Dear Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
Thank you again for the phenomenal opportunity to travel and serve in Peru on behalf of our parish. This year’s trip was again incredibly successful. Building on our experience from last year, we honed and improved every aspect of our system. Our supply and medication list was pruned, our logistical flow was streamlined, our pharmacy worked like a well-oiled machine, and we greatly expanded the educational materials and teaching time and attention for each visit. Furthermore, the members of our team honed their skills in their roles and we welcomed many wonderful new additions into our family.
Dr. Maria de Miguel with her family.
In reflecting on my experience this year, I am again struck at what a rejuvenating experience it is to interact with the people we meet in Jose Galvez, Peru. We are equipped with our minds, hearts, basic medical instruments and treatments. Much of our work is medically straightforward, treating simple infections, aches and pains, and the symptoms of working hard and living in a demanding physical environment without basic services. Occasionally we uncover new diagnoses of chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, and very often we are disentangling the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma and the pain they cause.
We shared our expertise and the medications we were able to bring, which are undoubtedly precious resources. Yet much more importantly we shared our time and concern. Many, many patients told me how grateful they were to be able to talk with doctors and nurses about their problems and questions. We had the opportunity to explain and draw pictures of many different conditions, and help guide people on the follow up or self-care that was needed going forward. Our nursing/interpreter team provided detailed reinforcement and education at discharge, along with extensive educational materials on the common topics. Many people who came with stories of loss and trauma found comfort in the empathy, concern and prayers they found in our team.
Personally this trip helps sensitize me to the humanity and dignity in the people suffering who I encounter daily. Whenever I feel hopelessness or indifference creeping into my heart, I remember the warmth of the many hugs and handshakes I received and witnessed being given on this trip. I remember the Carmelite sisters, brothers, and lay people working tirelessly in their community to bring God’s love to homebound, the addicted, and the lonely. I am energized to know that with this trip we have even further deepened our understanding of the community and its needs, and strengthened the relationship with the Carmelites their mission. I look forward to further developing our role in building local capacity and sharing our time, expertise and concern in the most effective ways possible. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
