On Friday, we went to Mactzul VI for a ladies class. Cecy translated for me and the class was on, "Who am I?" The ladies seemed to enjoy the study and we talked about it more on the ride back to Chichi.
The dream of leaning to speak K'iche' continues to fade. There is just not enough time to focus on that while continuing with clinics, classes and other activities in the communities. Cecy mentioned there will be several baptisms on Monday when I am clinic. I asked her to take photos so I will be able to share those with you.
On Saturday, I did a short class in Quiche on IVAA/ PAP for the ladies. I did not realize it was a 6 hours special program about fasting. They started at 8 am and then at 1 pm, asked me to talk about the clinic.
It went well even though it was a shortened version. They already have 22 ladies signed up for the clinic so we will work on getting that scheduled.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Busting Clinic and Pallitive Care!
Today was a good day and a very busy one.
We were in Clinic Caris and had 32 medical patients. There was a wide variety of patients with several needing surgery.
This man has a very severe case of gout. All of his extremities are affected. Here, you can see the accumulation of uric acid crystals. He is in extreme pain but the medicine does give him some relief.
We had two sisters who just found out that they they are diabetics. Their blood sugars were over 450 and they also have a brother who is diabetic.
One lady has a small growth behind her ear so I referred her to Lisa during the Mactzul I clinic.
Gaspar had called a lady who has cervical cancer and we planned on visiting her in the afternoon. It was about 11 am when I realized that I still had more than half of the patients to see. In about 20 minutes, Lisa called me. She had heard about the number of patients that we had and offered to come and help! Thank you, Lisa. Usually, I would not mind the large number of patients but did not want to keep the lady in Xatinap I waiting.
When we arrived in Xatinap I, Ofelia met us in the road. She told us that after Gaspar had called, her husband had left to start drinking again.
We sat in their home talking about different things and then in about 15 minutes, her husband returned. I found it very interesting that he returned. He was curious about why we were there to visit his wife.
She has been ill for many years but has improved some. We talked about different scriptures and then prayed with them. I invited her to go with me on Sunday to worship in Quiche. They do not live far from there. We left medicine with her and hope that she has good results with pain control.
Gaspar and I returned to clinic to help finish up. Lisa had done an ultrasound on a pregnant lady and then referred her to the hospital.
It was a good day...........I look forward to following up on Monday with several of the patients that we saw today.
Lisa, thank you for your help!
We were in Clinic Caris and had 32 medical patients. There was a wide variety of patients with several needing surgery.
This man has a very severe case of gout. All of his extremities are affected. Here, you can see the accumulation of uric acid crystals. He is in extreme pain but the medicine does give him some relief.
One lady has a small growth behind her ear so I referred her to Lisa during the Mactzul I clinic.
Gaspar had called a lady who has cervical cancer and we planned on visiting her in the afternoon. It was about 11 am when I realized that I still had more than half of the patients to see. In about 20 minutes, Lisa called me. She had heard about the number of patients that we had and offered to come and help! Thank you, Lisa. Usually, I would not mind the large number of patients but did not want to keep the lady in Xatinap I waiting.
When we arrived in Xatinap I, Ofelia met us in the road. She told us that after Gaspar had called, her husband had left to start drinking again.
We sat in their home talking about different things and then in about 15 minutes, her husband returned. I found it very interesting that he returned. He was curious about why we were there to visit his wife.
She has been ill for many years but has improved some. We talked about different scriptures and then prayed with them. I invited her to go with me on Sunday to worship in Quiche. They do not live far from there. We left medicine with her and hope that she has good results with pain control.
Gaspar and I returned to clinic to help finish up. Lisa had done an ultrasound on a pregnant lady and then referred her to the hospital.
It was a good day...........I look forward to following up on Monday with several of the patients that we saw today.
Lisa, thank you for your help!
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Clinic in Chuicaca
Several of us drove to a fairly new clinic in Chuicaca. I went to Chichi to get Sandra, Gaspar, Maria and Cecy. Manuel was waiting for us when we arrived.
The drive to clinic was hysterical. I laughed so hard that I cried. Everything was in the way.......every form of animal life wanted to make their presence known! Sandra started taking photos when it was obvious we were going to lose. These turkeys would not get out of the road! I would beep the horn and try to go left, while they stopped walking so they could gobble back at us. I would beep the horn again, try to go to the right side and they would stop walking and gobble back!
We finally made it around the dogs, turkeys, cows, ducks and even a cat.
When we arrived, we had to wait for someone to bring us a key. We sat on the steps and read the daily newspaper. It writes and gives photos of the horrible accidents, killings and devastating events that take place here in Guatemala.
These patients enjoyed ice cream as we waited for the key.
When we finally got in, Gaspar and I wanted to clean. This building has been empty except for our clinics and needed a good cleaning. We went across the street to a store to buy a broom and cleaning supplies. Gaspar started walking away with everything and then tilted his head back to the owner and said, "She will pay for everything!" The owners started laughing as us, as I reached for my money :)
We had a great clinic of 18 medical patients, 7 dental patients and 1 dental cleaning. Usually, Manuel has more dental cleanings but not today.
We listened for the Gasparin Ice cream van but we did not hear it today. We were all looking forward to it.
Lunch was provided by a local family. They were very nice and the food was fabulous!
We will return in a month for another clinic.
The drive to clinic was hysterical. I laughed so hard that I cried. Everything was in the way.......every form of animal life wanted to make their presence known! Sandra started taking photos when it was obvious we were going to lose. These turkeys would not get out of the road! I would beep the horn and try to go left, while they stopped walking so they could gobble back at us. I would beep the horn again, try to go to the right side and they would stop walking and gobble back!
When we arrived, we had to wait for someone to bring us a key. We sat on the steps and read the daily newspaper. It writes and gives photos of the horrible accidents, killings and devastating events that take place here in Guatemala.
These patients enjoyed ice cream as we waited for the key.
We had a great clinic of 18 medical patients, 7 dental patients and 1 dental cleaning. Usually, Manuel has more dental cleanings but not today.
We listened for the Gasparin Ice cream van but we did not hear it today. We were all looking forward to it.
Lunch was provided by a local family. They were very nice and the food was fabulous!
We will return in a month for another clinic.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Clinic in Saquilla
This morning, we traveled to Saquilla. Martina went with me and we met Tomas, Enrique, and Aura at the clinic.
It was a small clinic but it went well.
After clinic, we went to visit a patient in her home. Lisa, Maury and I went to visit Tomasa, who is a member of the church in Chichi. She had a pancreatic tumor removed not too long ago and is not doing well at all.
Lisa brought several medicines with her and explained them to the family. It is sad and difficult to see someone in pain and to know that there is nothing that you can really do to help. You can only offer support and prayer.
It is comforting, although, to know that she is a Christian and has remained faithful. While it is still a struggle, she and her family can be at peace. We concluded our visit, kneeling beside her bed as Lisa led us in prayer..........praying for comfort and peace.
It was a small clinic but it went well.
After clinic, we went to visit a patient in her home. Lisa, Maury and I went to visit Tomasa, who is a member of the church in Chichi. She had a pancreatic tumor removed not too long ago and is not doing well at all.
Lisa brought several medicines with her and explained them to the family. It is sad and difficult to see someone in pain and to know that there is nothing that you can really do to help. You can only offer support and prayer.
It is comforting, although, to know that she is a Christian and has remained faithful. While it is still a struggle, she and her family can be at peace. We concluded our visit, kneeling beside her bed as Lisa led us in prayer..........praying for comfort and peace.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Brenda and Doyle Meet Maria
This afternoon, Brenda and Doyle had an opportunity to meet their ABC Child, Maria. They have sponsored her for five years! Today was an exciting day for Maria and her family.
Several people that were at the surgical clinic last week remained in Guatemala for a few extra days. It is a great opportunity to visit the open market in Chichicastenango and experience a little more of Antigua.
Maria made this blanket in school and presented it to show her appreciation to Brenda and Doyle.
This is Maria and her family.
We enjoyed a very good lunch in Los Confrades. Starting on the left is Tom, Connie, Jay, Amy, Cynthia and Janice. Tom, Amy and Cynthia translated during the surgical week. Connie circulated in the operating room. Jay worked in the sterilization room and Janice worked with the patients after their surgery.
It was a fun day but a full day. The group returned to Antigua in the afternoon and have an afternoon flight tomorrow. We pray that they will have safe flights and will want to return next year!
Several people that were at the surgical clinic last week remained in Guatemala for a few extra days. It is a great opportunity to visit the open market in Chichicastenango and experience a little more of Antigua.
Maria made this blanket in school and presented it to show her appreciation to Brenda and Doyle.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Quiet Chichicastenango
It was a good drive back to Chichi. I could feel the temperature drop as I climbed along the highway.
I like Montellan but you have heard me say that it is very HOT there. Tonight, I will be back in my flannels and using the heating blanket.
This was the view behind my house as I entered for the night.
It has been a great week. I will print all of the photos that I have taken and take them to the parents on Feb. 23 when I see them in Clinic Caris.
In the morning I will travel to Antigua, in preparation of getting my passport.
I like Montellan but you have heard me say that it is very HOT there. Tonight, I will be back in my flannels and using the heating blanket.
This was the view behind my house as I entered for the night.
In the morning I will travel to Antigua, in preparation of getting my passport.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Another day.................
This morning several of us headed out to medical clinics. They needed one more translator so I did not mind going. This young boy enjoyed being weighed and swinging...........he was sad when the ride ended and he was put back in his mother's arms.
When I returned to Montellano, Kenia had just returned to her bed. She was very comfortable and had done well. Philip said that it was a difficult surgery and then later I heard that the mother had picked a scab from Kenia's lip after the first surgery. Let's hope that she does not do this again!
Eber was having a good day. He was a little congested after surgery but he will be ready to go home on Thursday.
Jose Luiz also had a good day. He will go home tomorrow.
Randy and his mom walked around most of the day. They are ready to head home NOW! But unfortunately, will have to wait until the morning for their ride.
All of the babies have done great and it has been an exciting week.
Many thanks to all of those who came down and made the week happen. Thank you to all of those who sponsored children........Danny, Don and Jessie, Terry, Nancy and her congregation and Kory.
Your gift has tremendously helped an child and family.
In the morning, I will work my way back to Chichi. I will spend one night there and then on to the city to get my new passport :)
Eber was having a good day. He was a little congested after surgery but he will be ready to go home on Thursday.
All of the babies have done great and it has been an exciting week.
Many thanks to all of those who came down and made the week happen. Thank you to all of those who sponsored children........Danny, Don and Jessie, Terry, Nancy and her congregation and Kory.
Your gift has tremendously helped an child and family.
In the morning, I will work my way back to Chichi. I will spend one night there and then on to the city to get my new passport :)
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