Day 8

Today started off with breakfast at the mission. After breakfast our class split into two groups. The pharmacy majors, Kathleen, Jeannette, and Alfonso, went to the hospital that is run by the Mission. At the hospital, we spent about 3 hours in the pharmacy talking to a technician, Edson, who ran the pharmacy. We went through several different medications with him regarding the common uses and side effects. Edson asked great questions regarding inventory and expiration dates. He was very thankful and said he learned a lot. It was a rewarding experience for the pharmacy majors. 

The three engineering majors, Tyler, Emily, and Kayla, ventured off to help build a wood house in Nueva Vida. The frame of the home was previously built by another group visiting the Mission.  They nailed the wood plank siding onto the frame with the help of some Mission workers. They were also able to see the inside of a nearby home to see how the family lives their everyday life. 

Our group rejoined for lunch time where we were on dish duty. Afterwards we went to a reforestation presentation and saw how various trees were grown and cared for. It was interesting because the owner, Torribio, recycled plastic bags and planted all of the trees inside of it. He also teaches children the importance of recycling and cleaning up trash, as San Lucas Toliman does not have a recycling program. He shared that he works to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining the integrity of the earth. 

 

Following the presentation, we walked around the market and relaxed by the Lago de Atitlan before heading to dinner. After dinner we went to a local ice cream shop, La Neveria, and then went back to the hotel to rest for the rest of the night.

-Jeannette and Kathleen