Medical Humanitarian Internship

Ijeoma Eccles-James

International Service Learning in Trinidad and Guyana

Guyana
Day: May 24th 2004
Place: Orealla Village
Time: 9:30 PM
“ ...Today is a day that will forever be etched in my memory. We arrived in Georgetown, Guyana and then traveled to the villages of Ciparutta and Orealla. We got on board a canoe that was fitted with a motor, which seemed just about ready to give out. As I board, the waves from the Coriverton River shake it back and forth. I was crippled with fear at the thought that at any moment, the canoe would capsize and I would be lunch for the many piranhas that lurked beneath the muddy waters. My fears are justified because as we pull away from the dock, the young man commandeering the boats asks for some rearrangement because the boat appears to be uneven…

Any way, as we begin to move the boat finally evens out. Five hours later, through patches of rain, we arrive at our destination of Orealla. We are greeted by children waving and welcoming us. As we exit the boat onto shaky planks of wood assembled in the form of a dock, I am grateful to be on land.”

Trinidad
Day: May 17th 2004
Place: In a maxi (equivalent of a taxi, but a bit bigger)
Time: 8:23 AM

“ We arrive at the church center in a place called Arema. The house is packed with patients. Over 250 patients are patiently waiting to be seen. We automatically get into action and set up our stations. I man the Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Stations. As I continue with measuring pressure and blood glucose levels, I begin to realize that there are many diabetics in the room. Many patients have been diagnosed with diabetes or have dangerously high blood sugar levels. We begin sending patients to see the doctors so that they can prescribe some form of medication to lower their blood sugar. By 8:00 PM, all patients were seen. They were so thankful. I couldn’t believe the impact we had made on the lives of these people. Basic medication that we offered was seen as a blessing from God. I continue to be humbled by their gratitude yet I am ashamed of the things I take for granted…”