Gratitude That Transcends Words
It was very early in the morning and I was ready to begin an incredible trip up the mountains with Nelson. I've visited mountains throughout my life, loving the views and how colorful everything looks from up there, but what I saw up in the villages with Nelson has been one of the best views I’ve ever seen.
Picture this: the sun just beginning to stretch its golden arms over mist-covered peaks, turning everything it touched into a breathtaking masterpiece. It was like a nature-themed magic show and we had front-row seats.
As we rolled into the remote village, the air shifted. It was like stepping into a different world, where time moved a bit slower and the smiles of the villagers were brighter than the mountain sunshine. They greeted us like old friends, waving and whistling, creating a welcoming symphony that echoed through the valleys.
The clinic itself was a marvel – surrounded by towering mountains and open skies. It was a fusion of modern medicine meeting the ancient heartbeat of tradition. Setting up our makeshift clinic felt like preparing for a grand adventure. I got to see and understand the importance of the work our community health workers do. They are the first responders in the middle of the mountains and they understand the importance of the work they perform.
We went to Santa Teresa, Veracruz, and San Antonio la Libertad and, in each place, we found passionate, well-trained community health workers who have been with us since the beginning of the journey. These health workers have a great impact on their communities and are seen as leaders that are approachable at any time. We also saw the familiar faces of Nelson's students, many of whom are now looking forward to being one more member of the Brigade's community health workers – which showed me that the vision of the organization has been creating results.
In the midst of treating ailments and sharing laughter, we found moments to soak in the surrounding beauty. The mountains, adorned in a patchwork quilt of colors, stood tall as if whispering secrets on how these communities have grown by the impact the Brigade has made through the years.
As the sun painted the sky in shades of warmth and we wrapped up our day, the villagers, in their unique way, communicated gratitude that transcended words. It was like the final chapter of a heartwarming novel, leaving us with a sense of fulfillment and connection as we journeyed back down the mountains until next time.
