Friday Evening

Friday evening

We had devotions tonight with candles and a few songs. We each carried a piece of firewood to the outdoor fire pit and added our unique log (gift) to the fire and together we made a bigger, brighter, warmer flame. There was lots of symbolism this week in our devotions which drove so many lessons learned home. 

I spent another hour or so at the fire with Stephanie enjoying the fire and the view until the rain pushed us indoors and into bed. 

Another beautiful day.

Our last day of Clinic

Our last day of Clinic

Today we went to Purula- we would be serving the same beautiful community we helped last year on our last day- the one we could only get to on the back of sturdy pick up trucks- straight up the side of a mountain- but because of severe rains the community was heavily damaged and it was either impossible to get us and the equipment there, or the buildings we would use were damaged- we were told it was easier for them to bring the community to us.

Our clinic was set up in Williams’ school/church buildings, our most comfortable accommodations yet. 

The clinic day was uneventful mostly except for 2 women. The first woman, was one I had seen last year and gave her a back brace for her back pain. She thanked me because it was so helpful for her this past year. She asked for another one because hers was now all stretched out, but I didn’t have one to give- it wasn’t one of the donations we received. She also wanted to make sure her black eye was ok, a recent gift from her husband for staying at the market too long. She has been married for 24 years, he has always beat her. He tells her she is stupid and kicks her out of the house along with their children regularly. She tells us she goes to her sisters house until she is summoned back briefly for food and sex- and a beating. She told the police only once -5 years ago- he was put in prison for 1 month and when he returned she paid for it. Saying I felt helpless would be an understatement. At the end of the visit, we patted arms as is the custom here, but I wanted to pull her in and hold her. Williams and his staff will keep an eye on her and her family. The other woman had been married for 6 years and has not been able to have children because of fibroids. She came to me for fertility treatments.  I explained I was not able to provide that for her, but she continued- maybe there was some medicine or tea or injection I could give her. I’m sorry I said. Maybe I knew of the name of a medicine she should try to get from the pharmacy. I’m sorry I said. Exercises? Food? she asked. I could offer her vitamins- and a prayer. 

She is saving money to go to Coban to see a specialist, but it’s so much money. She is so sad. I wonder if she is being abused too because she is barren. 

Sigh. 

Though these 2 noteworthy cases are very sad, there were lots of joys in clinic today too- fetal heartbeats and gentle jokes about all the coffee they drink. 

I had fun with Jess, my Eng to Spanish translator this week- whom I met last year and have stayed in touch through Facebook. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Jess’ sister lives in Chicago and so she has applied for permanent residency in the US 5 years ago and is still waiting. I hope she is approved someday soon. I’d love to show her around. ❤️

Thursday clinic day

Clinic day #4

Over the Mountains and through the rivers we go- this is our last day on the road of broken backs. 

I don’t mind it all that much actually- it is what it is.... starting to feel a bit sad that we are on the downside of the week. 

My morning was uneventful- a few prenatal exams, lots of heartburn, too much coffee etc. The interpreters are on the ball- after working with us all week, they can anticipate our questions and our responses to the common ailments. 

Lunch came and I spent a good 20 minutes painting lots of little adorably dirty fingernails. A pick up truck came up the path and right up to the clinic, which was odd because we kept the vans and trucks out of the courtyard. There were a few ket-chi exchanges that I of course didn’t understand and they were asking for the doctors. In the back of the pick up was a young man lying with a hat over his face and a tourniquet around his thigh above a bloody leg. The story , we’re told is He cut his leg with a machete in the field a few hours before- his brother was with him, tied a cloth around his leg to stop the bleeding and they started to walk home. On the walk home he became dizzy and passed out- then a passing  truck picked him up and drove him to our clinic. 

4 men carried him in to our classroom and laid him on our table. He was overheated and weak, but vitals were good. We cooled him off and cut his jeans off- fortunately no major bleeding so Dr. Carla was able to stitch him up and after an hour or so we could send him on his way. So thankful it wasn’t worse. 

When we were cleaning up from that, one of the Translators came to tell me there was a woman down the road in her home about to give birth and they needed some help. Are you kidding me?? Margie, one of our nurses was an OB nurse and I went to go get her. We packed our supplies including a bag of birthing kits and we took off down the road on foot. I cannot lie- we were both pretty excited, but we weren’t really sure what to expect- the request seemed urgent but the language barrier is real. We are taken up a hill, through a front yard, around the clothesline, through another yard, behind a small structure- and then through a small door- Margie, me, 2 student interpreters and 3 people from Fundinor. 

Margie and I, out of breath and sweating, quickly checked the baby’s heartbeat, did an exam, checked her progress- all good. It was quiet as I took direction from Margie because I was clearly out of my element. After a few minutes of gathering information, we kind of whispered to each other- everything seemed under control.. we’re not exactly sure what the urgency was- so I asked “Is there a midwife here?” A very small but wise looking woman that was standing in the corner raised her hand. O. My. Goodness. We just barged in like a bunch of idiots.

 Through the interpreters I apologized profusely and explained that we thought there was a problem and they needed help urgently. We meant no disrespect to their abilities or their customs. The midwife calmly and quietly explained she had all the knowledge she needed , but not the supplies for the birth. She remembered me from last year- and I’m now assuming sent word for us for to bring her a birthing kit. She graciously accepted our apologies and we even shared a few smiles and laughs. She explained the birthing kits from last year were a great help to her but she was out of supplies. She thanked us for all we were doing to help her and her community by coming to Guatemala. I left her the birthing kits, the extra gloves and hand sanitizer and chux pads-everything I had. She invited us to stay and assist her if we wanted- but we declined-(To be perfectly honest, I would have given my red hair and freckles to stay and observe the wonder of birth, but it was an hour before we would be pulling out, and it just didn’t feel right) She didn’t need our help or our intrusiveness. I am so thankful we left that room on a positive note and did not damage the relationship we were all trying so hard to build here. I believe the fact we had met last year and the remorseful expression on our faces showed them we were genuinely there to help them. 

I still have so much to learn. 

 

Happy Hump Day

Happy Hump Day! 

I actually beat one of my roommates out of bed this morning. Not sure how that happened. Anyways- got to the dining room to begin my multiple trips to the coffee pot ritual- the staff knows me now- I hope their spanish greeting to me is complementary.😬

The trip up the mountains was uneventful and still just as beautiful- I remind myself I will never complain about the potholes in Cleveland again. 

We are at a different community today, but one that we went to last year. El Esfuerzo. There were definite improvements to the school- an awning over one of the buildings, better drainage ditches. Something about the football (soccer) field looks different, but I can’t put my finger on it. The effect of Fundinors efforts are evident. The Fundinor volunteers and the villagers have good rapport. Williams and his staff have been working so hard this week and without complaint or martyrdom.   Inspiring people. 

I had no special clinic patients ( though arguably they are ALL special). Instead of 25 pts like Monday and Tuesday, today was only 15. Not sure if it was the heat or something else- but definitely not as busy today. The thing that did strike me is there were only 2 people today that said they drink water or Agua pura. Everyone else drank Cafe or Corn water/mush. One 16 year old drank only Coca Cola because it was sold at the Tienda and he knew it wouldn’t make him sick. What he didn’t know until today was he was a diabetic now because of it. Talk about Groundhog Day- everyone had headache, dizziness and stomach pain. More water, less coffee, and 30 days of Prilosec. And only 1 bottle of coke a week for my young man.  My English to Spanish translator was an adorable 16 year old young woman from Coban named Estefany . She was able to get out of school today for this opportunity to practice her English. If she was nervous, she didn’t show it. Her English was really really good- and her initial embarrassment of asking details about bodily functions and menstruation details quickly disappeared.  I loved working with her today - She was not sure if she would be back on Friday or not- it depended on getting her homework done. I’d love to write her teacher a message so she can get out school on Friday! 

The lack of patients was an opportunity to venture out of my classroom and see what the other crews were up to. I posted pictures on Facebook, so you’ll have to cross reference if you’re following this closely. 

I spent some time in the dental clinic. I’m trying to sensitize myself as I am still unable to watch an extraction without getting really queezy. If I pass out, I’ll never live it down. So I keep a safe distance. 

The slow clinic also meant we actually got out of the village and back to the motel before dark. 

Our devotions tonight were based on the idea of compassion. We performed a ceremonial foot washing for each other. This was out of my comfort zone but powerful and moving very humbling. It would be impossible to explain it here-so I won’t. Come find me next week if you want to hear about it,  and I’ll try my best.

We had time to sit outside and enjoy the sounds before bed. 

It was a very good day. 

Tuesday Second Day of Clinic

Second Day of Clinic: Tuesday

We woke at 5:45 today. My 5 roommates got up, dressed, some showered, lights on etc etc. I apparently didn’t move for 20 minutes.. until I was gently woken up with a little shake. They were amazed. My husband on the other hand wouldn’t be a bit surprised.
I was pretty efficient, just like I am at home in the morning- ready to go in 13 minutes !
The cool air felt great- everyone is bundled in hoodies and jackets - I’m loving life in my T Shirt- Eggs and refried black beans this am with fried plantains- delicious.. The poor guy serving the coffee at the counter today was working really hard-I lost my reusable coffee mug from home somewhere last evening- so that made my need to caffeinate before we left MUCH more critical. I’m glad I can’t understand what he is saying when he is serving me for the 6th time. (In my defense they are kinda small coffee cups).
So like Groundhog Day, we got in the same vehicles we climbed out of 12 hours ago and drove 2 hours up the same mountains. If it sounds like I’m complaining I’m not. I’ve never minded driving. Anywhere. The views are breathtaking, and the company is great too. Lots of bonding and laughing and stories happen on these rides and we mesh together really well.
Today was a little easier in that all our supplies were still on the mountain so the packing was quick.  I had the same two interpreters from yesterday so we were more efficient- they knew the questions I wanted to ask even before I asked them- “You want me to do that coffee/ water thing right Linda? ” Si. Muy bien.
Lunch was a PB and Blueberry J sandwich with a warm tacky handful of peanut M and M’s.  I’d say they were delicious-(which they were of course) except there were 10 little kids squished together and staring at us through the doorway.
I learned last year that you can’t give them any food which is impossibly hard for me- and I’m sure it makes no sense to you either. Last year I had a bag of Almonds large enough to share - and when I handed a few to one of the kids a literal riot ensued- I nearly got pushed over and little kids were being shoved around. It was so terrible that a few hot almond would be so precious to them. Today I turned my back and quickly put all the M and Ms in my mouth and didn’t go back for seconds.
After lunch I met with three midwives to talk with them and hand out some birthing kits. Fundinor as a whole was more organized this year- so the informal discussion felt more like a presentation. I had 2 great interpreters, there were lots of pictures taken, and the kits were very well received- just like last year.  Overwhelming appreciation for a ziplock bag with 1.00 worth of supplies. My heart is so happy tonight as I get bounced around on the ride back to the hotel writing this- apologies for typos or missed words . My glasses are buried in the bag at my feet and I’m trying to stay in my seat.. Love you all. Kisses to all of you. Xo

First Clinic Day

First day of Clinic
I woke 5 minutes before my alarm- felt like the first day of school- I was so excited. We were at devotions and breakfast at 6- and on the bus at 7. Pancakes and fruit salad. The coffee carafe that was on the table last night is not there this morning- might be because we Americans drank too much? We had to go to the counter to ask for our second , third and 4th cups.. got a little ridiculous- I think they were hoping we’d give up.  Haha- we were pretty persistent.😜
Off we went for the 2 hour bumpy ride into the mountains- if anyone of you have ever been on the dinosaur “ride” at Disney- where you sit in the pretend Jeep and drive through the pretend jungle over rocks and holes in the road..it’s pretty close. There is only one person on this trip that is younger than  me- so the hips and the knees and  the necks and the backs are taking a beating..
We arrived in a new community that we didn’t go to last year-
Nuevo Amanecer - “ New Beginning”- If there wasn’t such poverty and life wasn’t so hard here- the locals might have a chance to appreciate the beauty here.
We were greeted by many shy but curious children , most dressed in their Sunday best.  Most of the adults are women because the men are in the fields already hard at work.  They will come late in the day after they return from farming.
As we did last year, we gathered in the courtyard - the locals, the interpreters ( mostly students from Coban) and us- we thanked them for having us in their beautiful village- we told them we were all Gods Children and we can learn from each other. We prayed together and off we went to our buildings.
Pharmacy, Dental, Ophthalmology, and pediatrics all each had a classroom in an oblong cement block building.
The dental chairs are old school chairs/desks with the attached  writing surface.. the poor patients have to lean their head back while the dentists numb them up and pull their diseased teeth out of their mouths. They are packed with gauze and given some Motrin for pain. The dentists each see 20-30 people a day- and there are three of them.
Pediatrics have three providers too. They like to work in a group with a few desks pushed together in the middle for their supplies.  They see a lot of lice, scabies ( called scabie babies when we are tired and punchy), and parasites. Before you all go ewwwwww- remember they don’t want to be itchy and have things living under their skin and in their bellies. The Peds team slathers them with cream- gives them chewable pills for their bellies, and sends them on their way with instructions to drink less coffee.
The eye clinic sees 80 patients a day or so- testing vision,  fitting glasses and passing out sunglasses. Did you know you the sun can actually burn your eyes?
In medicine, we are all “Doctoras” even if we are nurse practitioners or physicians assistants- it’s just less confusing. Our accommodations were nice by Mayan standards. We each had an exam table, a flat surface for our stuff and a place to sit.
Today I saw mostly “normal” problems- sore feet, headaches, dizziness , back pain and TONS of stomach pain. In the adults- it’s gastritis and reflux/ heartburn.  The headaches and dizziness are almost always dehydration.  Besides coffee, which is the drink of choice, they drink what my translator interpreted to “corn toast”- it’s roasted or toasted corn that they mix with water and call it a drink. Most people I saw drank Zero plain water. For some it was an access problem- for others a purifying problem. How can it be that something so abundant in our world is so unbelievably difficult to obtain for so many? It’s not right or fair- and I can’t help but feel embarrassed knowing how easy our basic necessities are met including the water we use.
I saw a very scared young lady today who shared with me that she had been raped 4 months prior. She thought she might be pregnant, and her father was going to beat her if we didn’t find a way to fix her problem.
She was not pregnant- thank you God- but was likely so stressed that her periods were not regular- our solution ? I gave her vitamins and told her to say she was deficient in vitamins - I hope her period comes before the vitamins are used up.
The day ended by lancing an abscess on a young girl. I was just the gauze and tape holder - not the one doing the procedure-but it delayed our trip out of the community and off the mountain- a much more perilous trip when there is no light but we made it.
We got back to our motel around 7 . Dinner, devotions, a beer, shower and bed. Done ✅.

Sunday (again)

Sunday afternoon:
A great carnitas rice and refried black beans lunch was followed by a 2.5 hour guided, several mile hike up, up, up a mountain behind our cabins. The view at the top was spectacular and was well worth the climb.
An adult medicine meeting was followed by a meeting with the Fundinor group so that we would all be ready for the week-
Dinner was chicken and mashed potatoes and radishes/cucumber salad .
We had both a relaxed but busy day getting rested, getting some exercise and getting some work done.  Perfect.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Night all! ❤️

Sunday afternoon:
A great carnitas rice and refried black beans lunch was followed by a 2.5 hour guided, several mile hike up, up, up a mountain behind our cabins. The view at the top was spectacular and was well worth the climb.
An adult medicine meeting was followed by a meeting with the Fundinor group so that we would all be ready for the week-
Dinner was chicken and mashed potatoes and radishes/cucumber salad .
We had both a relaxed but busy day getting rested, getting some exercise and getting some work done.  Perfect.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Night all! ❤️

Sunday Trip to Tactic

Sunday trip to Tactic
Julio drove us into Tactic for the morning. While some of us went to mass, others spent a little time in the square. We saw the fresh food markets- complete with baby pigs and turkeys and chickens. 😢
Tim and Becky and I walked a bit bought flowers for our hostess and went to a bakery for coffee and a biscotti like cookie to talk . It’s drizzling a little which feels great to my overheated body.

Sunday April 15

Sunday April 15
I slept so soundly last night! I was able to face time home last evening (last year because of WiFi issues, it was days before I could connect with home), we had a delicious meal of chicken and rice with a wonderful broth and some relaxation time in and around  our cabins before crawling into bed. Becky and Stephanie are excellent roomies-
So when I awoke this morning, I opened one eye and noticed I was the only one in the room- I glanced at my watch and saw 9:30... wait.. 9:30!!!! I missed breakfast and the trip to Tactic! Shot out of bed in a panic.. only to realize that My watch was on Willoughby time and it was really 7:30, 30 minutes before breakfast! I had time to pee AND get a cup of coffee! Perfect.



Breakfast was delicious and Familiar- scrambled eggs, waffles, and bacon but we also had fresh papaya juice and fresh papaya and mango. Oh. My. Goodness. Everyone who knows me knows breakfast is my favorite meal.
Today is a get it together day, which we didn’t have last year and what a difference it has made already- good for rest, and organization and bonding❤️

Our Journey Begins

◦ Saturday April 14
I am so excited and feel especially thankful to be able to make this trip for the second time. I am sitting in a quiet bus- circa 1980 coachliner,  on our way to the hotel. We woke at 3am this morning to be at the Airport by 4- so we could board our first plane to Miami at 6.  Most of my companions are sleeping or in a travel day funk, so now is a good time to start my journaling. It feels so comfortable to be with this team again- they are the kindest, most selfless group you’d every be lucky enough to spend time with. We are, as a whole, more physically challenged this year, several team members have had recent health issues, a few of them orthopedic and so we are moving a bit slower than last year.  Mentally however- they are just as committed as last year and I have no doubts we’ll get through this week just fine.
I have a few people to thank.. actually a LOT of people to thank- Christian -you are the most supportive husband and best friend a girl could ever ask for. For all you have done and will do this week to make this work- thank you and I love you.  To my mom and dad (in law) who have always made me feel like their own - and who will be helping to hold down the fort this week in Willoughby. To the ladies of Willoughby Junior Women’s Club who helped fund and assemble the birthing kits I am bringing with me- to Dave and Lisa Stephenson who donated many string backpacks (and shipped them from Texas)that the midwives here will keep their birthing kits in. To Grace Episcopal Church who made a generous donation to our cause- for the remainder of the cost of the birthing kits and a little left over to help with our meds and supplies. For many dear friends who donated money and used eyeglasses and ziplock bags for our kits (Thanks Jamie). I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. Our work here is real and it’s meaningful and it’s been the most awe inspiring thing I’ve been a part of besides my family.
We have a few more hours in this bus . I’m looking forward to stretching my legs, sharing our first meal together- and getting a good nights rest.
To my boys- Thanks for putting up with me. Remember you should go through life giving more than you take- I love you guys sooooooo much!