Visit to Diego's home and Panajachel

Kemmel, Lisa, Fran and I left early for Panajachel. We checked into our hotel and scoped out a few places to use for shuttle services and hotels.

Fran found her store in Pana.......

We met Lloyd and Melanie at Solomen's Porch. They and Hector helped us with the transportation of Diego and his family. We decided to have lunch there and we had a few options. Lisa was brave and ate Lebanese food. I would tell you what she had but I have no idea. All I know is I tried some of the octopus.........and I am glad I can say I have tried it.


After we had lunch, Hector drove us to the home of Diego's family. I knew it would be difficult but I felt strongly that we needed to go. I wanted them to know they have been in our thoughts and prayers. Josefina talked for a long time and it is good for her to able to be able to do this. Alex, Diego's father, is dealing with his grief and he is also sick with chicken pox. We talked to them about possibly going to Montellano in the future during a surgical week and talking to other families and being a support for them.

We spent the night in Pana and were prepared for our clinic in Chuchipaca. We could not leave on time due to a biathlon. The streets were blocked and we could not pull the truck out of the parking area. The people ran, swam in the lake and finished with another run.

We finally made it to Chuchipaca and had a clinic with 17 patients. We had some interesting cases. One child was a year only and only weighed 10.5 pounds. There seems to be some neurological damage so Lisa talked to the mom about taking the baby to the hospital. We hope the baby receives some care.

One small child had penetrated his hand with small piece of wood. We numbed it and then removed it.

One lady has had problems with one eye so Lisa sent her to a eye specialist. Lisa felt there was a possibility that there was a fungal infection which could cause her to lose her vision.

It was an interesting clinic with various illnesses........and as always, Lisa is very patient and teaches me as we go.

After the consult, Fran prayed with each patient. She prayed in a combination of Spanish and English addressing their needs. We know that God speaks all languages so we are confident those prayers will be answered.