Day of clinic and classes in La Palma

Today, we had clinic and classes in La Palma. Maury, Manuel, Ruben and I traveled together and we are always thankful for safe travels. The rain had washed parts of the road away but Manuel had spoke with Agostin so he knew which roads were safe.

This is the view from the school.

This was the school before all of the action started.

We set up clinic and prayed with everyone. Ruben had a few patients waiting so that was good.

Maury, Agostin and I went to do classes at the school. I talked to Agostin about the class we do and asked if he would mind getting a little dirty for us. He was not sure at first but once he did, I think he had more fun than the students! Every time I introduced him as "Sucio Agostin," he started laughing so hard, we had to pause before we could continue. Every time! I even called his name a few times just to see if he would laugh again.........and he did!

We were only able to complete 4 of the 7 classes so we will return another day. As we were packing up the truck, some children were over by the water faucets and yelled, "We are washing our hands!"

Rueben found the whip that they use to penalize people in the community who have committed different crimes. The people are walked up to the school area, with a mob of people following and this whip is used on them, publicly. Ruben is acing for the camera but when Agostin told us of different stories and how it is used, we were very solemn.

When the truck was loaded we continued to the "House of prayer" for lunch and the ABC Health Class. We walked through the pine trees and then rested as lunch was brought in. We had fried chicken, beans, tortillas and orange drink.

Maury translated for me as we had the class. The class was a little difficult since there is no electricity here. We placed the benches as close to my computer as we could and made the best of it.

The class covered much of the same material as the classes in the school but with a few added touches for the parents. We talked about brushing teeth, bathing, washing hands, preparing food, maintaining the water filter, covering food and just general hygiene. Everyone seemed to enjoy our time together. They asked when we would return with another class...........I told them we would get back when we had another one.

Tomorrow, we will have clinic in Lemoa. I hope that we have a busy day!