The entire journey and experience of the Dominican Republic was one of academic, professional, personal, interpersonal, and spiritual growth.  Nothing ever became routine.  It was a struggle of growth, development, change, reflection, and realization.  The vast experiences of the unorganized and dirty city, the poverty stricken campos and bateys, the beauty of nature, and the never ending smiles of the people brings confusion and clarity of thought, both at the same time.  I was deemed the un-official “official” photographer of the trip.  Using this, I often found myself shielding myself from the discomforts in front of me.   I came to realize that I would “hide” behind my camera when I became uncomfortable with a situation, and the camera would act as a portal or a television if you will.  What I was looking at through my view finder was not real; it was just like I was watching National Geographic or the Discovery Channel.  After increasing my awareness of this “hiding” I deliberately attempted to less photography and more experience. 

The first 2 weeks of the journey were filled of complaints about practice conditions, practice philosophy, medical conditions, living conditions, communication difficulties, etc.  It was a hypocritical time.  It was a frustrating time.  Then it came to our attention “…who are we to judge?”  Complaints seemed to simmer down, although still present.  The days seemed to flow a little easier as we tried to nestle into our own little make-shift “DR comfort zone.”  Physical therapy practice became more of a learning experience and a “help if we” can rather than a “let’s change this and that and the other thing.”  Communication began to get a little easier on both sides.  The art of body language, lip pointing, pantomiming, and “spanglish” was becoming mastered.  Our brains hurt a little less, but they still hurt.

The practice of physical therapy became more of a practice in communication, education, and rapport development.  Depending on whichever clinical site, many patients were only seen once the entire four weeks, so it was difficult to track progress and outcomes.  However, there were the patients who had not walked in years who, by the time we left, were walking; who had not lifted their arm above their shoulder and were now throwing things; who had been coming to the clinic for years and were now being told it was no longer necessary for them to return; and children who had to be carried everywhere were independently mobile with a brand new wheel chair.  Although documentation was scarce, definite patient progress was made.                  

   It was an interesting 18 hour return trek back to Omaha.  Feeling the comforts of a once familiar culture; however, now seemingly not so familiar.  Listening to the superficial conversations of material possessions, of cars, of homes, of “stuff” seemed maybe not “wrong” but definitely not “right.”  Still a lot of reflecting is necessary and perhaps some things may not be realized for years.  Unsure, exactly how this experience will affect me personally and professionally, but look forward to finding out. 

We were asked to describe our experience on an evaluation and I would like to include that here:   Scary, dirty, happy, sad, hot, sweaty, squished, frustrated, angry, testy, exhausted, poor, rich, eye-opening, sunny, rainy, sick, uneasy, interesting, emotional, quiet, serene, loud, noisy, obnoxious, joyous, affectionate, un-explainable, jaw dropping, itchy, stingy, rashy, smelly, beautiful, bumpy, rattling, un-sure…and I would do it all over again and recommend it to anyone.   

     - Matt Briggs