From Andres Onetto, OR Tech

 4,157 miles away from home, I experienced the most unique 168 hours of my life. As a result, I fell in love with the people of Ayacucho, Peru. Riddle me the rhythm that lies deep beneath the purity of these people and you will find the least mundane beat of all. The unforeseen strength and tenacity that flows deep within their hearts is inspiring. I have witnessed a lot of people’s hardships in my life, but never have I seen hardship wear a smile. No matter the problem, the people in Ayacucho glow. I have worked in the operating room at UC Irvine Medical Center, for almost two years, and to see how the nurses and doctors of Ayacucho make their system of patient care work, is truly remarkable. As a first assist, I partook in 22 surgeries in the span of five days. I have been swept away by the humbleness and kindness of the people of Ayacucho. Their gratitude made the long hours and “the point of it all,” worth it. Their piercing eyes of untold adversity, unknown futures, and plead for help, has dented a spot in my heart and schedule, reserved for next year's trip. 11 months, 2 weeks and give or take a few days, but who’s counting? I have been taunted by the good spirits that reside in Ayacucho, Peru. With that said, I look forward to my five days of eggs in a biscuit, assortment of teas, yogurt and concentrated coffee. Oh yes, and please, lets not forget that everything is 5 blocks away, 5 minutes to go, with 5 minutes to follow, so remember to plan accordingly.

From Sara Kazi - General Volunteer

The diabetes screening campaign is the busiest spot in the clinic! We had to prick everyone’s finger, (manually- as in without the little mechanism that punches them for you!) which was exciting and a little scary at the same time! We had a non-stop line, but it was so worth it. 

From Lily Rotman - Med Student

Volunteering in Ayacucho has been one of the most inspiring, heart-warming experiences of my life! I was touched by the warmth and gratitude of the people we interacted with here. A small boy offered me some of his corn when he came into the clinic and another patients gave us oranges and hand-made crafts. I will never forget the kindness of the people I met here and hope I can come back soon.

From Iman Khan, pre-med undergraduate volunteer/translator

My time in Ayacucho is unparalleled by anything else I’ve ever done. I truly love returning year after year and being able to discern both the subtle and large changes we’ve made to improve the mission. I feel as though I have done a large part of my “growing up” in Ayacucho. Every time I come back, the doctors, volunteers, patients, and people of Ayacucho, inspire me more and more to realize my goal of becoming a doctor.

Even volunteers who had no previous medical experience contributed greatly to this trip. Though we did not perform actual procedures, we aiding the doctors in treating their patients, kept things running smoothly, and helped out by translating. A milestone for me was that I was able to overcome a large insecurity—I didn’t think I was ready to be a translator, however, I found that my Spanish improved very quickly over five days and I was able to perfectly convey to the doctors what they needed to know.

My favorite memory was when I visited a local orphanage with some of the other volunteers and helped fluoridate the children’s’ teeth. They were all incredibly cute and loving, and I walked away with the warmest feeling in my heart knowing that I had helped them in even a small way.

Throughout the years, Ayacucho has taught me more than any textbook ever could, and for that I am extremely grateful. I hope to come back as often as I can.

From Jack "Cougar" Conner, Medical Student

The kids surrounded us during their recess and all wanted to know what their names would sound like in English. “Come se dice Jonathan en ingles?”.  I would drag out the j as long as possible, they would run back to their friends laughing and pointing. It was a moment that typifies why I came to Ayacucho. Working in the hospital is just a bonus to the connection I made with the people and children I was empowered to help.