Today was my favorite day of the trip so far. After a lecture we went to two different primary care facilities. These facilities were extremely eye opening to a side of medical care that I have been extremely fortunate enough to not have had to experience myself. Although these facilities are an amazing way to keep the community healthy and happy, it saddens me that there is such a need for them. The kindness and dedication of the workers show the importance of community to Argentinean people.

Next, we went to a hospice care center called Hospice Buen Samaritano. I had never before been to a hospice care center and I was surprised to see that it looked nothing like a hospital. Yes, there were medical tools and supplies, but just as the director had intended it to, it resembles a home. To me death has always been a hidden thing. I have never been with anyone in that moment or the ones surrounding. By hearing the way that the director spoke of death and its realness to life it was really inspiring to me. I think too often American culture attempts to shelter and hide this very real part of life. In his lecture he also talked about the story of the Good Samaritan. I was not familiar with this story before, but after hearing I can truly see how its values are reflected through the working of the hospice center. For example, the center runs strictly off of donations and is mostly staffed by volunteers. The two of these acts show the selflessness and care that the center provides for its people. The morale of the center is so positive and encourages people to continue living their lives till the end which is something that is so challenging for patients to do in hospitals.

Overall, I found it to be a truly inspiring day. Ever since high school volunteering has been really important to me as I volunteered for our senior center on the weekends. At college, I feel as though I lost touch with volunteering directly with my community and this visit reminded me of why it was always so important to me.