Villa Verde 2022
The primary care trip to Villa Verde, 2022, was a life changing experience.
I did not know what to expect. Upon first arrival it was immediately apparent to me that the needs of the village were many. I was overcome with emotion and humbled that the good people of Villa Verde made a space for me in their lives to come and make a difference. Being there was a stark reminder of my good fortune.
As a participant in the last year of the Villa Verde Project I was honored to be part of the first group to utilize the new clinic, which was the culmination of several years of hard work on the part of many locals and many volunteers from all walks of life. The lengths that the local people go to in an effort to maintain their health was eye opening. Walking from far distances and waiting in long lines without complaint. The gratitude on their part was very heartfelt and genuine, something I don’t always get when working in the States.
One of my favorite parts of clinic was working in the pharmacy. It isn’t something I get to do at my job as a RN in the Emergency Department. Reviewing and filling prescriptions for the people of Villa Verde gave me good perspective on the types of chronic illnesses that are common in that part of the world.
Having a long-time interest in Global Health, this trip was the best possible educational experience I could have asked for when it comes to learning how a sustainable project works. I was blown away at how many people were involved in the project, local and international non-profits, local medical staff translating, citizens organizing their people to come, the collaborative effort was overwhelming. I did not expect this. There is no me, without we, this I know for sure. The kindness of the people of Villa Verde will not be forgotten. My outlook on health and healing and the world in which we live is forever changed, for the better. As the old adage says: Where there is a will there is a way.
A broken arm discovered while making a house call, injured during a robbery with a machete, set and splint. My partner, helping me apply Gentian Violet to the scalps of people with tinea capitis. She made sure I didn’t get the purple stain all over people’s faces!
Emlee Metevia
Nurse, Emergency Room