Physiology

INTRODUCTION TO COURSE:

This week, the third week of my internship, is different than the others. There is a group here from Seattle, WA...woot woot! They're a construction team from Medical Teams Int. (which funds Manos de Vida) who've come to build 18 concrete floors in homes in Yagay. I am young. They are less young. Thus....I have been shoveling a TON of gravel for the past two days. 4 floors yesterday, 6 today, 4 tomorrow, and 4 thursday. I've also been spending ALL my time with the team and Manos de Vida....aka I don't have a social life this week. BUT....I've been having a lot of fun. They are really neat people. The team leader has been to Oax 16 times on work trips and is friends with Sharon and Jerry Benson...my preschool teachers! There are two couples (all 4 work for Microsoft) with sons my age. AND....the third couple is Mike Holmgren and his wife, Cathy. If you don't recognize the name (I didn't whoops)....Mike Holmgren is the former SEAHAWKS coach. He's a really nice guy. 6 foot 5! Brady.....I'm going to get you his autograph......whahahaha.

COURSE:

"MUSCLES USED WHEN SHOVELING GRAVEL 6 HOURS PER DAY"

• Shoulders....aka Nate I need a massage!
• Arms....aka those things that are shaking as I try to press these computer keys.
• Legs....aka covered in bruises from bracing the shovel to make up for my lack of upper body strength.
• Core....aka abs and back from who the heck knows!
• Blisters....aka those aren't really muscles.
• AND FACE ....AKA.....SMILING

Smiling after seeing the completed floors and the people, who are all helping as well, cry because they are so thankful. Just for the chance to improve the hygiene of their homes and the health of their children. For the food baskets we shopped for yesterday for each family as well. For something that someone has done for then....one of the first things that someone has done for them. Smiling after their generosity....giving oranges or Coke (agh coke and mexico!) to us. Shaking hands and answering questions for the group.

I don't know. It's just wonderful (=

(even though my body does ache like no other)