Monday, March 4, 2024

Monday in Paxot III

Started the morning with breakfast at the hotel.  

The trucks were already packed and ready to roll.  We met in the parking lot to hear the plan for the day.  Lisa went to Caris to see patients there and the majority of us went to Paxot III.

 
We provided care for the ABC Students in that area. Some of the students came in the morning and we also had a few in the afternoon.
 
One of students returned with her sister and wanted us to take their photo. 
 
I quickly got a photo of the dental team from the coast.......Yoli, Karla, Vanessa and Naby.

 
One thing for sure, is that the physical exam is very important. Someone may say their feet hurt and you may just think to give them something for pain......but you never know what you will find.  This patient said that her feet have hurt for 15 years. When you see them, you will know why.
 
They have repeatedly cracked and bled.  I gave her some different creams and hygiene instructions.  I am hoping to get a followup photo in a few weeks to see if she has improved.......I sure hope so!
 
In the afternoon, we returned to the hotel.  The flowers are always so pretty here.
 

 
 
After everyone regrouped, we hit the streets again..........going out for mango! Karla enjoying hers!
 
 
Everyone wanted their mango served in a different manner. They were in different combinations with honey, chili, pepita, lime or salt.  I like mine plain.....sometimes with pepita or lime but usually plain.

As everywhere, prices have increased and things are just more expensive but that is life.  Things have doubled or tripled in price.

But some things are worth it..........my fire in the evening!
 
Tomorrow, we will return to Paxot III, for Day 2.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Running to Chichicastenango

Yesterday, we made out way to Chichicastenango to participate in a week of medical/ mobile clinics.  So the plan was for Naby and Karla, two of our dentists to travel apart from us, and I would bring Vanessa dn Yoli with me from Ezell.

Vanessa and Yoli arrived and we packed the truck up.  Before we were out the gate, Vanessa asked if we could pray.  I said, "Sure!"  I had already prayed for our safe travels but a few more prayers never hurt! So we prayed for our safety and for all others traveling.

We arrived in time for lunch at the Santo Tomas Hotel and then, we hit the streets!!  Naby had been through Chichi a few times but it had been several years.  For the others, it is their first time......so I am excited.

We first went through the streets and we visited the market.  They loved the color!

 
We then progressed to the Catholic Church. The streets were full with a lot of different activities and it was good to see the tourism some better than last time I was here.
 
 
I had wanted to visit my friend to buy some mango but after lunch at Santo Tomas, I decided to wait until tomorrow.
 
Vanessa saw a lady making some ice cream and curling it up in rolls......she was so excited since she had never seen this before. Vanessa is in the red and she is a dental assistant.  Yoli is behind her and  works as a dental hygienist.
 
Yoli went to make a purchase for her mom and we clicked a quick photo.  Karla, Vanessa, myself and Naby..........messing around in the streets.
 
We met to discuss how we would work through the week.  We have a group of students from Harding University with us and we will be in two communities for two day. Monday and Tuesday, we will be in Paxot III and on Wednesday and Thursday, we will be in Chuchipaca.
 
We met with the Church of Christ for their evening worship and then dinner at Santo Tomas.
 
What a week we have ahead of us!  As Kemmel and Lisa said, "It is just like old times!" I am thrrilled at the opportunity!



Friday, March 1, 2024

Happy March 1st, 2024

The year is marching right along......and so quickly it passes.  We have lots of projects going on and I have shared some of those photos with you.

The pray/ meditation bamboo areas are coming along nicely. 

 The foundations have been completed.

 
Another huge project is the new dorm area. First the windows had to be removed and it was not an easy process. 
 
 
Once the windows were taken out, they were sealed with concrete.
 
We are also doing work on the water system and improving that.
 
On Sunday, I will head to Chichicastenango to work in a medical mobile and dental clinic.  I will be taking two dental assistants with me.  Also coming from the capital, will be Naby and Karla, two dentists from Ezell. I really look forward to the week and hopefully, will have some photos to share.
 
 



Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Staff Appreciation and Thanksgiving

Today, we had a special day just to be thankful and to let everyone know how valuable they are.  

We have been raising tilapia here on the hospital grounds.  Obdulio and Oscar have been working on this and it was time to enjoy them. They were all half a pound to one pound in weight. We invited all of the Chichicastenango staff to enjoy the day with us and Violeta also was with us from The Capital.

So with about 90 people, we had a full day. We enjoyed tilapia, shrimp, salad and tortillas.

 
We  discussed leadership because.......we are all called to be leaders.
 
Some volunteered to a team activity and it involved passing a piece of candy from one person to another, using only spoons. It was very entertaining.
 
Otto and Rosalia were successful.
 
Byron and Obdulio also very very good.
 
 
While this was a day to enjoy time together, here is still a lot of work going on and projects on each side of the grounds.
 
The rain gutters or cannels are being replaced in different areas. It is hot work, which needs to be finished before the rainy season begins.....which makes it even hotter.
 
The two prayer/ meditation bamboo structures are going well. You can see in the background more of the cannal being replaced.

I will be sharing more photos of our progress
 


Thursday, February 22, 2024

Team Building Class and Diabetic Club

I knew today would be a busy day but that is ok.

Marissa, out psychologist, has been doing team activities with the nursing group.  She is good with dynamics and involving people, when they rather not be involved. It was good to see some people open up and participate.

 
Following the class with Marissa, the Diabetic Club met. Baldemar was invited to speak to the group about spirituality in our life.
 
When Baldemar finished, Dr. Allen spoke to the group about carbohydrates, activity and medications.

 
It was a well balanced day. After lunch, we did consults with everyone in the class.  I was disappointment a few patients did not return.  I know you can not force people to participate, even when you know their health is at risk.  Maybe they will rethink it and join us again next month.



Wednesday, February 21, 2024

What is Guatemalan Known For??

If I were to ask you what you think of when you think of Guatemala, I would hope that most people would be thinking and planning for their next trip with Health Talents!! If you are one of those people, please let me know and I will be glad to answer questions that you may have and be thrilled to help you with those plans.

Another common thought that accompanies Guatemala is coffee!  Yes, it is a popular export here and we offer the opportunity to buy whole bean and ground before you return to the states.

Obdulio was also thinking of coffee when he made his last creation. He sent me a photo of this, the evening that he finished it.

 
When it was finished, I found it's home near the dental area.
 
Tomorrow, we will have a busy day!  Tomorrow we have a nursing meeting with Marissa and then the diabetic club meets, followed by clinic.

Stay tuned.......and remember you are welcome to come and enjoy some coffee with us!
 


Monday, February 19, 2024

Ezell is for Clinic, Surgery, and Physical/ Emotional Therapy!

Today, I spent the majority of my time with Kemmel, Milton, Obdulio and Cristofer reviewing the goals of the ABC Program and the responsibilities of all those involved. For those who have spent time with me, you know that I love the program because that is what the foundation is......responsibility. We do not want to develop dependency, at any level.

Milton has just started working with the program so this was a good time to review.

When we finished for the day, Lisa and I walked around the clinic a few times. We met Manuela, one of our dentist. She had brought her children back to play with Javier!

 
If you have been to Ezell, you probably have met Manuela and she is a great addition here.  Her husband, Kevin, preaches from time-to-time at the Montellano congregation.

Her son is Pablo and he is 4 years old.  Katy is her daughter and she is 1 year old.

 
Some projects are coming along......and as I mentioned the other day, do not blink or your miss something!
 
More to follow, in the days to come.