Clinic in Panajxit

Several of us headed out to Panajxit today for clinic.  Enrique met us out there and he was sweeping the community building, as we arrived.

I worked with the students again before the consults.  This is Britteny, taking a blood pressure of one of the first patients.

When we were caught up, both Britteny and Carli were able to sit with Sara during the consult.

It was a good clinic, with a variety of patients.  One young lady had severe emotional problems and we hope that she will return again to clinic.

This is Weston, Carli, Sara and Britteny after clinic.

We were invited to eat at Enrique's house.  We had a wonderful lunch and then we headed back to Chichicastenango.

Sunday, I will head to Montellano to help out during a surgical week there.  We pray that the team arrives safely from The States and that the patients do well during this week.  We always appreciate your prayers!  Thank you!

Menopause class in Chichi

This afternoon, we had a scheduled class in Chichi with the ladies at the Church of Christ.  There were between 20-25 ladies and the participation was wonderful.

Many ladies, have no idea what menopause is and this is why they asked for this class.  Many ladies think that there is something wrong or that they are very sick, when they reach this time in there life.  Hopefully, after this class, they have a better understanding.

I wanted them to know that this is a natural process.  That menopause is not a disease or an illness. 

 

That if every lady in the class lived a full life, that they would have this experience.  

As we age, there are changes that we all go through.  I let them know that they would not all be enjoyable,   :)    but it is normal and that everyone can get through it.

The class lasted for 2.5 hours and we enjoyed our time together.

Clinic in San Jorge

This morning, things went a little smoother than they did yesterday.  Our group headed to San Jorge and Lisa went with the other group to Mactzul VI.

These are the student that went with us.........Maggy, Weston and Britteny.  Weston, offered to work with dental, so he got to wear the colorful cap.  Maggy, Britteny and I did vital signs before the patients went for their consult with Sara.

It was a good day.  We had 15 medical patients.

Most of them were diabetics, which is not unusual for this clinic.  I was extremely pleased with one lady that originally came to us with a blood sugar of over 500.  For three clinics now, she has been very controlled.  She is feeling much better and her family is also very pleased.

When we finished, we enjoyed a lunch of chicken soup and tortillas.

We headed back to Chichi to meet the others.

Tomorrow, I will have class with the ladies in Chichi.  I hope that we have a good attendance.

Clinic in Chutzurob

Well, as some days go.........we had some challenges.  We started by trying to get the trucks going in different directions. One group was headed out to Pacaja Xesic and our group was headed to Chutzurob.  One of the trucks would not start, due to battery trouble.  We connected another truck, hoping to charge it, but it just would not crank.

So, we took the battery out and replaced it.............voooooorrrrrrrrrroooooooooommmmmmmmmm!  We were ready to go!  We had called everyone so they knew that we would be a little late........then we were back on the road, again!!

Our group headed to Churtuzob and we were excited that Mercedes wanted to go with us.  Her husband, Edgar, had a great day with the seminar yesterday in Paxot III.  We were excited to hear that.  Today, they will have another day of study and then close in the afternoon.

This is Mercedes, with some of the children in the clinic today. We had about 13 medical patients and I think there were about 8 for dental. 

Kemmel and Lisa will arrive this afternoon with the MET students today.  I have heard that they enjoyed their time at the coast.  Now, it is time for the students to put into practice some of what they have  learned.  Half of them will stay at the coast and the other half will travel here to the highlands.  In a couple of weeks, they will exchange places for another couple of weeks, before they return back to The States.

Tomorrow, a group of us will head to San Jorge.

Clinic in Lemoa

Well, the rains are here.  The temperatures are much cooler and the rains are here almost every afternoon now.

This lady, Maria, came for her glasses today.  She is family of Dr. Jose, who we met on Saturday.  She tried on a few pairs and then she was content with these!  Sara with Maria.......

Since there were not many patients, we went out to Paxot III to trade out trucks.  We were trying to think of ways to take advantage of our time.  Mercedes was with us at clinic today so this gave her an opportunity to see more of the area.

We traded trucks, headed back to Carris and swapped out the equipment.  We are now ready for the week!!

Tomorrow, I will head to Chutzurob with Marcos, Martina, Ceci and Mercedes.

Sunday in Chichicastenango

I wanted to post this photo yesterday but forgot.  This is the Chuchipaca Church of Christ.  They have been continuing to add to the building and get more of it completed.  The newest addition is the bright blue lights around the stage.

This morning, Sara and I met Mercedes and Edgar at the hotel.  We went through the market and found things that Mercedes and Edgar wanted to take back home. We found them coffee, chocolate and some special cookies that they wanted.  We enjoyed our time walking.  Then we stopped for lunch before they needed to head to Paxot III.  Edgar is here for a few days to do a Bible Seminar for the men.

In the afternoon, Sara and I went to worship with the Chichi congregation. The main part of the sermon was taken from II Peter 1:5-9.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you posses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Peter is wanting to emphasize the importance of us having Christ-like characteristics.  He is wanting us to mature in our Christian faith.  No, we can not be perfect but we need to strive to be like Christ.  We need to look within ourselves and see if we are growing. Self-reflection can be very good and help us with our maturing as Christians.

Tomorrow, we will head to Carris and have clinic there.

Tomorrow, we will

Clinic in Chuchipaca and birthday party

This morning, Sara and I headed for Chuchipaca.  We met Cesar and Cecibel there and we had a great clinic  with 13 patients.

When we finished, we were invited to Cesar's for lunch.  I also wanted to visit his mom to see if her blood pressure was better.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch of chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, tamalitos and papaya juice.

When we finished, Cesar's mom said she has felt much better since she has started the medicine for her high blood pressure.  I am so thankful for this!!

We were invited to help celebrate this birthday.  This is Dr. Jose and he is a dentist here in Chichi.  Sandra has become good friends with the family.  The little girl, Maria, was so excited as we sang happy birthday to her and she blew out her candle.  She is enjoying her 6th birthday!
We enjoyed our time with them. 

Gaspar and Manuel arrive this afternoon with Edgar and Mercedes.  They are here to do a men's Bible seminar in Paxot III for the next few days.  Tomorrow, Sara and I will meet them, visit with them during the morning and have lunch.  It will be good to meet them.

Clinic and hospital visit

Today, Lisa picked me up and then we went to get Sandra. There were 20 patients and we had a good day.  

I talked to Gaspar about us visiting Jose from Chuguexa.  He is going to call and see if we can go next week.  It will be a great opportunity! I will keep you posted because I am really looking forward to it!

Gaspar heard that Pedro, from Mactzul VI,  had surgery yesterday and he planned to go to the hospital to see him.  He mentioned me going with him but I told him that I needed to see how the clinic went.

When we finished around lunch time, I talked to Lisa about going with Gaspar and she approved.  We took the Nisson and went to Quiche to find Pedro.

We found him doing well. His wife was with him and he seemed to be resting pain free.  We stayed for about 20 minutes, prayed with them and then headed back to Lemoa. He said he will be in the hospital for 3-4 days.

Tomorrow, we will head to Mactzul III for clinic........................we pray for safe travels!!

Clinic in Chuguexa

Today, Manuel, Ceci and I headed to Chuguexa.  There were patients waiting for us and I always love that.  We greeted everyone and set up for clinic.  It was a busy clinic with twenty-nine patients and I LOVED  it!

There was a great variety of patients! There were also 9-10 new patients.

Last month I told you about Tomas, whom we took to the hospital.  Then he came to Xepol and his blood sugar was still over 500!  Well, today........drum roll, please...............it was only 141!  I jumped for joy!  I told him want a blessing this is, because it shows that he will respond to the pills if he continues to come to clinic and watch his diet.  He has also gained 6 pounds! I can not tell you how excited I was over Tomas. I know that he still has a long way to go but little-by-little...........

We found a patient today that needs his cataracts removed.  This is Tomas and his wife.  I will get him an appointment in a town called, Camanchaj.  He will not have to travel very far.  He knows exactly where the clinic is because two years ago, he went there to have his hernias repaired.  Yes, two sides at one time.

One lady came with a bad eye infection.  I asked her husband what color the eye discharge is........he yells, "Look, there is some now!"  Let's just say, I asked for it, so I got it!!

I saw two pregnant ladies.  The first one was far enough along, so we listened for the heart of the baby.  Well, she was soooooooo excited when she hear it, she yelped and started crying!    We then prayed for God's blessings on her and the baby.

I met a man today that would like for us to visit him, in his home.  For about 5 months he had home dialysis, for his kidney failure.  His doctors told him that without this, he would die.  He finally had enough of it and had the catheter removed.........and he has lived for about seven months!  I asked him if Gaspar and I could visit him in his home and he welcomes us.  I will talk to Gaspar tomorrow about doing a home-visit with Jose.

It was a good day, one full of many blessings!!

Daybreak writing

Today was a day that I could use to catch up.  It was a good day.

I am still writing for the Daybreak devotional in North Carolina. This is one writing that I submitted a few months ago.  Prayer is important and vital to our life.  It is something that we can not live without.

Genesis 25:22-23

Sometimes when we think of people in The Bible, we forget  that they were also human.  They had  daily struggles, some were influential while others had no claim and all battled  in some way, in their relationship with God.   They were no different than us.

We know that Rebecca had her struggles.  She had a difficult pregnancy.  She prayed to God for understanding and for wisdom in Genesis 25:22.  In verse 23, God explained that she had two nations within her.  Now, how much of that do you think she fully understood???  Looking back, of course we can see the two different directions that  Esau and Jacob took.  

What we need to learn from Rebecca is that she  approached God.  She looked to God for answers.   In James 1:5, we are given direction.  When we need wisdom, we need to ask God.  Wisdom is not found in books, classes, hypnosis but it is given by God.  

We may not fully understand at the time we ask.  We usually want answers and results at the time we ask, or even before.  No, it is not easy.  The disciples did not understand everything about Jesus and yet they were with him every day.

Our responsibility is to go to God and remember that He knows best.  There is no better time than THIS moment, to approach our God in prayer.

Let's go to the river!!

Kemmel, Lisa and I went to Mactzul 1 this morning to be a part of the 10 baptisms.  Yes, TEN!  What a day it was!

We sang for about 45 minutes in total and Juan had prepared an excellent message about baptism.   It is important to know when your children are ready for this significant step in their life.  If done too early, the child will not have full understanding.  If we don't teach children as they are young, later in life, they may not want to practice obedience to the Bible.

It was then time to head to the river. There were 7-8 trucks to transport everyone. They asked that people have patience, load 15 people to a truck and assured that there would  be room for everyone.

People waiting to get into the trucks.

Another truck loaded and ready to go!

When we first arrived, Lisa and Kemmel went up to the top of the bridge to get good photos.  Please see their blog at www.Kemmelandlisa.blogspot.com

Before the baptisms began, there was another message for them.

As we were focusing on the baptisms, other people listened and continued with their daily chores of laundry.

The elders praying before they started.

This was the 4th baptism.

Understanding the importance of baptism and how we are buried into Christ..........

and raised to a new life........Romans 6:4----By our baptism, then we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might have a new life.

Dying to self....................

When we returned to Mactzul, we enjoyed lunch.  Then, we had another worship service and each of the young people received a certificate of their baptism.

We were thankful for the clouds through the day.  Kemmel was kind to carry umbrellas for us in case it got too hot but we survived.

Bible Study in Mactzul VI

This afternoon, I went to Mactzul VI for a Bible Study with the ladies there.  They had called a couple of months ago and asked for a study on our value and God's will for us.  As always, this will take a couple of classes to cover.

I had been wondering how to approach this topic.  Why does man have value?  I decided to start from the beginning and talk about creation.  It is a good thing that I did, because there were some good questions.

So we talked about God creating everything in the world.  If you believe in the Biblical account of creation, there is nothing in this world that God did not create.

Then it was time to create man.  The Bible says that he said, "Let us make man in our image."  God was not alone. Man was created in their image and God breathed life into this creature.  Man was created different than the other animals and creations. Man has a soul. He was created to have a relationship with God.

Christ died for God's creation.  He came to live the life of a servant, knowing that he was going to die for humans. He, a perfect being, died for imperfection so God could continue to have a relationship with us.

Because of the above, we have value. 

There were about 40 ladies in the class. On June 14th, we will continue with the class.

Diabetes Class in Chichi

We have been trying for a long time to get the Diabetes Class happening in Chichi.  Well.........today, we had the first class and I think it went well.

Cesar met me and helped set things up at the Church of Christ.  Sara and the promoters have been talking about the class to the patients for the last few weeks.

When it was time to start, there were only about 4 people but once we started, more arrived.  Better a little late, than not at all........right?

This was the first time that Cesar helped me with a class and he did a great job!  The first class, of three is usually the shortest class but the participation was wonderful! We went a full two hours.

I love questions for several reasons.  First, it shows that people are not sleeping on me! That has happened and it is not the best feeling.  But it also shows me that they are connecting with the material. The questions were great and Cesar really stayed focused.

We had 22 students and people seemed to enjoy it.  There were two people that had been through the classes in Lemoa and they returned today.  That is a good sign!
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We have a date planned for the second class and I hope it goes as well.

Day of planning........

I did not have clinic today so I was able to take advantage and get caught up at home.  The next three days will be days of classes. 

Tomorrow, Cesar and I will do a diabetic class in Chichi.  On Thursday, I will be in Mactuzl VI with the ladies.  They have asked for a class on our value and God's will for us.  On Saturday, Cesibel and I will do a diabetic class in Chuchipaca. 

In the afternoon, we met in Lemoa to go over the calendar.  The calendar is packed and FULL of exciting stuff!  Lisa and Kemmel are in a community tomorrow, checking out some new things.  Paxot III will be hosting a Bible seminar, the MET Students will be arriving, new clinics are being started and more classes are being planned.  I just received a call from a lady that wants to start some Bible studies in her community, Chitinimit. 

When we finished in Lemoa, we drove a truck load to Chichi.  Sara and I have talked about checking into some K'iche' classes, so it was time to do it!  We talked to Sebastiana about a starting date.........then when we got back to the truck, I realized that I will not be here that week but down at the coast for surgery.  I will have to go back and back-pedal a little.......I have gotten quite good at that!  hahaha!

It will all work out............no problem!

Clinic and class in Mactzul I

Today, several of us went to Mactzul I for dental and medical clinics and class.

We announced when we arrived but the clinics were still small.  My mountain of people must have had something more important to do :(

When we finished with lunch, Cesar met with some children and their parents for a tutoring session. 

For those who have ABC Children, it is important to know that your support is not only giving children basic needs, but an extra step is being taken to see that they are SUCCESSFUL!  Cesar has offered help to children in the afternoons.  They are are able to bring their homework and ask questions that will help them with their classes.

I did not want to disrupt the class, so the photo is not the best.  There were about 20 people present.  I think that as Cesar continues working with students, more will take advantage of this opportunity!

The exciting part of the day was when I heard there would be several baptisms on Monday.  I think he said that there would be ten!  They will have a worship service starting at 8am, then proceed to the river for the baptisms and then activities until 4 pm......................what a day it will be!  The angels will be rejoicing!

Happy Mother' Say

Mom, Happy Mother's Day!

I am glad it was a special day for you. I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!

I love you!

Not a boring day :)

This morning, I needed to meet Manuel before I went to get Enrique.  I pulled the truck up to the road, jumped out with what Manuel needed, looked down and the tire was flat, flat, FLAT!  Did I say that the tire was FLAT???

So, I got all of the lug nuts off, got ready to put the jack under the truck and thought I would drop down the spare tire first..........and that is when I had trouble.  I could not get the spare to drop down.  I was so frustrated, that I think I actually GROWLED!  That is when I realized I knew that I needed to call for help.  For those that know me, you know I like to be self-reliant but today, I was not.

A tuk-tuk driver stopped to help me and then his friend stopped. Sara and Sandra were waiting in front of their house for me, and as someone drove by, they told them that I was having trouble in the road.  Manuel came with Maria.  I had to call Enrique to let him know I was going to be a little late, so he decided to walk down to where we were................eventually, I had 7 people helping me.  I appreciate so much all of the help I get here in Guatemala.  People are so good to me and I thank God daily for them!

Enrique and I drove to get the flat fixed.  I called Tomas to let him know that we would be a little late. 

We had a good clinic in Xepol.  Victor was there with his mom.  This month, he only had a little twitching of his hand.  I would love to have him symptom-free but that continue to be my hope. 

Last month, we visited a home that had four sick children. Today, the mother returned and told us that the children are much  better!  Gracias a Dios.  As I was talking to her, I noticed a fresh scar on the leg of one of her other children.  I asked what happened and she told me that last month, her child had cut her leg with a machete!  The cut was about 4 inches long and she is going to have quite a scar!  I felt so bad for the little girl.  She is only three years old.  I talked to her mom about cleaning it and gave them some cream for her. 

A couple of weeks ago, in Chuguexa, we had a young diabetic man.  His name is Tomas and I took him to the hospital.  They have him a couple liters of IV fluid and sent him home.  He does not have money to buy insulin, so he came to see us today.  I was able to meet his father for the first time and we talked about how very sick Tomas is. He told me that he is going to try to find a way to buy the medicine on Saturday.

Please pray for Tomas and his family.  There is nothing more powerful than prayer.  This family is hurting and scared.  I will see them again in two weeks.

Tomorrow, we have clinic in Lemoa!

Clinic in Xepocol

Well, where in the world would you live to appreciate fireworks and firecrackers at 0510???  Only on  my street! They lasted for about 10 minutes and then the music got cranked up!  I thought they would calm down a little but I was wrong :(   I got up since I knew I knew I was not going to be able to sleep any more.........I got up, flipped the switch and nothing happened........no electricity! 

I went to get the truck, everything looked good so I proceeded to get Sandra and then Cesibel.  Maria, Manuel and Gaspar met us in Xepocol.  As we traveled along, we realized there was not any electricity in all of Chichi.

When we arrived, we did not have any patients so we mounted the speakers and announced.   The guys offered to let me sing but they know that I will turn them down.  I might have one talent and singing is NOT it!  hahahaha

We finally had some patients come.  We had six patients for medical and three patients for dental.

Between patients, we sat outside and enjoyed the sun.  These two guys came by so flaunt their stuff.........I tried to get Sandra and Maria to do a dental check but they declined.

We walked to the corner store and checked out what snacks they had.  We had several bags to chose from and had a Smörgåsbord since everyone selected a different bag.

When it came time for lunch, we were not very hungry.  Did that keep us from eating???  No!  We enjoyed a plate of beef, rice and tamalitos.

Tomorrow, we will have three clinics so we will head in different directions.  Enrique and I will go to Xepol and I hope we have a lot of patients!!

Worship and Chinese........life is good!

Sandra, Sara and I had a fun day planned!

We started out with worship in Quiche.  The lesson was good and it is always encouraging to begin the week in this manner.  It is funny how things have happened.  We each have our special seat.....I sit in the middle and that way they help me with the songs.  Sara has the hymnal memorized, so she knows the numbers of the songs.

There use to be a Chinese Restaurant in Chichi but they closed it a few months ago.  Today, we ate at the one in Quiche.......so Sara is on the left and Sandra is on the right..

As you can tell, the portions are huge.  It seemed that as we ate, the food increased.

Can't wait to go back :)

When we finished, we ran by the clinic to get some papers to make make copies.........always some work to do but that is ok  :)

Ran by the grocery store and stocked up on some needed supplies................then it was time to go home and get other things done.

Clinic in Paxot II

For those who have been to Paxot II before, you will see a big difference!  And, it is a good one!  The church in Paxot II is growing so they needed to start a new building.  They tore down the building that they were using and a small house behind the church building.  The green building to the left, is the kitchen.

As you can see, it is going to be quite large.  When I asked how many people that it would seat, I was given a number about 3,000 the answer was not a confident one.  We will see!

When it came time for lunch, we walked to Manuel's home.  He brought us a large bowl of plums.......he knows how I love them!  We enjoyed them as we waited.  Lunch was wonderful, with chicken, vegetables and tamalitos.

When we finished, Manuel came in with a small plastic bag, bagged the remaining three plums and gave them to me.  It was one of those moments that I think you just have to be at, to appreciate!  We laughed all the way back to the clinic as people wanted to look at the last three, uneaten plums! We laughed even harder when we realized that Maria had stuffed a few in her pocket to eat later!

This young lady brought her baby for a new-born check.  Her son loves his little sister!

Quite precious!

We finished with ten dental patients and ten medical patients.

Tomorrow, we head out to Chicua for clinic.

Clinic in Lemoa

We had a good day but not as busy as Lisa has had the last few weeks.  There were 18 medical patients and one for a dental cleaning.

I talked to Martina about her grand father.  He now as a few doses of antibiotic working for him and she told me that he is feeling better.  I hope that his progress continues to improve.

Tomorrow, we will be in Paxot II and I hope we have a mountain of patients!!

Happy May!

This morning, several of us headed out to Mactzul VI for clinic.  As we went along, we picked up more people.......first Sandra, then Cesar, Cesibel, Maria and then Manuel met us there.

We had two ABC Children from Mactzul III come to get their birthday presents.  They are Estell and Selena.

One lady that always comes to clinic today was some better.  Sometimes, any improvement is good!  She has poor circulation in her legs and has ulcers.  Anyway, today was the best I have ever seen them.  I was excited for her!

We had eight patients for dental and about twelve for dental.  It was a good clinic.

After clinic, I went to visit Martina's grandfather. He has had difficulty with his leg and not is able to walk.  We tried some new medicine and will see what happens.

Tomorrow, we will be in Carris.