A decidedly wonderful 2 weeks...despite challenges, personal impediments, and major clinic changes.
887 patients were seen, a purposely smaller number perhaps, but absolutely the perfect number for this Caravan. We treated a variety of illnesses, as always. One day there would be a plethora of complicated diabetic pts and those with very high blood pressures. Another day it would be a variety of diarrheas, amoebas, typhoid, shigella. Dengue was prevalent in the area, but really we did not seem to diagnose many of these.
Charlie saw many heart pts, including a very sick baby with congenital heart problems. John was the traumatologist, and treated many orthopedic cases and provided wise leadership and counsel to us all. and Rich was inundated with the ladies! He did make use of the Ultrasound machine, and even saw some men pts! Carolyn saw the gamut of pts with nonspecific ailments, from small cowboys to old men, and consulted with anyone who was available!
Jim and Sharon and the Sloan Lopez family were major blessings, having signed up for this trip long before the world came crashing down. There are no words to thank them for cementing the team, providing translation and help in so many ways. We made time for Sharon and Harless to visit the prisoners in the jail. There is always a request for reading glasses. 35 pairs were fitted .
Teresa, a pharmacist, first time traveler, saw many improvements to be made, but quickly worked with Carlos, the new nurse/pharmacist and made many good changes and implemented dosing and safety policies, while accepting the realities and the nature of life here on the mission field. She melded very well with the team!
Lupe, bless his heart joined us once again to provide his quiet, competent care to his patients. He enjoyed being with the group!
Alicia became an official medical translator and scribe, and worked with Charlie. Harless went it alone in the oculista office, fitting pts expertly, while joking lovingly all the while with the Tzeltal clients.
Nurse Mari worked the first week with us, and gave Carlos good training. He is bright, smiling, and eager. We missed Mari the 2nd week, but had much contact with her. We have loved on her and she knows we are dear friends. Her baby, to be named Gamaliel, Blessing from heaven, will be born in March. She may be moving to Comitan to start her own pharmacy. We gave her much encouragement and a nice love gift. So many hearts burst with emotion this trip. There is no doubt the clinic will thrive, if this group has anything to do with it!
We collaborated with the new Dr. Justina, and tho fearful of us and reticent at first, she enjoyed the group! Ask Harless about her smile gauge. We all appreciated the consultations with each other. We were able to tactfully correct some medical/medication issues. She has a 2ndary interest in Natural medicine but it remains to be seen if she can safely and ethically blend the 2.
Sebastian is slowly improving from his long bout with dengue and typhoid. He continues with severe vertigo and weakness. It may be awhile before he is fully back to work and recovered. Our docs have cared for him and all of his labs appear normal now. We took up a love gift for them as well, knowing that his time off work has been stressful and a strain on their finances. No water filter trips right now.
Another wonderful highlight was seeing little Rebeca and her family. She is the 7 year old girl who came to Chicago for surgery for her Ovarian tumors this past summer. She is hale and hearty, happy and active. Her parents say she is better than she has ever been. She is doing well in 2nd grade. Her dad is making benches for a near by church being built, and her mom is cooking for the workers. They still pray for more significant work in order to supply basic needs, such as their own home, food, and school for their girls. We presented them with nearly $1000 in gifts from the Village Church and friends. Her uncle and family are missionaries and talented musicians, and Beckie has desired to learn the violin. As a gift from Lutheran Gen Hosp, Dr. Rich carried a beautiful violin for Beckie! They are overwhelmed with our concern and love. Many hugs, smiles, and tears!
Thank you for support and love! God is not done with us yet... Carolina
