Clinic in Chuchipaca

Today, Mike, Julie and I headed to Chuchipaca for clinic.  We met Cecy there and we already had a few patients waiting.

It felt like an eye clinic and that is good.  We were able to help several ladies with reading glasses, which will also help them with their sewing and embroidery work.  This was one of our content patients.  We did not have a mirror so when I took the photo, they could see if they liked the glasses or not.  Of course, we took the little white tag off before they left :)

I was also pleased with one of our diabetic patients, Antonio.  He is a severe diabetic and one of the rare ones, that uses insulin.  He has very dense cataracts and has been wanting to have surgery.  For the last several clinics, he has been controlled so we now have him scheduled for surgery in November.  I look forward to the day that his vision is much better.

It was a great clinic with about 17 patients.  Cecy is always fun to work with and keeps me on my toes.

Now, it is time to relax for a little during the weekend.  A few weeks ago, Kemmel downloaded a few seasons of Blue Blood.  I am watching the first season and have really enjoyed it.  Thank you, Kemmel!

Thoughts from Carlos in Montellano

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Montellano to visit the group that was there and to also visit Marlene.

Carlos preached the sermon from Psalms 42 and the anguish that David felt.  Many people do not think it is correct to admit distress and have a good heart-to-heart with God.  That it is not good to admit depression or face their fears.  This is far from the truth.

David mourned and cried.  He felt struggles and pain as we do today.  David penned those emotions.  He remembered when things were good, when he rejoiced and praised God. 

He questioned his feelings.  He questioned God's presence.  It is OK.............but we can not let that be our last thought.

We must remember that God is our refuge.  He allows our pain and our struggles and because of this, if we are faithful, God will remain our hope and our salvation.  He pulls us closer to Him, if we allow.

It was a great lesson, Carlos.  Thank you.

I have mentioned my shepherd friend that lives near by.  Today, when I went walking, she had two new babies with her.  This lamb is less than 2 days old.

Isaiah 40:11

He tends his flock like a shepherd;

He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young.

Class in Chutzurob

Back in May of 2008, Juan, Gaspar and I drove to Chutzurob to meet with Sebastian.  This is the photo that I took that day..........and a lot has happened since then.

Juan, Gaspar and Sebastian in front of where the church meets.

Shortly after this meeting, we started having monthly clinics here.  The clinic has always done well and several members of the congregation help us each month.  We now have a dentist with us each month, offering fillings, extractions and denal cleaning.

Today, Cecy and I went out to do a class on Papanicolaou and IVAA for the ladies.  There were around 22-24 ladies and a lot of questions!  I was very surprised and pleased.  They said that they will be talking about having regular monthly classes.  We will see what happens.

One of the young ladies had a lot of questions.  I do not remember seeing her before in clinic.  On the way home, I asked Cecy about her.  Her name is Wendy and she has recently been baptized.  Her parents were costumbre, believing and praying to many gods.  How exciting that she was part of the class today and had so many questions for us.  I really look forward to returning to Churtzurob.

I think it is a good reminder for us.  Our parents teach us the best that they can but there are some things that we need to study for ourselves.  What if Wendy had never questioned her salvation?  I have a friend that says, "My parents believed this, so I will die believing the same." For me, this is very sad.  For our souls sake, we need to study the Bible and know what is expected of us.

One day, I will give an account for what I have done, not for what my parents have done.

Remembering Manuel from Chicua

On April 6, 2013, I met Manuel in Chicua.  He was one of our first patients at Alicia's house.  He was a severe diabetic who wanted to hear more about the Bible.

The next week, Gaspar walked and walked trying to find where Manuel lived.  We did not have good directions and he lived in a very wooded area. As we know, there are not street signs and numbers around here.  They studied the Bible together and Manuel decided that he wanted to become a Christian.  Kemmel, Gaspar and I were there that day and it was a day of rejoicing.

Manuel then offered to let us use as a small hospital in the area for clinic.  We met with the people in the community and they agreed a clinic was needed although it never grew.  This is the last photo that I have of Manuel, in front of the hospital.

Gaspar just called to let me know that Manuel died yesterday.  We do not have any details.  Gaspar will go and visit with the family and the church tomorrow. 

Please pray for his family and they grieve their loss.  While there is sadness on earth, there is rejoicing in heaven and we can be sure that will remain for eternity.

Happy Birthday, Andrea!!

Well, Guatemala is wet again.  It has been raining off and on for several days and it looks like we will have a few more days of it.

This morning, Andrea called and asked me to come and have lunch at the clinic.  Today, is her birthday and her family wants to bring lunch to us.  What a nice surprise!!

Andrea, Mario and Sara as we are preparing to eat.

It is good to have Martina back with us, after completing her maternity leave.  Martina with Maury and Maria.

I usually do not take photos of my meal but I was so impressed with Andrea's family.  They not only brought in all of the food............but also all of the plates, glasses and utensils!

This is Andrea and her family.

We quickly organized ourselves for a photo.

After lunch, everyone went back to work and I helped with the dishes.  Her mom said she would just take things home dirty........but there was no way I wanted that to happen.  We had a fun time as we washed everything before packing it up.  She remembers when I first moved to Quiche and could not speak much Spanish.  She mentioned that the church in Quiche may be interested in some classes so we will see what happens.

Happy Birthday, Andrea!  And many thanks to your family for a wonderful lunch!

Happy Birthday Jaime!!

Today is Jaime's birthday!!  Happy Birthday, Jaime!!

Jaime and Tomasita prepared for the big day.  They are cooking atol, which is a hot corn drink and it is really good!

In the afternnon, they grilled out and had heir family over for lunch.  You can not see the ground but pine needles were all layed out under the car port and it smelled very fresh.

This is Jaime, Tomasita, a daughter, grandson, son and daughter-in-law.

I will print several photos and give them to Jaime for his birthday!

Pocoil Clinic

Today, we had a small clinic in Pocoil.  The clinic here is always small but we keep hoping that it will grow.

We saw one medical patients and Sandra saw 5 dental patients. 

As we were waiting for more patients to arrive, one of the little girls started coloring.  Manuel and Maria took the time to talk to her and tell her how well she is doing.

For lunch, we had our normal cup of soup.  There are no restaurants to buy food so this is the easiest for us.

Tomorrow, we had to Chuchipaca with Dr. Mike and Julia.