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