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 Travel & Outdoors | May 2006 
Viviendo en México - Uruapan, Michoacán - Day 2
 Korah Winn - PVNN
| | Normal scene from a village in Michoacán. | 
| | Women from a village in Michoacán. | 
| | Local woman receiving medical care. | 
| | The workshop of a guitar maker from Paracho, Michoacán. |
On our second day in Uruapan, most everyone woke up not quite so bright and early. As people began stirring about, the anticipation level rose. We took our time preparing for the day and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before the coordinator gathered everyone together to board the bus that would take us to a more central location.
The previous night we had distributed information about the free medical clinic so we had high esperanzas (hopes) that there would be a decent turnout. A local church allowed us to set up shop in their building, so we took them up on their generous offer and began converting Sunday school rooms into offices for the doctors to consult with patients.
Then, we sent teams of students and teachers out to spread the word around town. My job was to work with a team of students that helped get people registered for their visit to the clinic. We also had other teams that did craft projects with the children of patients who were waiting to see a doctor. The final team was sent out to distribute food in neighborhoods where it was most needed.
We had people come in who just wanted general checkups but then we had others who were in a lot of pain and were looking for medication to help alleviate inflammation in their limbs.
There was one older caballero (gentleman) whose wife told me he was barely able to walk to the clinic, so they were so grateful the doctors would see them. You could see the relief on his face when he received his medication. When it was time to leave, he placed his cowboy hat back on his head and his wife stood close to his side to help brace him as they walked home.
We had such a variety of people come in. I felt fortunate to meet two very nice women who dressed in brightly colored skirts and shawls. They had long braided hair that looked as though it had never been cut. A friend informed me that their clothing was the style that was still worn in many of the more rural villages.
Their children were delighted to make crafts with the students from my school. After their mothers' appointments were over, the moms actually got down on the piso (floor) with them and helped them finish up what they were creating.
Around two pm, we were just about ready to finish up with everything. We cleaned the building and then headed back to our accommodations for one last meal before hitting the road. Once again, I was glad to not be on the bus on the way back.
This time, I had a different reason than the first time. Since we were not following the group, we were able to make a stop off and buy duraznos (peaches) in a little village on our way home.
Later, we made a second stop in a place called Paracho. Michoacán has a reputation for making quality musical instruments. I have always wanted to get a classical guitar during one of my visits to this state, and this weekend just happened to give me the opportunity.
We stopped in at the workshop of a local craftsman, where I found a lovely little guitar at a very reasonable price. Since I am finally earning a weekly paycheck again, I decided to seize the day, and biting the bullet, I purchased it. We made room for it in the back of the car. It was a joy to know that I was able to take a little piece of Michoacán back home with me. |
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