Off the map............to Coban and San Cristobal

Sandra, our dentist asked a few of us to accompany her and a group to San Cristóbal for a couple days of clinic.  The success of any medical/dental group is the planning.  Kemmel, prepared his Pathfinder for us to drive and we really appreciated this.  Cheryl, Sandra, Josefina, Gaspar and I headed out about 9am for our trip. We would meet the rest of the group there.

Sandra, our dentist, during our travels.

Josefina, who many of you will remember.  Since I was driving, my camera was still packed in my backpack.  I "borrowed" Cheryl's photos.     You can check out her blog for more photos and more of the story!      www.cherylinchimala.blogspot.com       

The drive was beautiful and we had good weather for the travel.

The area is very mountainous.

We were even able to catch a glimpse of a rainbow.

Then, we came upon an area where there had been a big mudslide.  There area is still a total wreck.

Some areas were difficult to pass through.  This child is trying to "patch" the road with his shovel.

We saw one machine but no one was working.......but of course, they charged us to pass through.  We had to pay 25 Q to pass and then when we returned, we had to pay again.

We finally arrived and it was dark.  There is no electricity or running water here.  We will hold the dental and medical clinics in a school.  They have cots for us and sleeping bags. We set up the room when we arrived........me, Sonia, Cheryl, Josefina, Sandra and Gaspar.  Gaspar and the guys stayed in another room, where the dental clinic will be held.

It was about 6pm and the men from the community had prepared dinner for us.  As I mentioned, we had no electricity so we ate by candles.  The dinner was very good.  The remainder of the group would arrive a few hours later.

With no lights and not a whole lot to do, we decided to go to bed early.........it was about 8pm.  We wanted to be ready bright and early for the many patients that would arrive.  We have been told there will be between 300-400 for 1.5 days of clinic!

It is nice sleeping weather and I am glad that I brought my flannels!