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!

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

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!

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.

Just arrived in Texas! One step closer...we just had enough time to put our luggage into a pile and the airline started calling us to verify our passports. We will be in Texas for about an hour before leaving for Guatemala!!

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!