Giving Back: Our Volunteer Experience in Merida, Mexico
Checking blood pressures
Recently we had the privilege and joy of volunteering in a Maya village outside of Merida, Mexico. I lived in Merida for 3 years and left about one year ago to explore the world a bit further and build up my businesses in the U.S.
I must say, I really miss it there and visiting as a tourist and not staying as a resident was quite an experience and adjustment.
This photo was from my visit to the village a couple years ago.
This beautiful family wanted to share their traditional clothing and culture with me and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
July, 2025 Xocchel, Yucatan, Mexico:
An acquaintance -and now dear friend of mine- Juanita and her family took us in with open arms and gave us some unexpected and really delightful gifts. During the week Juanita lives near Merida with her family closer to work. On the weekends she stays in the village near her many lovely family members and friends.
This was the most thoughtful gift!
See my face with the gifted shirt on! Juanita’s beautiful little humans, two teenage boys, gave us some hand-crafted gifts as well and yes, I cried. We were coming to do what we can from a medical standpoint with no expectation of anything in return. Well, that generally does not fly in Mexico. I should not be surprised though given that, in my experience, the people of the pueblitos are the most courteous and kind people I have met.
During our time in Xocchel we performed blood sugar, blood pressure, and general wellness checks while addressing some of the limited acute concerns that we could. We refilled some medications and did our best to provide some health teaching as well.
Some unique challenges:
Some folks were not able to read or write in Spanish let alone in the Maya language. Sadly I only know about 10 words in Maya. One incredible and spunky elderly woman had no idea how old she was. One thing we were not prepared for- the effect of the stifling heat on equipment- caused us to shift course and approach our care in a different way. We were not able to check Hemoglobin A1Cs unfortunately. I am accustomed to the heat but had not run into equipment issues in the past. Running water was not always available as well.
The heat presents special challenges for these activities
These things presented some unique challenges and I spoke more Spanish in one day than I think I’ve spoken total in one year. It is AWESOME to move myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to language! Thankfully, my partner Guillermo is a native Spanish speaker but given his many years living in the U.S., it was great for him to get his language-feet wet again as well. He really showed his best soft skills during our time in Xocchel. His 27 years in the army has made a man that is a natural coach, #1 hype man, and a great communicator. His engagement with our clients was not something to be missed and he received many thank you’s for his kindness and effort in supporting this endeavor.
Guillermo hard at work with an open mind and even more open heart
I am not one to shy away from obstacles, especially where the work is really needed so I must say, I absolutely cannot wait to come back and am grateful beyond words for the opportunity.
We will be returning in December and will be a bit better equipped. This is an experience that I think other healthcare providers (NPs, I’m looking at you) really should not miss.
Join us December, 2025?
