by: Gregorio Anastacio S. Rufon, Jr.
Extension Coordinator, WVSU College of Medicine
GG: “Doc, we have an invitation for a medical consultation in San Remigio. My friends from high school identified a community for an outreach activity this Christmastime. Having checked my coffers for valuables, I managed to scavenge some service-laden spirits with hearts full of willingness to touch some health-seeking life-forces.”
Me: (Staring at him with unseeing eyes) The mountain beckons. The clouds motion. The earth hurries. The trees rustle.
Preparations were made. Medications requested. Volunteers signed up. Itinerary drawn. Tasks assigned. Waivers signed.
GG: “We have to be in Antique the day before the consult. We need to be at the assembly site at dawn for the trek will be for two hours or a bit more.”Me: Wobbling knees massaged. Arcoxia medication purchased. Socks left behind. Sturdy footwear selected.
The AMSA van was reserved for the trip. The driver’s capability was objectively assessed. The accommodation was confirmed. Food and essentials were purchased and stocked.
Awaking from a light sleep in a comfortable room with all volunteers accounted for, we helped ourselves to some hot beverages and crackers. The hotdog-flavored biscuit filling wasn’t
popular that time of day.
When a decent breakfast arrived, we managed to have a bite of some luscious meat and eggs. We hoped this would sustain us for the jaunt scheduled that day. We also
made sure we had hydration support in our backpacks.
GG: “Guys, are we ready?”Me: (???). As the realization sink in further: (???) !!!!
The van brought us to a riverbank. We transferred to a sturdy passenger jeep to ensure that we cross the river safely. Off to the roof, my limbs brought me to which my hands tightly grabbed entities to hold my physical being.
The starting site of the trek was an elementary school which is the seat of administration of our destination, a
satellite school. Noticeable were several men who seem to be very willing to help us with our luggage. They were actually identifying which ones they will be carrying for the journey. We were quite bashful to oblige initially but were compelled to ultimately give in to their noble request.
After complying with the urging of the folks to empty our bladders, we started the trek with anticipation of the challenge ahead of us. I can’t seem to control the corners of my mouth from moving up when I remembered the faces we made during the departure photo-op.
We hurdled the preliminary walk on plain ground, cherished the early morning breeze, and relished the cold water as we crossed streams along the way. We were
privileged to catch dewdrops behind leaves and petals that nature obligingly presented. Some opted to
use makeshift bridges, confirming their safety and durability.
The initial climb was a breeze. Good thing we
had a hearty breakfast. We also found ideal spots to revel in the scenery. Shades of green and blue were a marvel. The long winding river was also a site to behold at a particular level.
Then the sweat glands became more active, breathing shallower, heartbeat accelerating, muscles tenser, joints less lithe. The rests in between became more mandatory rather than comforting.
As we met people along the way, the “Mayad nga aga!” (“Good morning!”) was becoming less cheerful.Until the “Daw ano pa karayo paagto sa Heneral Luna?” (“How far more until General Luna?”) became a
pressing concern. To which the folks, with much encouragement, were compelled to respond, “Rugyan dun pag-abot niyo sa patag.” (“A few meters more, after you reached the plain.”)
This motivated us to reach the areas which we considered “patag” only to find not a single house was in sight.
We ultimately lost count of the number of our own identified “patags” and decided not to any more ask how far we were to our destination. Most importantly, we still managed to greet those we’ve met with a semblance of a smile.
After a few more hills and swamps we managed to see a number of kids in their
pristine white polos. Although still no school nearby, surely the destination will not be far.
With literally a heavy heart, breathing was now becoming an effort but we managed to climb one more hill. Then, we saw several pupils in uniform. “Is this scene for real or are my eyes making it up?” Finally, the name Gen. Luna Elementary School was no longer a blur. We had arrived.
We then made ourselves a little bit more presentable. We wiped perspiration and excess oils from our faces, straightened the creases from our pants, washed the mud from our feet and footwear, combed our hair now made smooth and shiny by sweat and oil from glands, and whiffed some scented alcohol, more for the fragrance and not necessarily to disinfect.
We were ushered to a feast of delicacies. Although our feet seemed heavy, we found our way to the table and savored the hospitality. Our gourmet experience was cut short because we were to witness another feast.
A feast of talents started as pupils welcomed us with a program. The effort to keep us comfortable was a marvel. The weariness we felt seemed to evaporate as songs and orations filled our ears. We were at a loss for words to describe the experience. The program culminated with the giving of certificates and tokens of appreciation. We gratefully accepted these not realizing that we have not yet started with the service that we were to offer. But it did feel very nice to be appreciated by just finishing the three-hour trek.
Then we proceeded with service delivery. Some were assigned to the Grade One classroom which was located down the hill. We realized that the classrooms at the uppermost level were for the graduating pupils. They literally have to climb up the hill of knowledge.
The venue was set up and seats for waiting were arranged. Consultation tables and chairs were set. The area for dispensing medication was identified.
Once vital signs were taken and chief complaints documented, the clients were ushered in for their individual consultations.
We catered to infants and septuagenarians. There were pregnant mothers and concerned
mothers. Well grandparents came minding their grandchildren. Most grandmas and grandpas
were accompanied by their children but a number by their well-meaning neighbors. If I had one major realization, it was that this place was where one can really grow old gracefully. The older folks may not be as comfortable as the younger generation but they exuded tranquility and contentment amidst the maladies of age.
After a break for a late lunch and managing a few more folks, we said our goodbyes.
The teachers offered us more food to bring home but we begged off. The hospitality we experienced was already more than enough for the day.
Although the sun was still up, we proceeded with our trek back. We expected the way back to be a bit effortless since we
would be going downhill but we did not foresee that the rain would be accompanying us as we moved on. Indeed, the journey was made more challenging by slips and falls. These made our descent as arduous as our uphill hike. The phone continued taking pictures until somebody sprained an ankle. It has to re-
tire since limbs now were more concerned with maintaining balance. Surprisingly, I managed to keep my butt dry although the last ditch of the descent was a series of jumps ending in a pose fit for posterity.
The journey at the plain was marred when we met a challenger in
the person of a woman who questioned our presence in the locality with such authority
that we were at a loss for words, only to find out later that she became a visitor of our psychiatric department some months back. What a small world, indeed.
The trip back was sort of a reverse of the morning trip sans the sun which has set and the sturdy jeep. We managed to board a motorcycle since the knees were about to give up. The trip through the river became one for my subconscious for the current was something to deal with. Looking at the other volunteers treading the river made me think, “I should have done this trip sometime earlier when sinews and knees were more flexible and better lubricated.”
It was a relief seeing and boarding the AMSA van again, where all except one were accommodated by a seat. He did manage to find a space for his robust frame. Having accounted for everybody, the weary service-laden spirits with hearts full of willingness to touch health-seeking life forces, contented themselves with whatever
comfort the vehicle had to offer. A number of them were concerned with the status of the driver but the
latter thought, “The driver seat was the most comfortable at this time of the journey.”
Off to the next town the van went, where residents
sleep later in the evening. The dinner at a delicatessen became a source of energy to energize both body and spirit, attempting to ward off the full effect of accumulating lactate and ketones.
The van was maneuvered into the highway and we proceeded home. After another couple of hours of driving powered by the remaining adrenaline rush of the driver, we arrived at our respective domiciles ahead of Cinderella.
GG: “Good night, Doc. It was a long and fulfilling day. Thanks!” Me: (I can sense the pier beckoning, the ship hurrying, the waves motioning, and the sirens sounding.) Me: (Stares at him with seeing eyes, its corners moving up, anticipating another eventful mission.)
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