Saturday, October 10, 2015

On the ground boots running

We arrived! Friday night was a late one, as we hit an unexpected snag in customs.  Our list of medication differed from the one they had, and we spent three hours in the airport before traveling an hour to Nury's house.

Bed at midnight, after getting up at 4:00
a.m, and then up again at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, all of which made us pretty "draggy" for the start of our clinic at Jocotenango at 9:00 a.m.

But we rallied!

It is amazing to see an experienced medical team at work:
1.  Local volunteers helped register 105 people.
2.  Heather weighed all of them and supplied them with Vermox (worm medicine)
3.  While the patients waited to see the medical team, Ann taught
them about diet, hygiene, dental care, and diabetes management.
4. Kily distributed evangelism bracelets.
5.  Patty, Deb, Kristi, Jan, and Karen set up and operated two medical stations, where they took histories, diagnosed illnesses, gave advice, and prescribed medication.  They also distributed the hygiene kits and the angels.
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6.  Courtney and Pam provided medical support, running hemoglobins, urine tests, and blood sugars.  Courtney also served with the doctor on a medical station.
7.  Then the patients who were prescribed medications went to the pharmacy, where Bryan, Karen, Marnie, Todd, Pam and Courtney filled their prescriptions and counseled them on taking the meds.




The whole team was assisted by wonderful translators: Steph, Chrisitan, Barbara, Paola, and, of course by Nury, our host, and Jen, our MOST team leader.

Everyone received vitamins, angels,and hygiene kits,  The little children got toys.  All were reminded of God's love for them.

As is common with field medical care, there was a lot of ear washing (instead of feet washing), diabetic care, and pregnancy support.  The team was able to use a doppler to let a new mother hear her baby's heart beat for the first time--always a high.  They treated a child for scabies, which is a very irritating and sometimes painful disease.  They taught physical therapy exercises, prayed with patients who were anxious, and used i-phones to translate medication names from English to Spanish and visa versa.

Experiencing the thankfulness of individuals and families, who recognized God's grace and love provided by Him through this team, were definitely the highlights of clinic day-one.  And the children are oh so special.

Thank you for your continued prayer support!

Blessings,

Your 2015 Guatemala mission team

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