Diabetes and Hygiene classes in Lemoa

Today, we had the second diabetic class scheduled and we had a good class. There were 17 students and the participation was good. Our time together lasted almost 2.5 hours. Most everyone said that they will be able to return for the third class in November.

Tomas translated today and he did a wonderful job. He is very patient when he explains things and he also encourages questions. Although the class is over diabetes, a physical problem, we also talked about spiritual illness as well. We encouraged people to return with more questions next month.

A group from Las Cuevas was in the clinic this morning and Kemmel asked if we would do a hygiene class for the group. No problem........let's go for it!! The problem came when I forgot that we had already been in this community in early August. So, Maury and I did a spontaneous class and we think it was received well.

We discussed hygiene again but also used the dental model we have in the clinic. The children enjoyed the huge toothbrush and laughed at Maury as she demonstrated. They did remember some of the previous material and this is always an encouragement.

When we were in Las Cuevas, we did not have any water to demonstrate good hand washing technique so we went to the pila behind the clinic and practiced. I wanted the parents to look at their children's hands to see if they thought they were clean. A big problem for me would be if I thought a child's hands were dirty but the parent thought they were clean. I was not ready for that :)

This young man was the first to demonstrate for us. When he was finished, his mom was not happy and sent him back for another washing. Go mom!!

Some of the children had long nails. We offered the parents clippers to help clip their children's nails and talked about why this is important.

These twin girls wanted their photo taken. This was their pose. I did not ask to see their hands. They were very pleased with how clean they were and wanted to show the camera.

This young lady scrubbed and scrubbed her hands. She has beautiful white teeth and I am sure that she brushes them equally, as well.

This toddler was unable to reach the pila so we put the basin on the ground for her. Her father jumped right in there to help her.

After about 1.5 hours, it was time for the long ride home. Everyone jumped up in the back of the truck and it was standing room only! Can you imagine standing for about a two-hour ride home on the Guatemalan roads??? The poor guy in the very back is standing on the bumper.

It was a full day but it was a good day.