132 hours and 10 minutes.

As of today, I have officially slashed off 132 hours from the required 200. Just a few more days left and everything will be back to how they were. I'll certainly miss the experience and definitely the people from Clinic of the Holy Spirit.

I remember the anxious feeling I had before the clinic's metal door during my first day. Not knowing what was on the other side, I started having bizarre thoughts at that moment. Scenes from movies started swimming in my head, and most (might I add), scared me. Looking back, I realized how ridiculous I was for having thought that. Contrary to my assumption, the patients were very kind and welcoming! Seeing new faces made them really happy. Because of them, I was able to adapt with the environment quite fast.

A little background of my workplace: Clinic of the Holy Spirit is a psychiatric hospital which caters to the needs of people who are considered mentally ill, emotionally disturbed and having other unusual behavior. Schizophrenia, Mental retardation, Bipolar and other types of disorder can be observed there. It is a 100 bed facility but currently they have over 50 patients to which most, I am proud to say, I now know the names. It's situated along 4 Los Angeles St. Cubao, Quezon City.

What do we do? Usually we interact with the patients. Getting to know them a little better, asking questions, sharing ideas, exchanging stories and the like. At times we prepare activities for them so they won't get bored. Like this afternoon for example. We did art activity. Had them draw, write or however they want to design their own cup. After collecting their work we combined the cups (together with ours) then displayed it so everyone could appreciate not only their work but the works of others combined.

So far, my stay had been a pleasant one. Had some dull days, I won't lie, but most times I am enjoying it. Thankful to have met such great people: the patients, the fellow practicumers, the aids, the nurse, the guards, the neighborhood in general. Such nice people.

Before ending this I would just like to share an unforgettable experience I had today. There is this patient who NEVER talks. You ask him a question, he simply nods. He likes giving high fives and that's it. This afternoon had me by surprise. When everyone was done handing out their snacks, I went to him and asked how the meal was. I asked him "Busog?", he looked at me for a while then looked pass me and said "Gusto ko pa."
#happy. :D