We were a diverse group, with people from all walks of life, in many different phases of medicine, and on extreme ends of our faith walk. Our devotions in the morning, as always, on the roof at sunrise, were thoughtful and touching. There was a poem, a song sung, scriptures read, and personal stories presented. These personal testimonies are always heartfelt. A young physician, who was here last year, had been very touched by the spirit and ministry here at that time. She struggled and still does, with her faith, or lack of it, and even her choice of career. She had contemplated making a career change. But the trip last year convinced here that she indeed wanted to continue on in medicine, and perhaps consider serving in some capacity in this culture. She had us all in tears as she shared that she was finding her way, both professionally and spiritually.
We also had a bright, personable, but quiet young physician from the same hospital in North Carolina. He is a Muslim. Imagine the fear and trepidation he must have felt as he decided to come on this decidedly Christian medical mission! He knew there would be a lot of prayer, devotion, and "Jesus" talk. He decided to come to see what this adventure was all about. As I said earlier, we are a very inclusive, and loving group. We prayed, sang, and worked closely all week. Discussions of our faith walks were open. He joined openly in our together times, he became part of our family. Our common bonds made us loving friends. Imagine our tears as he shared on the last night how his heart had been touched by all of us, and that the work we were doing, each for our own particular reason, transcended race, culture, religion. And again imagine the warmth as he sang our Allelujah, Glory to God, song for the first time.
And the patients! The reason we are here. We come to serve, and serve we did! More than 600 patients were seen, treated, touched this week. If only one was impacted, then the time and effort was worth it. We had less translators but managed somehow to make the patient flow go well. The young docs conferenced a lot with each other, and with wise old Dr. Bill. 
Doc Gerardo consulted, and WAS consulted continually. He is becoming so confident, and thoroughly enjoys the medical expertise of the groups, but also the camaraderie of young medical peers. And of course, I consulted with EVERYONE.
We saw the usual gamut of patients with body pains (who wouldn't? What with carrying loads of firewood on your back held by a wide strap across your forehead; and washing clothes by hand on cement scrub boards; and working in your cornfield which sits UP the side of the mountain...). 
And patients with chronic gastritis, chronic colitis, chronic worms and parasites. 
There was the boy we have seen many times, with the large osteochondromas on his scapula, humerus, knees. And the the 2 sweet old ladies who were about 3 feet tall and smiling. They came to the clinic together. And people with lots of URIs, as it is winter here. We saw people with mal healed fractures, "hot feet", "bolas" in their bellies, and strange feelings that started long ago. There were a number of undiagnosed diabetics, with blood sugars of 592, 550, etc. There were many hugs, "Gracias's", and "Dios Ya Sc'oltayat ", God go with you. They are deeply honored that we have "just come".
BENDIGAS , ADIOS !
Carolina in Chiapas
No comments:
Post a Comment