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The
eighteenth winter project of Intercambio Cultural Maya
was hosted by the villagers of Tabi, Quintana Roo, Mexico,
population near 450. There were 51 participants from
the U.S. who came from nine states and ranged in ages
from 16 through 75. They were joined by 15 Mexican national
volunteers, who also donated their time and talents
in Tabi. The total group was priviledged to experience
a brief, but in-depth taste of village life and Mayan
hospitality at its best. Participants were able to get
a glimpse into the daily struggles to survive, as well
as a strong sense of family and community in a subsistance
rural Mayan farming community.
|
 To
view a "slide set" of village scenes in Tabi,
click here. |
| In
the Clinics: During
the five working days in the medical clinic, the doctors,
nurses, medical students, and translators provided basic
care for well over 400 patients. At the same time, dentists
treated 160 patients, doing 116 fillings, 75 cleanings,
88 extractions, and 12 consultation and referrals. Participants
working in the eye clinic fitted 210 people with eyeglasses.
Those working with health education, along with a local
nurse, visited every home in the village while conducting
5 classes, which were very well attended. |
To
view a "slide set" of the medical clinics in
Tabi, click here. |
| On
the Building Front: The construction
crew, working side by side with the villagers, completed
the floor, columns, concrete block walls, and started
the caps on a small medical clinic building for the village.
Once the villagers have finished construction, the Mexican
government will staff the clinic. |
To
view a "slide set" of the construction project
in Tabi, click here. |
| Rest
and Reflection:
After completing the projects, a time was
set aside to rest and reflect at Punta Allen, a small
fishing village located on the Caribbean. Time was also
spent exploring, swimming, and discussing their experience
in Tabi. |
To
view a "slide set" of the "R & R"
at Punta Allen, click here. |
Because
of an unforeseen mechanical problem with the bus, the group
was unable to tour the ruins at Cobá. Realizing that
the man who owned the bus had lost a major portion of his
livelihood because of the break-down, several participants
collected over $200 to help with the expense of repairing
the bus. Most of the group displayed an amazing ability to
be flexible in the face of change, making the altered plans
an opportunity to experience a totally different aspect of
Mexican life and landscape.
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