I was blessed with opportunity to travel abroad on a nursing trip for January 2014. Along with 13 classmates, I went to Ecuador on a mission-type trip. The purpose of this trip was to set up clinics in the jungle and provide basic health care to those who did not have access to it.
Our three week journey began in Quito where we toured many hospitals and clinics, getting a better understanding of how the healthcare system worked in Ecuador. We were able to visit the college and meet their nursing students, as well as spend a day at a school for special needs children. For five of the nights we stayed with a host family and they made me feel right at home. We had a great experience in Quito, but little did I know the best was yet to come.
We traveled into the jungle to a place called Misahualli. From there we traveled to a new jungle community each day. Meeting people of these communities was so amazing; they were so thankful that we came and took time to care for each of them. It was very rewarding to see how much it meant to them and how respectful and welcoming they were to our group. Even with the language barrier, it was awesome to see how much we could communicate and understand each other. Something as simple as a smile could make somebody's day.
I must say it was not all work, there was a little bit of time to play. We were able to see Mitad del Mundo (middle of the Earth) -- the monument located at the equator -- complete a high ropes course, tour the city of Quito, hike to many waterfalls and nature centers, and lastly, spend three days at a beautiful beach resort.
My time abroad went really fast, and if I could do it again, I would in a heartbeat. I learned so much about myself and about the culture we were submerged in. Now it is back to school and looking ahead to graduation!
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