Returning..............

I returned to Chichi on a Shuttle early Sunday morning and arrived home mid-morning. There were some very nice people on the shuttle who had never been to Chichi. After I stopped to buy a Coke they started asking some questions so I showed them a few good ideas for lunch and how the market was laid out.................then I began my walk home.

I started to do my much needed laundry.............returning home with dirty scrubs from HOT Montellano can smell up a suitcase..........enough of that! Anyway, when it was time to rinse them, the house no longer had water. I took a deep breath knowing it would be ok.......I could finish them later.

It was time to hop a shuttle to Quiche for worship................on the way home, I realized there was no electricity in Chichi nor was there any in Chichi when I arrived. When I jumped off the shuttle, I used my cell phone light to see home.

OK, what do you do in Chichi when you have no electricity or water? You catch up on dreams.

Goodnight :)

Dinner.....................

I apologize since these are being posted so late. I have had problems with electricity this week but I am slowly catching up.

Our dinner in Antigua was on Friday evening before the group left on Saturday morning. It is a very nice buffet that everyone enjoys. I especially like the salad options.

Jenny is the life at this end of the table :) At the other end of the table, Charlie was talking about some of his primitive mission trips. We are very lucky here in Guatemala with the things we have.

This table is enjoying their dinner. Betty is probably sharing her dental experiences from the week.
Now, these are some happy smiles!!

Nancy is keeping this table under control :) It was great to have Lucy back this year with her daughter, Kayla. I think this was their second trip. I hope to see you guys again next year!

OK, here are my adventurous friends from the day. We accomplished everything or real close to everything on Carol's list. Here they are at dinner. Norma had her hair done in the afternoon.....

.......and Carol had her pedicure............................very stylish ladies!!!

As I have mentioned, Carol had a list of things to do. So, we fit in dinner and then a late night swim........................and then to top it off..........hot chocoate by the pool :):):) It was a great day!

As I finish this blog, I know the group has arrived home safely and we are very thankful for that.

It was great to see friends from past visits and to make new friends............we look forward to their return!!

Zip Line.................................

After lunch Norma, Carol and I went to the square in Antigua and found the tour bus that takes you to the Zip Line. We drove to 7,800 feet as the guides told us what to expect. As we rode, we could look below and see the coffee growing and the housing provided for the workers that come to pick it. It was very interesting.

The guides stopped and wanted to take our photo.

OK, we are at the top and there is NO turning back........................Norma getting her helmet fitted.

Carol getting her harness secured.

I was not nervous at all. These guys were very safety conscious and make three runs a day.

OK, we are ready to roll...........drop............Zip.............or whatever!!!

There were 7 runs................Norma coming in for the landing.

Carol taking off..................................


It was a great adventure!!

When we finished, we had the opportunity to knock more things off of Carol's list. We went to the market, bought plastic shopping bags, went to buy cookies, found postcards..........................when we were almost finished, we ran into Julie and Jennie. They had finished their haircut and pedicure.................so now Carol adds to that her list..........................whew.......................off we go to find the tienda and hope to finish in time for dinner.................photos to follow!

Friday in Montellano

We were up bright and early. Everyone loaded their suitcases and placed them near the bus. We stripped the bedding, checked our rooms for any objects left behind and then we took a group photo.
It felt good to be on the moving bus. As we pulled out of the clinic, I always whisper a prayer of thanksgiving that everyone did well and that we have safe travels to Antigua.

When we arrived, most of the rooms were ready. I roomed with Cheryl...............who couldn't wait to check out the bed with lots of pillows........a true princess :)

After everyone had checked in or had their bags secured, we began the walk to Cafe in the Sky. Yes, it is one of my favorite restaurants and others seem to enjoy it too :) Betty, Belva and Anne are leading the pack........................with Charlie following up.

Once we were all seated, some of us went up on top. Usually, it is too warm to eat upstairs but it is a great place for an afternoon Limonada con Soda. Norma and Carol enjoyed the scenery.

OK, while we were eating lunch everyone began discussing what they wanted to do during the afternoon. Several wanted to go to the market, others wanted to go to the jade stores, some wanted to get their hair cut or a pedicure and someone mentioned doing the Zip Line............but Carol wanted to do it all.............we did our best to accommodate her and we had a great afternoon!!

Rick took a group to the market. Julie took some for a pedicure and some to get their hair cut. I headed to the Zip Line with Carol and Norma. Those photos will follow on the next blog.

Thursday in Montellano

As you can see, the date of the blog does not agree with the day. I was behind during the clinic and when I returned to Chichi, I did not have power or water......so it may be a little confusing.

Thursday is my favorite day in the recovery area. The patients are excited because they will be going home, they are feeling much better and the surgical load is lighter.

Katie talking to one of the patients before she leaves. Darlene will review with her the medications and when she will need to return for a post-op visit.

Valentine joking around with a patient. He has worked a few nights this week with us and he is a great help!
I visited the dental area to see how Betty was doing....................the dental group loved working with her and they want her to return! Do you hear that Betty????

I think this was the last surgery of the week...............Charlie, filling in where ever he is needed :)

During my last night shift, I worked with DeVona. We made it through the night and all of the patients did well. DeVona and her husband George will return in June for a general surgical week and she is really excited about it.

We talked about how it is hard to tell people about the work here. You want to return home and talk about it but many people do not understand........but once the person visits, they understand!

We finished the week with 63 surgeries. We always pray that something was said or done to help the patients grow closer to God.

Wednesday in Montellano

Today was a productive one and all of the patients did well.........Gracias a Dios.

This patient is having her dinner and then will have a night of rest. The lights will come back on at 0500 and then she will shower, have her IV inserted and wait her turn for surgery. One of surgical team members will talk with her and then pray with her before entering the surgical room.
Belva talking with some of the ladies who will also have surgery in the morning.

During the afternoon, Darlene's baby visited the nursing staff...........Darlene, Marta and Rosario.
In the back is the lady that helps Darlene. I apologize because I am not sure of her name.

I worked this night with Cheryl and as I mentioned, the night went well.

The lights were turned back on at 0500 and the patients began to shower. As we were taking vital signs and making our rounds there were a group of ladies on their knees praying together around a bed. These ladies do not know each other. They are just in the same position, knowing that they need God's strength. I see this often in the clinic but each time, it causes one of those lumps in my throat.

Cheryl prayed with this group of ladies after they showered. They gathered in a huddle with arms around each other. Cheryl led the prayer and the ladies joined in. I believe that God will protect them with His loving hand.

James 5:13-16

Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Tuesday in Montellano

Belva and I finished our rotation at 0700 this morning. All of the patients did well through the night and we are very thankful for that. The physicians came through for early rounds and many patients will go home today.

This is Belva and I before we left the recovery area this morning.

This is Sarah and her grandfather Dr. Mecklenberg. Dr. Mecklenberg has been coming down here for many years performing surgery and this is Sarah's first time.

This is part of the evening shift in the recovery area.........Neva, Katie, Carol and Belva. Neva will soon be moving to Chichi with her husband, Glenn, to be working in the ministry. Katie is an intern that has spent several weeks here in Montellano. Carol lives in CA and this is her second trip here. This is Belva's third trip and she is working in the recovery area.

These ladies saw us taking photos and also wanted theirs taken.

Cindy is from Sacramento, CA and this is her second trip down. She is with a patient that will have surgery tomorrow.

Dawn is from WY and this is her third trip down...............she enjoys helping the ladies feel special.
There were thirteen surgeries today. All of the patients did well and we anticipate a good night for them.

We had a devotional period again tonight. Charlie led our singing and then Rick led our thoughts on how God is our protector. Glenn led us in prayer as we prayed for each patient, individually by name.

It was a great day.........and as always, we give God the glory and praise.