First ABC Clininc in Xejox

Today we all met in Santa Cruz and took two trucks to Xejox. It is a two hour drive and straight up to 6,300 feet. Kemmel pointed to the mountain and told Camilo and Lindsey that we were going to the top........and then we began the climb!

Our first clinic here was in October 2007 with the South Fork Church of Christ. Today was our first ABC Clinic in the area and 27 of the 32 students were present.

When we first arrived there was no one from the local church to help get things organized.......so Kemmel and Manuel figured who belonged to which family and who was who.........not the easiest thing to do when each person has four names.

Manuel welcomed everyone and explained to them the ABC Program. He then prayed and we started the clinic.

After we had seen everyone, Manuel then explained all of the food and how it would be distributed. Each household receives pasta, beans, soap, toothpaste, Corn Flakes, shampoo, protein drink and toilet paper.

This little girl is in the ABC Program and waited her turn to be seen.

These boys had a lot of energy and wanted several photos taken.

This mother had both of her little girls in baseball caps from New York. I wanted a photo of them in their caps but the mother took the caps off and smoothed down their hair.

This little girl posed for me a couple of times and each time she bent her head down. I could tell she had practiced this pose before.

After all of the children were seen, it was time for them to receive their food products. Each of the children grabbed an empty box for their family and waited in line.

Juan was not able to go with us today. Lisa had clinic in Lemoa so he stayed and helped her but his mother was very kind and packed lunch for us. His mom, Juana, packed beans, rice, steak and salsa. It was great to have lunch before we left and then we headed down the mountain on our way home.

When I arrived back in Santa Cruz, Kemmel dropped me off in park and I got a photo made and purchased a stamp. Tomorrow morning, I will go to the health department with everyone and try to get my health card. Please wish me the best of luck because it may be a little tricky, depending on the mood of the office staff.

Today completes two years in Guatemala!! It has been a great experience and I am very thankful to The South Fork Church of Christ for helping me........Thank you!