Montezuma Creek

As part of Justin's Residency this year, he was required to spend one month working in Montezuma Creek, which is a Indian Reservation in south-eastern Utah. 

He was assigned November, and spent the month driving 5 hours back and forth so we could see him on the weekends. 

He spent his days in the clinic treating the mostly the Native American population. Even meeting original members of the Ute tribe, and some who still spoke the language. He came home at night to this retro apartment, sometimes not knowing if the lights would turn on when he got there. He woke up early each morning for exercise and to take advantage of the nearby trails and warmer weather. 

He was invited to a thanksgiving feast put on by the nearby church. He greatly appreciated the home cooking and warm meal! He thought about going to the high shcool event on the 15th, but has probably been scarred enough from the memories of his childhood!! ....

(Normal activity for teenagers, right?)

 We'd send each other 'I miss you, I love you' pictures~

He was a bit lonely being away from home, luckily the time went fast and it wasn't all that bad. ;)

 One of the days he was there the local Elementary School right across the street had a real scare. Reportedly, the gas had been left on all weekend without any knowledge, and on monday morning when the children came to school a good number of them became seriously ill to the point where they were passing out. When students started dropping like flies, the panic set in. The situation turned into an intense emergency within minutes, and Justin being a medical professional on site, was called in to help. Because Montezuma is such a small area there was not enough oxygen to go around. Children and teachers were life flighted to area hospitals, as well as bussed to nearby towns to receive treatment. 

Justin treated many children that day, and could attest that it was a very scary and dramatic situation. Luckily he was there with the skill set to help! Not something you say everyday or on an average day at work!

He enjoyed the clinic there in Montezuma and getting to know the cheerful staff. He had lots of fun and with all the experience needed from the opportunity and more~~

We were glad to have him home again, and right in time for Thanksgiving.