I spent a month volunteering in a dental clinic with United Planet. I learned so much- about myself, about Peruvian culture, about Spanish, about dentistry, and about our global community.
When I was in Peru, I was lucky enough to be taken in by two wonderful people- Gonzalo and Mary. Despite language and cultural barriers, I had never felt so loved so quickly. Every morning, I would start my day by chatting with Gonzalo over fresh bread and hot tea. Every night, when Gonzalo returned from work, we would all eat our dinners together and talk about our days and our families. While I was there, they were like my parents. When I was sick, Gonzalo took me to the doctor when he was supposed to work and Mary made me chicken soup. They taught me about cultural traditions and holidays I observed while in Peru. They included me in their facetime calls to their children and grandchildren. Gonzalo woke up at 4 in the morning to help me catch a taxi to my Rainbow Mountain tour operator. Mary stayed with me in bed while I was sick. Gonzalo and I set up the television antenna together.
My most cherished moment with my host family was on my last day staying with them. I was walking on the street near the house before lunch, and I ran into my host dad. He greeted me with a huge smile, and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Then, since it was a little cold out, he zipped my jacket up for me. At that moment, I realized how much I would miss my host family, and how much they had truly taken me in as one of their own children.
While I was in Peru, I faced many challenges that provided opportunities for growth. One of the most difficult challenges for me was the second day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a 50 mile hike through the Andes. On the first night, we were located between to glaciers and our tent was quite cold, so in the morning I was a bit sleep deprived since I had never had to sleep in such cold before. We woke up at 5 in the morning to begin our climb, which was straight up to the top of the Salkantay pass. This hike was quite treacherous, and is infamous or being the hardest part of the Salkantay trek, however, on the day we did it there was a terrible snow storm. Our guide said this was the worst conditions he had ever done the trek in. Every step I took, I was inspired by all of my fellow hikers.
We represented countries from all around the world- Sweden, America, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Peru, Australia, and the United Kingdom- but we all shared the common goal of reaching the peak, passing the glacier, and exploring Machu Picchu. Together, we were able to keep our heads down to avoid the blistering winds, and move one foot in front of the other at nearly 15,000 feet above sea level. Together, we each reached the summit, and passed through the glacier. Together, we conquered a snowstorm in the Andes.
My experience in the clinic helped mold my passion for healthcare and dentistry. I experienced firsthand how Dra. Frallondiz was able to use her skills as a dentist to assist people who needed it most. She was able to work with me to teach me the different materials that she used. While I was with Dra. Frallondiz, I came to the realization that if I became a dentist, I would have the opportunity to help both my local community, and the global community.
Written by McLaren Curphy, United Planet Volunteer in Peru.
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United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
United Planet is an international non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. We connect people who want to make a difference in communities across the world through overseas volunteer travel programs, global virtual internships & volunteering, and project-based virtual exchange programs. With opportunities in more than 40 countries, you will learn, teach, work, engage and immerse yourself in a culture outside your comfort zone. For many, volunteering abroad is the most fulfilling experience of their lives!
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