Expectations vs. Reality

Not everything in life can go as smoothly as we plan it. Sometimes we expect more of ourselves and our plans than we can actually do.

This is the case for Mongolia. I wanted to come to Mongolia to learn from the locals and help the people around me. I believed that I could conquer this trip and was prepared to be there. I did not realize how difficult that truly would be.

After some time in the country, I realized that I had made a mistake by going. I was not prepared for the difficulties I faced and I felt abandoned and isolated. The hospital was not what I expected and there was little regard for the feelings of the mother. For people who know me, I am very passionate about mothers and babies as well as the birth process. I believe it should be celebrated and treated with respect not violence and disdain. 

I am not a person who gives up easily and I fought hard to be able to stay. After much contemplation and weighing of all of the options, I decided it was best to return home. I was honestly concerned for my safety because of incidents that occurred on the streets and I was not willing to compromise my safety. 

Now all of this is not to say that everything was bad in Mongolia. I had an incredible host family. They welcomed me into their home with open arms and I became very close to them. I learned from them and laughed with them. 

Mom and sister

Great homemade food. 

I know many of you were looking forward to hearing about this trip and I am sorry to disappoint. I believe very strongly in self preservation and making sound decisions. The decision to leave Mongolia was made in a sound state of mind with no reservations or regrets. I believe that visiting Mongolia could be an amazing experience but integrating yourself in the life and work as an alone American woman is a different story. 

I have returned home with a greater appreciation for America. I believe our healthcare system is backwards in many ways but has also evolved by leaps and bounds to benefit our patients. I am greatful for the many blessings I have and even the chance to go to Mongolia and experience things for myself no matter how it worked out. 

Thank you so much for following my blog these last few weeks. I have enjoyed sharing my experiences with you.

Orientation Day

Today was my first full day in Mongolia. I slept in a little and my host sister made me a huge breakfast. Way more than I could ever eat but it wasn't bad. I'm not sure what alot of it was though. Sometimes it's better not to ask questions. 

My host family is very kind and the apartment is nice as well. The best part is they have wifi so I don't have to leave to communicate with people. 

My bedroom

The hallway 

Living room

My sweet sisters

My orientation day started at 1130. A projects abroad worker picked me up and we took the public transportation to the office. I had a small orientation there about the medical placement and the dos and donts of being in Mongolia. We had Korean food for lunch...still not a fan...and from there she took me to the center city. She pointed out all the shops and important places to know while I'm here. It was a great way to see the city for sure. Here's a few pictures of what I saw today. 

Games in the park

Blue sky building

The central square

Gorgeous mountains creeping up behind the city

I learned that Mongolians don't drink water. It's for sale bottled everywhere but they just don't drink it so I got myself a huge water! Also, I'm probably going I die on public transportation or get but by a car before I leave here. Apparently you're just supposed to cross the street when you feel like it and hope the cars stop...not reassuring...

And when they say developing country, they mean it. Most of the buildings are stopped mid construction and the ones that are built have been around since the 40s and 60s. But the little glimpses I caught of the countryside are incredible. I can't wait to go out there. 

Now I'm resting because I'm still exhausted from traveling and Israel. I'm not sure when my host parents come home but I'm sure dinner will be an adventure as well. I promise to post about it if it is.