I get to start today’s blog (Ernie) and I’ll quote my new friend Adrianne, a college student from Guate who helped us at clinic today. When I asked him if he was worried about missing tonight’s bus back to Guate City for his 7PM class he said, “if I show up on time the teacher will expect too much from me”…nice ! Awesome clinic today, treated many infections and a lot of primary care. Very appreciative parents. Really loving this trip ! Our hosts, The Orozco Family is absolutely wonderful. God Bless Them All. Finally, we successfully established Children’s Hospital of WI – Guatemala this AM. Not twelve stories tall, but full of amazing missionaries helping a lot of desperate kids.
Brigitte: Today I got to practice my Spanish while screening patients before they saw the doctors in the clinic, and it did not go well! I have not learned anything at all! Anything that Sonia has been kind enough to try to teach has gone in one ear and out the other…typical me. Thank goodness for Steve, a future doctor and volunteer from the church, who came for the day to assist with translation. In total we screened 80 patients today, with a variety of ailments, and sent them off to see the doctors. It was a busy and rewarding day, I can’t believe there are only two working days left. Hopefully we will continue to keep up the team morale, and continue to enjoy each other’s company.
Jeremy: Today was an amazing day, to see the people come to the clinic in search of help but still with smiles on their faces. The appreciation that they have for the help that we are able to provide to them is so apparent it is unbelievable! I am thankful everyday for the liberties that I have been privileged to receive. As the days go by and working side by side with many good-hearted people who have the expertise that I can learn from them and utilize those skills and knowledge with the patient population. Thank you all for that! In addition to the expertise of our fellow teammates from Children’s having the opportunity to work next to Dr. Elry Orozco today was amazing. The patients that we saw were very diverse. A young woman who is 6 – 7 months pregnant and for the first time I was able to hear a fetus’ heartbeat and actually feel the baby! I cannot even express how cool that was. After today, it is a concern to me the number of adults here in this village that are diabetic and do not have follow up. How can we help to continue the follow up to the care we provide? By continuing to sponsor mission trips such as ours! Alright, I am going to let someone else get their few words in but thank you to all for continuing to support us in this mission! All my Love!
Joyce: It is so amazing to see all the children here. They can create toys from almost anything and entertain themselves. They especially enjoyed the time to make and color butterflies. They always have a smile to give to us. My favorite thing today was when I was numbering the adults and children coming to the clinic. Each adult got an A with a number and the children got an N with a number. I made a mistake and numbered an 87 year old woman with an N for a child. She laughed and laughed every time she saw me the rest of the time that she was at the clinic. I also worked in our little pharmacy dispensing medications. I am learning to explain how to take medications in Spanish –with the help of an interpreter named Adrian. He is 23 years old and works with the church group here. He is going to Haiti to help for a month so I will remember him each day and pray that he is safe there.
Joy: Today was another beautiful day; warm sunny, clouds in the afternoon. I worked doing vitals today, helped Lori with crafts and worked with Liz in the kitchen. We were lucky to have our station outside, overlooking the lake. The lake was very polluted but is now being cleaned up by an organization of land owners on the lake. The highlight of my day was seeing a dog waging his tail and actually being petted by his family. They are so dedicated and protective of the children. My reward today was getting hugs and kisses from the patients. Looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow.
Heather: Another amazing day…we woke to beautiful scenery outside our back door. Sleep was a bit difficult (the dogs in the neighborhood partied all night) but I was able to re-coop. Again, delicious food…prepared by Dr. Elry’s wife. We have been so thankful for this. The clinic was successful and we saw many different kids with many smiles and energetic souls. Two more days…wow. Then it’s back to the states. This experience has changed me in many ways. God has given me strength, insight, patience, and love throughout this week. One thing I know is true, is that I will slow down when I get home. I need to enjoy my children more…spend more time with them…listen to them. Life is too short. God gives us this…I must listen to him. I have met some amazing mothers here in Guatemala. Well, my stomach is telling me that it has had enough of this day. I must go to sleep early. Haley, It’s funny…there are cell phones here and some kids text almost as much as you!. Clara, Dr. Ernie found the best piece of lava for you. Sam the kids here play soccer like professionals! Nick…you would love all the kids here and they would love to play with you. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Patsy: Today was awesome again!! Ok…it didn’t start off awesome for me…I was sick, but it didn’t last long (Thank God!!) I was in the pharmacy today with Karla and Joyce (we had fun and by the end were pro’s!!) The experiences that I am encountering are priceless!! Watching Ernie with the children is amazing (I have so much to learn!) For lunch Dr Elry’s wife Liz made some chicken soup for me and said it was good for my stomach…she was right! We then had soup called Caldo for dinner which was delicious! The lake is beautiful from a distance but up close it is green (mucho parasites!!) I was thinking of taking a dip this morning…NOT!! Mike, I love you and miss you very much!! DIL, I was so happy to see your name on FB this am! I love all you guys sooo much!!
Sonia: Today was a great day for all of us! I do have to say minimal sleep is ok, but not recommended. But, once I saw what was awaiting me outside the doors this morning, was worth it. Let me explain what I have seen this morning, serene waters, clouds over the volcano, the sun peaking over the city. It was my Creator’s personal post card to me. I know that this endeavor is my personal calling. I have seen many beautiful and very rewarding experiences. But just like Patsy said swimming is not recommended!!! Overall, it is just very beautiful. Casto I miss you terribly, te amo mi vida y buenos noches. Ana and Sienna I will be hugging and kissing you both later this week. I have so many amazing stories to share of my experience here.
Karla: Great day today at Dr. Elry’s clinic. Spent mucho time in La Farmacia Champina which was a great learning experience…Joyce, Patsy and I rocked it (Adrian too!—our translator). Liz (Dr. Elry’s wife) continues to amaze me with each fabulous dish she creates for us. I think I’ve made a friend here at Lake Amatitlan…Kimberly is 9, loves squid aka tadpoles, and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. I so wish I could speak Spanish better, she has quite a bit to tell me about her life here. Full day of clinic work tomorrow, should get some sleep…love to you all! Happy Gallo!
Lori: Since I didn’t add anything to the blog for a couple of days, I will tonight. It’s great to watch this mixed group pull together as a team. The level of professionalism among this group is amazing. Their commitment to the care of the patients and their quick grasp of Spanish for the purpose of diagnosing the kids is nothing short of a miracle. I’m so glad that they are having a good experience here, hopefully it means that they will continue to offer their expertise in the mission field for many years to come!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A New Beginning!
This weekend has been an insightful and educational one. We had a couple of days where we were able to take in some of the Guatemalan history, culture, and everyday living of the people.
Yesterday began quite early as we left La Union at 0500 so that we could get to Guatemala City in time to get our things unpacked at Castillo Fuerte Lutheran Church, as that is where we were going to be staying for the night. After we had our things settled at the church, we had a bite to eat there and then had to get going because we were on our way to Antigua for some sightseeing and shopping. While in Antigua, we saw the local market, the Jade Factory, the Artisan market, and a line of people waiting outside the bank waiting to cash their paychecks. While we were in Antigua, we were guided by our new found friend's (Dr. Elry Orozco) sons, who were so patient as to wait for us while we took pictures and scoped out the items at the market. Thank you so much to them for getting us safely back to the church that evening. Without their assistance the enjoyable day that we had, might not have been possible. After we had finished our day in the market, we needed to get back to Guatemala City to attend church but unfortunately due to traffic, we were late. We did get there and were able to worship with the people of Castillo Fuerte in a wonderful service that brought us together as a team even more. The ability to worship as a team is something that spirtually brought us closer to God and the people that we were going to serve.
The night then passed and we woke to the sounds of native birds as well as to the smell of coffee proudly brewed by the house chef. Thank you to them for the hospitality that they had given us. It will always be remembered and appreciated! After we had indulged ourselves in the fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt, we had to get moving in order to get to the museum of Mayan history and then travel to Amtitlan where we will be providing care to more people in need of help.
Once we arrived at Amatitlan, we proceeded to the clinic where we had people waiting to help us out to get all of our supplies into the clinic and pharmacy; or what will be turned into a pharmacy. Dr. Elry Orozco, our fellow care provider, staffs the clinic about twice a week in order to reach out to those who are in need of help. He is a man who provides care to many people who cannot afford basic medical care. God bless him! Once we had everything unloaded, we began to stock the pharmacy and the two exam rooms that we will see many families over the next three days. While this was in order, Dr. Orozco's wife was busy in the kitchen cooking us the most delicious meal we had been waiting for. Not that the rest weren't delicious, they were just different! In addition to finishing our stocking, every Sunday at "Holy Cross Clinic", they have what is called "Kid's Club". During this time, kids and families from the neighborhood gather together to sing, dance, and just have some laughs. This time was the most difficult for me because to see these kids and families giggle and smile but not really know what kind of situation they are in, breaks my heart. These families do not have running water for anything! They have to go about 3 - 4 miles, by bicycle, to buy a 5 gallon jug of water to drink at dos (2) Quetzales or about $0.50 each that might last them a day or not even. If they needed water to clean their clothes or dishes with, they need to go the edge of Lake Amatitlan to get the hot water from a cement tank in the ground that comes from the volcano. This water can only be used for washing because of the high amounts of sulfur in it. Unbelievable! These are the times when you really realize that how fortunate we are to have the liberties, the rights, and the resources to have what we have.
Now that we have ourselves settled, our appetites satisfied, and the clinic ready for 0800, we decided to have some team time. During this team time we played "Uno", and even had a little more one on one competition with "Dual Solitaire". We were able to share some laughs, talk about our concerns, and even cry a bit considering where we were. God has blessed us with the gifts and the strength to leave our families for this time in order for us to spread His word and to give the people of Guatemala a sense of hope that their is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for all of your support and continuing to pray for us and sending us your messages of love and a safe return! Tomorrow will be another exciting day and in hopes that we are able to help more people than we think!
You should google images of Lake Amatitlan to see the scenery we are enjoying here. Our clinic and house is on the lakefront of it. While the natural is scenery is fabulous, the surrounding poverty is unimaginable. So we'll be working early, and staying out of the lake as I'm sure its brewing with disgusting parasites...YUK!
Much love!
Guatemala Medical Team
Yesterday began quite early as we left La Union at 0500 so that we could get to Guatemala City in time to get our things unpacked at Castillo Fuerte Lutheran Church, as that is where we were going to be staying for the night. After we had our things settled at the church, we had a bite to eat there and then had to get going because we were on our way to Antigua for some sightseeing and shopping. While in Antigua, we saw the local market, the Jade Factory, the Artisan market, and a line of people waiting outside the bank waiting to cash their paychecks. While we were in Antigua, we were guided by our new found friend's (Dr. Elry Orozco) sons, who were so patient as to wait for us while we took pictures and scoped out the items at the market. Thank you so much to them for getting us safely back to the church that evening. Without their assistance the enjoyable day that we had, might not have been possible. After we had finished our day in the market, we needed to get back to Guatemala City to attend church but unfortunately due to traffic, we were late. We did get there and were able to worship with the people of Castillo Fuerte in a wonderful service that brought us together as a team even more. The ability to worship as a team is something that spirtually brought us closer to God and the people that we were going to serve.
The night then passed and we woke to the sounds of native birds as well as to the smell of coffee proudly brewed by the house chef. Thank you to them for the hospitality that they had given us. It will always be remembered and appreciated! After we had indulged ourselves in the fresh fruit, granola, and yogurt, we had to get moving in order to get to the museum of Mayan history and then travel to Amtitlan where we will be providing care to more people in need of help.
Once we arrived at Amatitlan, we proceeded to the clinic where we had people waiting to help us out to get all of our supplies into the clinic and pharmacy; or what will be turned into a pharmacy. Dr. Elry Orozco, our fellow care provider, staffs the clinic about twice a week in order to reach out to those who are in need of help. He is a man who provides care to many people who cannot afford basic medical care. God bless him! Once we had everything unloaded, we began to stock the pharmacy and the two exam rooms that we will see many families over the next three days. While this was in order, Dr. Orozco's wife was busy in the kitchen cooking us the most delicious meal we had been waiting for. Not that the rest weren't delicious, they were just different! In addition to finishing our stocking, every Sunday at "Holy Cross Clinic", they have what is called "Kid's Club". During this time, kids and families from the neighborhood gather together to sing, dance, and just have some laughs. This time was the most difficult for me because to see these kids and families giggle and smile but not really know what kind of situation they are in, breaks my heart. These families do not have running water for anything! They have to go about 3 - 4 miles, by bicycle, to buy a 5 gallon jug of water to drink at dos (2) Quetzales or about $0.50 each that might last them a day or not even. If they needed water to clean their clothes or dishes with, they need to go the edge of Lake Amatitlan to get the hot water from a cement tank in the ground that comes from the volcano. This water can only be used for washing because of the high amounts of sulfur in it. Unbelievable! These are the times when you really realize that how fortunate we are to have the liberties, the rights, and the resources to have what we have.
Now that we have ourselves settled, our appetites satisfied, and the clinic ready for 0800, we decided to have some team time. During this team time we played "Uno", and even had a little more one on one competition with "Dual Solitaire". We were able to share some laughs, talk about our concerns, and even cry a bit considering where we were. God has blessed us with the gifts and the strength to leave our families for this time in order for us to spread His word and to give the people of Guatemala a sense of hope that their is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for all of your support and continuing to pray for us and sending us your messages of love and a safe return! Tomorrow will be another exciting day and in hopes that we are able to help more people than we think!
You should google images of Lake Amatitlan to see the scenery we are enjoying here. Our clinic and house is on the lakefront of it. While the natural is scenery is fabulous, the surrounding poverty is unimaginable. So we'll be working early, and staying out of the lake as I'm sure its brewing with disgusting parasites...YUK!
Much love!
Guatemala Medical Team
Friday, February 5, 2010
From: Jeremy - Today was our second day here in La Union and the presence of compassion was even more present than yesterday. The smiles, the laughs, the appreciation from every infant, child, and adult that we intervened with was so evident, the feeling was overwhelming. The emotions that were demonstrated this evening as we read the posts to our blog showed us how much our family and friends are with us through this enlightening experience. Thank you to all for your support and prayers! Much Love!
From: Heather – Yes! We got some sleep last night. I think that all of us were showered (yes, no hot water) and asleep by 9pm. The day was sunny and 80 degrees. The children were delighted to see us and we were just as excited. There were many belly laughs today from cute little kiddos. We treated more children than adults. Dr. Ernie lets us nurses do some evaluating and diagnosing on our own….that was fun! I was filled with so much emotion today. I miss my beautiful children and husband, but I know you all are doing well and sending prayers. I love you Mom! I look forward to tomorrow (not necessarily being up at 4am) when we travel to Antigua for a day of exploration. Keep posting…WE LOVE READING THEM! (ps. Thanks Terry for your kind words) Adios!
From: Brigitte-This trip has been amazing so far, and it’s only day 3. The clinic days have been amazing, but even more amazing are the children we have been able to treat. This trip has taught me so much about what it takes to find joy when you have so little. These children found joy in the simplest things, like drawings of mariposas and pollo that we created for them. I wish that everyone could see their faces and their smiles, and to quote Heather, their “belly laughs”. I want to thank you all for following our journey, and to keep us and the people we are so privileged to be able to help in your thoughts and prayers. I love you all! Ps. As I was typing this the team thought it would be funny to point out a very large cricket that hopped onto the table next to me. As those of you that know me know screeching ensued, at least it wasn’t a cucaracha!
From Ernie: OK, it’s the 3rd world no doubt. Road travel is insane. I won’t talk about the bathrooms. But, last 2 evenings we are in the company of Amparo and Sr Ronnie and their great restaurant / home and loving every second of it ! Over 180 kids in the last 2 days and like last year it’s scabies, parasites, and a whole assortment of infections. But it’s worth every minute when the parent gives you a thank-you hug as your probably the only medical professional they have seen in their village in well, ….since last time we were here. Working with an amazing group from FIL and CHW !!!!! Talk back to us on the FIL blog, we really appreciate it ! Talk to y’all soon.
From Joyce: what a great trip so far. It was 80 degrees today The old men in the town said that this is their summer weather and very unusual for this time of year. The children are awesome—we have seen so many and wish that we could do more. When I am back at work in CHW’s ER, I will never have to ask the MD if the rash I am looking at is scabies or something else—so many kids here have them. Watching the kids get their scabies wash was a stitch—many of them cried but they will be better off without the constant itching. Dr Ernie and I –ER co-workers back home—triaged and treated 80 children in 2 ½ hours this am—wish we could do that in the USA. Learning more Spanish will help me with my work at home too. I have made new friends and want to come here again.
From Patsy: Hello all!! This trip is more than I ever could have imagined!! What a wonderful group of people to work with and learn from!! The people of this area are amazing! They welcome us with open arms and are so thankful for the small amount of care that we are able to give them. I am overwhelmed with the beautiful children and loving parents and grandparents…and also the beautiful mountains! This experience is amazing and I am thankful that all of you are interested and following this blog! Thank you!! Dios Los Bendigas (God’s Blessings!) …I am trying soooo hard to learn Spanish!!
From Sonia: Hi all I am having a great time it is so serene here. Traveling is very different, small roads and way TOO big trucks. Guatemala has been a great place, it is so beautiful. The people are very kind. It has been a great experience. Yes it is very sad, but once you see the happiness and appreciation you get from the children, I know why I was called here to complete this task. This trip so far has been worth it! I do have to say the weather has been picture perfect. Thanks to all of the bloggers. We enjoy reading each one every day!!! Buenos Noches!
From Karla: Hola all! These past two days have been some of the most ridiculous and fantastic experiences I’ve had in my entire life. From nearly falling off the side of massive cliffs in buses, to devouring delicious Guatemalan dishes, to treating adults and children in tiny mountainside villages; this trip has been amazing thus far. We finished up in La Union today and tomorrow will begin another adventure in Antigua (5AM! YIKES.). My Spanish is still terrible, but I’m catching on better than I thought I would. This place is truly incredible as are the people. I miss you all back home, thanks for the support and can’t wait to fill you in on the many stories and pictures..(300+so far, heh.) Love love! Buenos Noches!
From: Heather – Yes! We got some sleep last night. I think that all of us were showered (yes, no hot water) and asleep by 9pm. The day was sunny and 80 degrees. The children were delighted to see us and we were just as excited. There were many belly laughs today from cute little kiddos. We treated more children than adults. Dr. Ernie lets us nurses do some evaluating and diagnosing on our own….that was fun! I was filled with so much emotion today. I miss my beautiful children and husband, but I know you all are doing well and sending prayers. I love you Mom! I look forward to tomorrow (not necessarily being up at 4am) when we travel to Antigua for a day of exploration. Keep posting…WE LOVE READING THEM! (ps. Thanks Terry for your kind words) Adios!
From: Brigitte-This trip has been amazing so far, and it’s only day 3. The clinic days have been amazing, but even more amazing are the children we have been able to treat. This trip has taught me so much about what it takes to find joy when you have so little. These children found joy in the simplest things, like drawings of mariposas and pollo that we created for them. I wish that everyone could see their faces and their smiles, and to quote Heather, their “belly laughs”. I want to thank you all for following our journey, and to keep us and the people we are so privileged to be able to help in your thoughts and prayers. I love you all! Ps. As I was typing this the team thought it would be funny to point out a very large cricket that hopped onto the table next to me. As those of you that know me know screeching ensued, at least it wasn’t a cucaracha!
From Ernie: OK, it’s the 3rd world no doubt. Road travel is insane. I won’t talk about the bathrooms. But, last 2 evenings we are in the company of Amparo and Sr Ronnie and their great restaurant / home and loving every second of it ! Over 180 kids in the last 2 days and like last year it’s scabies, parasites, and a whole assortment of infections. But it’s worth every minute when the parent gives you a thank-you hug as your probably the only medical professional they have seen in their village in well, ….since last time we were here. Working with an amazing group from FIL and CHW !!!!! Talk back to us on the FIL blog, we really appreciate it ! Talk to y’all soon.
From Joyce: what a great trip so far. It was 80 degrees today The old men in the town said that this is their summer weather and very unusual for this time of year. The children are awesome—we have seen so many and wish that we could do more. When I am back at work in CHW’s ER, I will never have to ask the MD if the rash I am looking at is scabies or something else—so many kids here have them. Watching the kids get their scabies wash was a stitch—many of them cried but they will be better off without the constant itching. Dr Ernie and I –ER co-workers back home—triaged and treated 80 children in 2 ½ hours this am—wish we could do that in the USA. Learning more Spanish will help me with my work at home too. I have made new friends and want to come here again.
From Patsy: Hello all!! This trip is more than I ever could have imagined!! What a wonderful group of people to work with and learn from!! The people of this area are amazing! They welcome us with open arms and are so thankful for the small amount of care that we are able to give them. I am overwhelmed with the beautiful children and loving parents and grandparents…and also the beautiful mountains! This experience is amazing and I am thankful that all of you are interested and following this blog! Thank you!! Dios Los Bendigas (God’s Blessings!) …I am trying soooo hard to learn Spanish!!
From Sonia: Hi all I am having a great time it is so serene here. Traveling is very different, small roads and way TOO big trucks. Guatemala has been a great place, it is so beautiful. The people are very kind. It has been a great experience. Yes it is very sad, but once you see the happiness and appreciation you get from the children, I know why I was called here to complete this task. This trip so far has been worth it! I do have to say the weather has been picture perfect. Thanks to all of the bloggers. We enjoy reading each one every day!!! Buenos Noches!
From Karla: Hola all! These past two days have been some of the most ridiculous and fantastic experiences I’ve had in my entire life. From nearly falling off the side of massive cliffs in buses, to devouring delicious Guatemalan dishes, to treating adults and children in tiny mountainside villages; this trip has been amazing thus far. We finished up in La Union today and tomorrow will begin another adventure in Antigua (5AM! YIKES.). My Spanish is still terrible, but I’m catching on better than I thought I would. This place is truly incredible as are the people. I miss you all back home, thanks for the support and can’t wait to fill you in on the many stories and pictures..(300+so far, heh.) Love love! Buenos Noches!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hungry for Your Feedback
Tonight in our debrief, we read aloud the comments we had received from our followers. This is an important time in our day to still feel connected to you. We feel so far away and would love to have your comments, encouragement or questions. Please post a comment so that we can read it together. We did not think we would have access, but are spending pooled dollars to connect to you via Blackberry as a modem. Please comment! We love you and miss you!
Mission for the Healthcare Perspective
Today was the first of 7 days that we are able to experience the healthcare of Guatemala. When I asked Ernie what the healthcare situation is like here in La Union, he told me that the nearest clinic is about 15 minutes away but the clinic is staffed with a nurse who comes maybe twice per week. Now that we had time to recollect about our day in the clinic/school, we realize how much we can appreciate our healthcare. Most of these individuals, kids and adults, that we assessed have situations that possibly could improve with a little education for the family and of course further resources. But how do we get those resources to them? The kids and parents that we saw had multiple issues that ranged from a simple headache to pneumonia to scabies to a child who was not able to get enough food because of his mothers own health. With the donations of monetary and medicinal value, we were able to reach many, many families and we want to thank you for that.
After being here in Guatemala, even for the one day, we can realize how fotunate we are to have the access to the healthcare and resources that are at our fingertips. Thank you to all for everything that you have done to help us in this mission!
Sincerely,
The FILS Medical Team
After being here in Guatemala, even for the one day, we can realize how fotunate we are to have the access to the healthcare and resources that are at our fingertips. Thank you to all for everything that you have done to help us in this mission!
Sincerely,
The FILS Medical Team
A Successful Clinic
We had a rough start today, trying to get organized after having very few hours of sleep. We were up for 44 hours and had 4 -1/2 hours of sleep. Today we had to try to reorganize all of our remaining supplies into our clinic operation. We arrived to our building to find out that school was in session in the building we were to use. Lessons were shortened to 5 minutes more after our arrival. I don't think the kids minded getting dismissed early, but some did not want to see the doctors and nurses instead of going to school. We had one little boy run away from us when we wanted to take a closer look at an infection on his ear. We had an additional set back when we discovered that our preprinted prescription labels were missing. They must be in the suitcase held by customs. Teamwork prevailed when we all pitched in to handwrite the prescriptions in spanish on all of the blank labels we had with us. Within several hours we were rockin' at top speed and had seen and assisted 70+ patients by lunchtime. In addition, we were able to share coloring pages of the song "Jesus Loves Me" and help many children create butterfly crafts. Butterflies symbolize new life in Christ and also symbolize Hope here in Guatemala. Some day we will all be transformed the way "La Oruga" transforms into "La Mariposa" Stickers and candy and nutrigrain bars were also very popular. We even had kids coming back for "seconds" on toothbrushes and toothpaste! They are very excited to have anything of their own and we were able to do some education. Thank you to the AM kindergarten for giving the poster paint markers. We are bringing home many pictures of butterflies that the children in Guatemala have made to thank you for supplying the paints! Many of the children also "escribe tu nombre" --wrote their names so that you can know who they are! Thank you so much for sharing your blessings with them! We will write more tomorrow about our work in the same location. Maybe the boy who ran away will return so that we can help him too!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Being Like a Palm Tree
Before our experience started, I sent an email to the team asking all to remember to be like palm trees. Have deep roots, committed to our mission. Have think skin, don't let things get to you. Bend in the wind, be flexible when things don't go our way. Grow, look for opportunities to expand your thinking and experience and Bear fruit.
Today we had an opportunity! We were stopped in customs for inspection of our packages. All prescription medications were stopped. We are told that after we see a customs broker, an attorney and someone from the Ministry of Health, we may be able to pay the appropriate duty and get our medication next week.
In addition, all of our over the counter medicines were inventoried and we were charged 12% duty to bring them in. We are still in Guatemala City. Our plan was to be up on the mountain before dark. We'll see if that happens. Pray that our situation resolves quickly!
Thank you for all of your donations of medicine. Much of it has entered Guatemala for the people you intended it for. It is the antibiotics, the albuterol and the hypertension drugs that are being held.
Today we had an opportunity! We were stopped in customs for inspection of our packages. All prescription medications were stopped. We are told that after we see a customs broker, an attorney and someone from the Ministry of Health, we may be able to pay the appropriate duty and get our medication next week.
In addition, all of our over the counter medicines were inventoried and we were charged 12% duty to bring them in. We are still in Guatemala City. Our plan was to be up on the mountain before dark. We'll see if that happens. Pray that our situation resolves quickly!
Thank you for all of your donations of medicine. Much of it has entered Guatemala for the people you intended it for. It is the antibiotics, the albuterol and the hypertension drugs that are being held.
Boarding our Plane in Chicago
Just when I get the laptop out and sign on, they start calling rows for boarding. Well, we're not first class, so we have a couple of minutes! The team is all together and many went to McDonald's to grab a coffee and a quick breakfast before we hop on the plane to Houston. We'll post again when we can. Thanks for being followers of our blog!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Meet the Team
Our team members are: (l-r) Dr. Ernie Stremski, Karla Jacobsen-Mogge, Heather Moore, Sonia Greengrass, Brigitte DeBruyne, Joyce Ennis, Patsy Wilhelme, Jeremy Rose, Lori Newhouse and Joy Friede. (Not Pictured: Nancy Switzer). This photo was taken at our team dinner on January 21st. This was the first time many of us were able to meet face-to-face. Seven team members are employees of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. The remaining members come from Columbia St Mary's, Aurora Advanced Healthcare and First Immanuel Lutheran Church.
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