A World of Difference

(Oops, I meant to post this on the Blog and accidentally sent it to everyone via email. Anyway, here it is a well.)

It's amazing to think I'm in the same country. Quito is incredibly different from Shell, especially since I'm living with a missionary family. I think I mentioned earlier that it was probably like going from Upland to Chicago, and I was basically right. In some ways, it's been difficult to remember that I'm not back in the States. Of course, constant Spanish at the hospital is a pretty good reminder.

The hospital here in Quito is basically an American-style hospital. Hospital Vozandes Quito (HVQ) has specialists in all sorts of fields, modern equipment, and is continuing to expand. I'm working in the emergency room right now, where I get to see all sorts of cases. I wasn't sure quite how it would work out, but it's turning out to be very fascinating. As people have begun to recognize my face, they have begun asking me questions, so most know that I'll be attending med school this summer. They know I'm a student who wants to learn and help out wherever I can. Yesterday I even hooked up with an intern who would like to go to the States to practice. His English is pretty good, and he's been able to explain to me some of the cases. He also had some material for me to read. He likes practicing his English, and I like learning. It's a great combination.

Today was a very busy morning in the E.R. I got to help out the plastic surgeon who was repairing several lesions and even closing a thumb which had been severed by a machete. All was quite fascinating. I went home in the afternoon, got a nap, and will be returning to work the night shift. HVQ is one of the few hospitals in Quito with 24 hour emergency care, so we should get some quite interesting cases tonight.

I hope everything is going well in Grand Rapids, Upland, or wherever else you are. I always love hearing what's going on, so feel free to drop me a note if you have time. May God richly bless you with his presence each and every day.