Friday 3/20

Devotional and culture class in the morning. At night everyone went bowling, but I stayed home and studied.

Saturday 3/21

We had lunch in a nice restaurant with Dr. Moore, who’s visiting for the week. I bookwormed my way through the afternoon.

At night I had a nice walk with Papa Javier and Gabi. We discussed the economy, politics, and his work at a window factory. I think I’m a better small-talker in Spanish than in English.

Sunday 3/22

We headed up to the hot springs pools “El Baños” for the morning to soak in boiling water under the boiling sun. At least it felt good on my back, although, options for things to do in the pool were limited considering it wasn’t deeper than 5’. Despite my best efforts, I managed to get a wicked sunburn, but the best part was the the rest of my family was worse than I was. Sucka’s!

Monday 3/23

We started physiology in Spanish, and I am quite a fan. The class is from 7:00-9:00 am, (which is the pits), but it’s split in half. The first half is lecture and the second is group projects to explain the concepts. It’s soooo much fun. We were split up with the Ecuadorian kids to teach the concepts of the sodium-potassium pump. I understood everything, but my participation in the presentation was somewhat lacking. On the plus side, I contributed to a kickin’ playdough model.

In the afternoon we went to the hospital with Dr. Torral for rounds, but it was more of an introduction. He explained the dialysis apparatus.

Tuesday 3/24

In physiology we were told that we had to participate, and that he wanted the other students to practice English, so we were to present how a synapse functions. We were competing with the other groups for the most creative presentation, and we kicked boo-tay. Everyone else made cute drawings/models. We acted it out. It was incredible. The binding of AcH with its receptor was Darla hugging Leigh.

With Dr. Torral we observed patients suffering from kidney failure, which was less than scintillating.

I spent the night at Jenny’s with Sara for some much needed girl time.

Wednesday 3/25

In the Foundation we saw a prostate removal. I was a fan.

Thursday 3/36

In Physiology we did a presentation on muscle stimulation, excitation, and fatigue. The prof said I got to speak in English since I was the best Spanish speaker, but once I was up there and finished my part, he made me do it in Spanish on the spot!

In Spanish we learned some good slang—like how to say “gansta”.