For the past nine years, I have traveled to Nicaragua as
part of a team of Rotarians to build clinics, schools, libraries, pharmacies,
and to provide many supplies such as computers, clothes, etc. I just came back
from my spring break trip there and am still suffering from PNS, or
“Post-Nicaragua-Syndrome.” It is hard to refocus on work in our non-tropical
temperatures, and get re-accustomed to the silence in my office. When driving,
there are no tricycle taxis with merchants going to the local market, or
horse-powered buggies selling firewood, or mini-taxis the size of a
smart car.
When I start my trip I always have those grandiose ideas
about getting computers down there so they can use electronic health records or
use smart phones to transfer vitals from remote clinics. However, rightfully
so, they always start laughing at me when I suggest these technologies as the
Internet is very expensive and slow, electricity is unreliable and prone to unpredictable
surges that “fry” the power supply of computers. There is no A/C so overheating
can be a real problem as this country is close to the equator.
Despite all these problems and issues, it is remarkable (or
maybe not) that this country still seems to operate and function. It causes me
to ask, do you really need a smart phone or is a simple pre-paid phone OK as
well. Should I call someone or can I just text him or her? Do I really need an iPad or tablet to look at
my emails or would an old fashioned PC with a keyboard suffice? And what about
the cultural impact of having A/C? Now, everyone is always outside in the
evening, talking with their neighbors, and the kids are playing on the streets.
Imagine everyone being inside to cool off, the streets would be deserted. And
imagine more people having cars; remember a teacher makes $300 a month; no way the
“middle class” can afford cars right now, no more walking to the market?
Sometimes it does not hurt to re-calibrate ourselves and
realize how good we have it, or maybe not… We could do a lot more with much
less, save some resources and money, or, share some of what we have with the
less fortunate. At least once a year, during my trips to do work in developing
countries, I am reminded of that. I encourage everyone to
take that opportunity as well. We could make a difference one school, one
clinic, one teacher, one student, one doctor at a time.
