The month of October has been full of challenges, outside of the normal ones. Political events and activities have included road blocks, preventing people from travels, closing access to supplies and keeping people from their work and daily activities.
Before the October team arrived, we had planned a full week of GYN and General Surgeries. We watched with caution as events happened but remained positive that we would be able to continue with the week.
When I arrived in Guatemala City, I heard that I would not have any problem getting to Antigua for a couple of nights but that was not the case. We turned around and I found a place to stay in Guatemala City, as I planned for the team to arrive on Saturday.
There were a few road blocks but not many. I have been here since 2007 and have seen unnumbered protests that start strong and by day two, they hang up their machetes and go home for lunch.
There were positive posts from the staff too. They were preparing for our arrival.
I always tell people that the staff work very hard to prepare for a surgical week and it is true.
Rigoberto and others greeted the patients as they arrived and continue to do things as normal.
On Sunday afternoon, Darling and Rita talked with the nursing staff to prepare them for the week.
It was a diverse group of volunteers. For many, it was their first time, brought by friends or family who wanted to share a special week in Montellano. For others, it was their first time after COVID closed us down. It was great to see Barb again, who brought two new people with her.
One of our very own had surgery...........and we just had to cheer him up! Someone, came up with the idea to paint Oscar's toes when he was sleeping.....You should have heard him laugh. I will not tell everyone that Bode did the evil deed! You can see for yourself! The patients in the beds close to him did not want to close their eyes!
Next time that I see Juana, Oscar's wife, I will ask her if she liked the color!
Even thought we have some fun, we do not want to forget that we are here to care for people, ease their pain and let them know we care. Bruce, who served as our chaplain, prayed for the patients this week.
Hopefully, some seeds were planted in the few days that the team was here.
With the growing unrest here and with roads closing to over 150, we decided it was best that the team return to the states. It was a very difficult decision but strategically thought out.
Our team photo was taken after dinner, instead of the usual morning photo before they head to Antigua.
The bus left at midnight and as they passed each blockade, I would get a few calls from people letting me know they were safe. After each call, I paused and gave thanks/ Gracias a Dios for their travels. They made it to the airport and flights were rescheduled.
A very difficult week.......and we will see what the future holds.
