Another Baby for August!

Another baby visited us today and his name is Elias.  I think he will be ready for surgery in August.

Elias and his parents playing around. They are patients at ASELSI in Chichi and were referred to us by Carol.

If all goes well, we will have 7-8 babies in August.  It will be interesting to see how all of their lab work in July. We will have a great week at the coast and will help keep everyone busy for a week in Montellano.

Time in Antigua

This weekend, I spent some time in Antigua.  I went for a few different things and accomplished all that I had planned on.

Jane and Joe have been good friends for several years.  They have a ministry here in Guatemala called Evelyn's Baskets.  They help supply the needs of children who are born with cleft lips and palates until they are able to have surgery.  They were in Antigua for about an hour on Saturday morning and I was able to catch up with them for a cup of coffee and get more supplies.

This is Jane and Joe preparing to head to Antigua. 

We did not have time for photos in Antigua so I "stole" these from their page.

It was good seeing you guys and thanks again for the supplies!  I will keep you posted on the babies that will have surgery in August. 

Clinic in Chuicaca

We left Chichi this morning about 0730 and made our way to Chuicaca.

Mike and Julie are back with us for a few weeks.  It is exciting to take them with us to clinics and they always add some fun stories.

We had a small clinic of about 7 patients.  Manuel and Mike thinking about what medicine to use for one of our regular patients.

Since we had a little free time before lunch, we started playing with ring tones and photos for our phones.  This is Julie and she sang her own ring tone for me!  Thanks, Julie!

Then Manuel let me take a photo to identify his call.  We took about 5 before we had one that he approved of :)

We got Celsi's photo on the second shot.

Then we did a group shot with Tomasa, Julie and Sandra.  I was able to crop Tomas' and Sandra's photo from here.

About 1 pm, we were told it was time for lunch.  The afternoon rain had started and we were not able to leave the building.  When it eased up a little, Manuel backed the trucks inside enough to remain dry as we packed.

We enjoyed a lunch of chow mien.  Faustine mentioned us doing an IVAA class in July.  I told him that we would have to wait until August but I am still willing to do it.  We will see what happens.

Yes, it is almost time to visit my parents in FL.  Last year we had a great time relaxing and I think it will be the same this year.  Sally will be down for three nights and it will be good to see her too. The time will pass very quickly but we will savor every moment :)

Great Clinic in Xepol!!

Cecy, Manuel and I headed out to Xepol for clinic today.  What a great day it was!

Tomas helped us with clinic today.  It has been a few months since I have seen him so it was good to reconnect.  When we finished with patients, he asked if his family could come and he wanted me to pray for them.

Several months ago, I had the uncomfortable responsibility to tell Tomas that his daughter, Sebastiana was pregnant.  That started a whirlwind of events but things have turned out wonderful.

The promise that God made to Moses remains the same for us today.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Life is full of challenges and issues...........but when our relationship with God is strong, we will survive.

This is Sebastiana with Aylin Vella.  She is now four months old and growing quickly.  Sebastiana was baptized on Monday! 

Cecy loves babies and was tempted to take Aylin home with her :)

We shared our thoughts with Sebastiana and her family.  The responsibility of being a mother, teaching your children and importance of love.  Of course, Manuel translated for me and then I asked him to pray.  We are thankful for two new lifes..........physical and spiritual!

Tomas in one happy grandfather!

Babies for surgery!

This last week has just flown by!  Last Thursday we had 35 medical patients in Caris.

On Saturday, we had English Class in Chichi..  There were 12 students and the participation was excellent!

Today, we saw 6 babies for surgery in August.  One will have to wait until February for his palate surgery but hopefully, these 5 babies will head to Montellano!

Sooooooo..........here we go!!

This is Emerson and he is 11 months old.  He had his lip surgery in Guatemala City last year so now he is ready for his palate surgery.

This is Emerson and his mom. She is a sweet lady and is ready to get this second surgery done with!

This is Juan and he is 6 months old.  He will have to gain 2-3 pounds but I think that he can do it!

Juan and his parents........if we are able to do his lip surgery in August, he will be able to have his palate surgery in August of 2016.

This is Jorge!  He is almost 2 years old.

He will be in the same situation as Juan, so these families will get to spend time together for two years!

This is Angel and he is 1.5 years old.  He does have an angelic look to him :)

Here he is with his parents.  He had his lip surgery last year in Guatemala City.

This was the last baby of the day and he was just all over the room!  His name is Felipe and he is a very content baby.

He did not like to have his photo taken at all.........

All of these babies are from ASELSI, a clinic that is close to where I live.  Carol, a nurse, who works at ASELSI gave me the contact information and I called everyone last week.

I have sponsors for all of the babies.  Once I can confirm that the baby will have surgery, I will contact that person so they can know who and what family that they are helping!

The babies will return on July 13th with their lab work.  If all looks good, we will sign the papers and prepare to head to Montellano on August 1st.  Please pray that everything goes well and that the team of health care providers have safe travels!