We have arrived!

Hola from Peru!

First of all, it will probably be touch and go when I’m able to post, the internet has been unreliable here so far.

We arrived in Piura this morning around 0730, after 3 flights and a few hours of sleep at a hostel. The flights were pretty uneventful. Thankfully, all my medications successfully made it here. The spray I brought along for bed bugs, however, did not fare so well... On the positive side, my clothes will probably not get infested with bed bugs. Unfortunately they smell like Bed Bath & Beyond's finest cinnamon bug spray (the bottle exploded in my bag). 

We were greeted by some of the parish staff with a big Marquette banner! We got to Sacramento Santisimo (church compound we are staying at) just in time for breakfast. Pictured below is the parish's "guard dog", Beethoven. (Sorry mom, I know you said not to touch the animals but he is clean and cute!)

We have been pretty busy in this first day. We spent a good amount of time touring various sites that we will be working at. The hospital, which is located just around the corner, was first. We saw surgical, maternity, pediatrics, and some other units. Health care works very differently here than what I am used to. More details when I'm officially in clinical (Monday or Tuesday?).

 

Very packed part of the hospital, each tent is one of the categories listed on the right (GI, dental, OB/GYN, etc.)

We also toured the hospice we'll be spending some time at. Currently, they house 4 patients who are not terminal but are unable to care for themselves, and 2 patients who need end of life care. The hospice "Los Angeles" was beautiful, with the patient rooms surrounding an outdoor court with plants and a chapel.

Accommodations-

So far, the food has been great, lots of papas (potatoes), chicken, and rice. Fruit is always available but I'm a little hesitant to eat too much of it. Below is the room I'm staying in with 3 other girls.

Time for bed for us now, minimal sleep in the last couple days. Buenas noches!