Visiting Patronato Peninsular

On Friday, September 4 the visiting professor from Central that is here and I went to visit el Patronato Peninsular where my internship would be. I had an interview with the doctor that is on-site and got a tour of the facility. I was forewarned ahead of time that the doctor talks very, very fast and that was definitely true when I met with her. But, I got the gist of all she said and my interview went really well. I was pleased and I know the professor and the doctor were pleased as well because I shared with her how my major does not follow my passion and gift with children with disabilities. She seemed impressed with my confidence but yet more impressed with my compassion for these students. The Patronato Peninsular is an extensive facility but they work with babies all the way up to 40 year olds. I cannot tell you how much I smiled while I was there because of how cute all of the students are! They were all saying, "Hola, Buenos Dias!" (Hello, Good Morning!) to me and they were so excited to meet me. I was wondering if they had ever really seen a white person before. But, of course they all have hearts of a child and have no presumptions or expectations. I knew this was the place for me when the kids were so full of smiles and joy and the doctor told me, "You are not only here to help us and get more experience, but we are here for you as well. We want you to be able to ask us any questions and create a great relationship over the next three months." She even gave me her cell phone number and told me to call her whenever I had a question about anything! Doctors in the states wouldn't normally do that...but I guess she is more or less my supervisor. I knew God was and is present in that facility because all the teachers and the doctor have hearts of gold. The doctor even walked the professor and I to our bus stop so I would know where to walk to get on a bus that goes to downtown Merida.

I think I have said this in a previous blog, but the bus system in Merida is a new experience for all of us here, but especially me, coming from a little town of less than 4,000 people. But like I said, I have to get on a bus at the Patronato Peninsular that goes downtown which is then followed by a 4-5 block walk to get on a different bus that goes close to the Central House. Once I am off the bus, I have to walk to the Central House for a couple blocks, so I definitely get a lot of walking in! It is the same when I go to the Patronato Peninsular but just in the opposite order. It takes me about an hour from when I step out of the house to when I step into the Patronato. My internship site is by far the farthest away from the house, so I will have to tell you about my experience on Monday, September 7th which was my first day going there.