The Halfway Mark :(

I’m almost done, stop I’ll cry

Buenas! I wanted to use that to start off this blog post because I genuinely say it at least ten times a day. I use it to greet someone anytime I walk into a store or get into an uber, it brings me so much joy that im saying it in Costa Rica its insane. I’ve been here for two weeks already and am about to start my last two, and already I have lived and learned so much. My future kids will be able to say that their mom has so much lore.

To give a little bit of background on the healthcare program I am doing with Maximo Nivel, I am currently volunteering at an HIV clinic. I volunteer Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 12PM. Learning how to use the bus has definitely been an experience, but I’m honestly calling it a needed character development. It takes about two hours and two buses to get to my program in Cartago, and then the same two hours to get back to my home stay in San Jose. The first couple of days doing it felt like the longest days but after two weeks, I can call myself a pro. The clinic is called “Hogar Nuestra Senora De La Esperanza” and from the two weeks of getting to know the staff and patients, I can say that it definitely is a special place.

The clinic holds about 20 patients, ranging from all ages. All patients live in the clinic 24/7 and have really become like a tight knit family. At the beginning of my summer experience and throughout my time in the course, I was interested in learning more about how socioeconomic status affects access to healthcare resources. I have learned that Costa Rica is quite expensive and that many people rely on insurance to afford healthcare services. The two weeks so far at an HIV clinic, has introduced me to a new interest and questions. The patients have physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and even histories of incarceration. While talking with medical assistants and nurses, they make sure to emphasize that this clinic is not a “temporary solution”, instead it’s a home to get their patients back on their feet. Initially my main focus was on just economic factors, but now I am understanding the importance of support systems and stigma surrounding people who live with HIV.

Observing both the AM and PM shifts at the clinic and familiarizing myself with the day to day routines of the patients, has introduced me to the holistic approach to healthcare. At the healthcare clinic the patients have access to a psychologist, nutritionist, physical therapist, and social workers who provide care to maintain their quality of life while participating in the program. This experience has changed my relationship to my CBI and has pushed me into wanting to gain more knowledge on healthcare facilities and how they support and advocate for their patients.

On my first shift, I noticed that in the kitchen there was a board that had different calorie counts for each patient, and when asking chef Xiomara, she explained to me that the nutritionist and herself work hand in hand to give specially portioned meals depending on where the patient is physically at. While I help pass out their lunch, she tells me specifically which patient each plate goes to. Another thing I have learned is that every morning from 8:30 to 10AM, they have a group activity where they discuss a lesson. Each staff member from the psychologist to the nurses, rotate their days and each plan out a fun activity to do with the patients. They specifically try to center their lessons around self help, drugs, and alcohol. Even as a volunteer, I feel as though I have really integrated myself into their small family and it’s very heartwarming when I’m able to help in any way.

Living in Costa Rica has made me appreciate the slow life, as I mentioned in my last blog post I live off of a schedule. My google calendar is basically my best friend, but I can proudly say that I haven’t once opened the app! I have been loving going with flow and truly figuring things out on my own. This past weekend I took a trip to Jaco beach with a friend I made here, and we successfully traveled on the bus and made it back to San Jose. I got over any fear of talking to strangers by asking locals for directions and even where the bus stop was back to San Jose, because my planning hadn’t taken me that far. I have literally just been living off of vibes and saying “YOLO” to everything. In the US, we are always on the go with high cortisol, but here it’s peaceful…that is the biggest difference I have noticed.

With the clinic, I assumed that patients mainly visit the clinic for treatment and quick check ups but it’s the complete opposite. This experience has shown me that healthcare is about more than just treating a diagnosis. The relationships I am building here make me want to be a part of the advocacy for these patients and promoting their overall physical and mental well being. It makes me so happy every Friday when I am saying goodbye after my shift, and they say “see you on Monday.” It’s unfortunate to say this but prior to this experience I was never educated about HIV, however I do believe there needs to be more awareness.

As I am at the halfway mark of my experience, I am deciding to change the direction of my CBI. I can acknowledge that cost and access to healthcare resources remain important aspects of healthcare, but I do believe the clinic and its work should be talked about more. The change in my CBI would allow me to connect more with my clinic and directly relate to my volunteering work. The staff has seen my work and intent while volunteering and in this next week they have agreed to let me sit down and have small conversations with each person. Even in passing and asking small questions they all are extremely welcoming and excited to talk about their roles. I’m excited to learn more about their personal mission at the clinic.

I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to say that I have made it halfway through my program, and can say that this is truly one of the best decisions I have made. The friends I have made and the “pura vida” moments, have me already reminiscing and I’m just starting my last two weeks. As a fun thing I have noticed here in Costa Rica, the fast food places are huge! Eating KFC, McDonalds, and Little Caesar’s is like eating in luxury. Also, I think I have hiked here more than throughout all my life in the states. Lets see where the final two weeks take me, I’m seeing a Volcano this upcoming weekend…stay tuned!

Pura Vida!