Mother and Daugher in-law

The other day in clinic, I had the privilege to tell a lady that she is pregnant and her Mother-in-law was with her.  They were so very excited!  I hope to follow them through the pregnancy and pray that all goes well for them and the baby.

This is Micaela and Juana.  She is almost 8 weeks, so we have a way to go.

English Class in Chichi

I met the students in Chichi this morning and everyone was ready to go.  We had 14 students but they all did not arrive at the same time.  We must remember that we are in Guatemala.

We practiced the alphabet then everyone had to write their name on the board and spell it.  Being able to say the alphabet is one thing, but knowing how to use the letters is another.  We counted to 100 and then played Bingo. Mackenzie helped called the numbers.

Then it was time for some entertainment!  Jessica, slowly drew an elephant on the board and the students were able to recognize it before she finished.  They even remembered the English name for it!

Then Ethan went for the frog.  Again, the students know what it was before he finished.

It was a good class!

Then we went separate ways through town but met again at the center square.  Then, there was time for ice cream.............and who can say, "No" to that???

To Breathe or Not to Breathe

Late this morning, as we were seeing patients, Aura the dentist knocked on my door. She asked me to come and see a patient. She was calm but her voice and demeanor were different than usual.

I thought we were going to her office, as we usually do but she went outside. There was a young man slumped back into his chair and he we not responsive.  As I felt for a pulse, I asked someone to bring my stethoscope to me.  He was in a bad position in the chair and I could move him.  I tried to tilt his head back and then again asked someone to bring my stethoscope. I gave him a firm sternal rub, then looked at his eyes and they tilted back..............he was not in a good position to do anything so I said, "Get me Lisa and please bring my stethoscope!"

Lisa comes out the door and we lower him to the ground.  I am trying to open his airway and she is able to get a weak blood pressure.  I am able to tilt his head back some and she can feel his breath on her cheek.  In a few seconds, we can see chest and abdominal movement.

We carry him into the exam room. He finally can answer a few questions and asks for water.
We monitor his vital signs for about an hour and then rests in the other dental office.

The afternoon study for the students was vasovagal response.

All ended well and we are thankful for that!

IVAA/ Pap Class in La Estancia

This morning, Teresa and I set out for the IVAA/ Pap class in La Estancia.  The way the morning progressed, showed me how much that I have changed in 10 years.  We had talked a few days ago about how to get there since it has been several years for me and this would be Teresa's first time. The class is to be in the house of Martin, where we use to have clinics about 9 years ago. 

When we arrive to Quiche, Teresa starts talking on her phone but I do not realize at the time she is getting directions.........but I do find out that she really does not have a very good idea of where we are going.  We turn left and head out of Quiche and then a road is blocked so we have to make another detour.

When we get back to the road that we should be on, she makes another call but the lady can not hear her.  I tell her that it will be ok, we can ask as we continue. So, every time that we see someone that look as if they can contribute to our journey, we ask. 

We eventually come to a house that I recognize from years ago.  I said, "Teresa, this is the house!" She responds, "I do not think so Sheri, because all of the doors are closed."  It was starting to rain so I told her just to stay in the truck until I confirmed whether it was or not..............Martin opened the door and I said. "Thank you!"

We quickly set up for class and it is 0925.  Martin asked us to wait 20 more minutes since more were on their way.   Ok, Martin...........we can wait...........

We spent the time talking to a mother and her daughter, who had an ultrasound.  We talked for about 10 minutes and advised her to come to clinic on Thursday.

It was then time to start the class.  Teresa did a great job of translating and we had about 14 ladies attend.  When we left we had 9 names, so I think we will return to do the IVAA/ Pap clinic. 

I have been very pleased with the response that we have been receiving at the classes.  We will continue to offer the classes and we already have a request for a repeat class in Patzibal :)

Baby Sreening

Today, we had several babies come to the clinic for pre-screening.  The surgeries will be the first week of August.  Several of the students helped today with the exams.

We had 12 children that were good candidates.   There are a couple that will need to wait until next year.  But that is OK.  They will be bigger and stronger and will do well.

This is Santiago.

This is Sheila

This is Javier.

They will all return on July 18th with their labs and we will see how everything will go.  I think that we will have the vans full with 12 children.

As we get closer, I will let each sponsor know so you can be praying for your specific child.

Thank you for all of your help!

Back to the Blog

We have had students with us for a few weeks. They are part of the Medical Evangelism Training program.  They have been a lot of fun and have hung in there.............some days were better than others.

On  this day, they went to Pachaja Xesic with me to help with an English class.  These are the students with some of the students  :)

This is the class.  We had 14 students.

Learning different words for the day.

We counted and then played Bingo.

I put a drawing program on my cell phone.  So this is the butterfly that Morgan drew.  Great talent!

This is Kimmi with her frog.

Justin had the last one it took some time but he got us to the end!

It was a good class and then the students enjoyed ice cream with their families.   They will leave on Wednesday for Panajachel and we will swap students for a couple of weeks.

All is well in Guatemala!