First Day at Clinica Santa Cruz

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!