ear to ear about when he returned home. We spent the afternoon pumping iron, and wandering the city of Cochabamba. All I have to say is this was a great place to turn 25 in. We`ll write more in the coming days especially when we find a computer where the i doesn´t run and the v doesn´t stick (on the keyboard).
Peter Cathcart, out.
Hola, Pedro! Feliz Navidad! (or is that Merry Christmas?) You will not forget your 25th birthday, for sure. You did a great job as scribe for your group. Didn't realize you were so poetic!
ReplyDeleteWe were touched by the description of the work done by BCI. You are in for a very worthwhile experience-full of ups and downs.
The countryside must be lovely. How long does it take to grow accustomed to the altitude?
Sounds like the people are hospitable! I'm thinking they will be grateful for the care they get in that place. What is Cochabamba's population size? Do the children come from city or rural homes? Can you communicate with the patients?---Can't wait to hear more about your work there!
Stay healthy! Our Best to Craig(Samuel), Cory, Mark(Marcos)and Peter(Pedro)!!
Betty and Bob