Guatemala Day 3

We started the clinics early splitting into two teams.  One team staying at the orphanage while the rest of us traveled to Nueva Esperanza to set up a travel clinic.

Team 1(Nueva Esperanza)
Michael
Blaise
Skylar
Matt
Cari
Kendall
Katie
Eric

My team arrived at the local school in Nueva Esperanza and families gathered quickly once they saw we had arrived.  We broke into four different groups including registration, nursing, practitioner and pharmacy.  Many of the people here speak one of the mayan languages which required us to use multiple interpreters making some of the conversations a bit like playing telephone.

 After a bit of a rough start we worked out our routine, learning the essential phrases and started bringing in patients.  We worked as quickly as we could through the long line that had formed, seeing many different types of patients includintg ones with parasites, gastrointestinal problems, pelvic inflammatory disease, among many others.  In total our travel clinic saw roughly 60 patients and ended later than anticipated due to the high demand.

Team 2) Los Robles
Aislinn
Tyler
Ruth
Peter
Brynn
Jon
Cade

The home clinic in Los Robles faced different obstacles, word about the clinic had spread slower and the team received few patients in the morning with most coming in the afternoon.  Team members were able to use their free time to help count and sort medications as well as learn from each other.  Our interpreter Tyler was able to spend time in the pharmacy and learn about different medications in order to  better help as the day got busier.  The local clinic ended up running late and was still operating at when the team members from the travel clinic returned.

Wrap up
We gathered up at the end of the night for our team meeting and debriefing with some of us sneaking in a quick game of Uno beforehand.  Finishing our evening we talked about our days and went to prepare for the next day before a well deserved sleep.

Guatemala day 2

It's always difficult to live the moment when you know something big is on the way. We spent the morning visiting the city of San Andreas attending church and grabbing chocolate bananas(there's always money in the banana stand) but in the back of everyone's mind was the upcoming clinics we would be running the next day.

After driving past a breathtaking view of Lake Atitlan we returned to the orphanage and began our preparations. Spending the rest of the day practicing using interpreters, dividing supplies for the two clinics and going  over the work flows.

Aside from nearly losing one of our doctors to a falling tree, we made it through the day unscathed and although preparation can only get you so far we feel ready to begin our true work here in Guatemala.

Guatemala Day 1

The day had finally arrived. As we gathered together early in the morning at the airport we ran into our first hurdle, delayed flights. With one of our crew members flights delayed until noon we were forced to split into two groups with the latter waiting for our nearly stranded comrade. The first of us braved the 3 hour drive narrowly avoiding death(slight exaggeration) to be welcomed to Casa De Sion with a warm meal.

After taking some time to gather ourselves we began the task of unpacking and organizing our medical supplies, we seperated creams, pills, bandages and adult diapers(which we may end up using ourselves if we are faced with the dreaded traveler's diarrhea). Completing this we left to explore the area, stopping periodically so Michael could pet local dogs, and visit the local tienda for the necessary supplies of cookies while the other team members arrived to unpack their supplies.

Arriving back at the orphanage we were able to have time before another delicious meal and our team meeting. With one day down we can only hope the other days go so smoothly as we prepare for the start of our clinic.

Day 2: (Part 2) First Clinic

Day 2: (Part 2) First Clinic Experience

First day of clinics had arrived. We spent the evening prior making certain all of our medications, supplies, and donations were packed and ready to go. Everyone was eager to see what the first day had in store for us.

Description: Our first clinic was set up inside of a local church. We had expected to see anywhere from 70 to 125 individuals that day. Instead, over 400 people showed up to see us. With limited staff and supplies, emotions were high as we tried to provide our best care to the Haitian natives.

Team 2

• Melanie
• Aaron
• Jess
• Aislinn
• Katie
• Laura
• Whitney
• Tyler

Reflection: We were able to see a total of 70 individuals that day. The staff worked diligently and managed to stay calm and collected through out the entire day. As the day went on, the crowd grew and the supplies began to run low. Unfortunately, we had to make the decision to shut down the clinic earlier than we had planned. Even though we are here to help provide care, we first and foremost put our team's safety first. Overall we had a successful day and were able to provide care for 70 individuals who were in need.

* Due to the circumstances, the team was unable to take very many pictures for this clinic.

Day 2: First Clinic and Orphanage Visit (Part One)

Yesterday marked our first day of clinics and visits to the orphanages. We split up into two teams, half of us went to the Orphanage, while the others set up our first clinic.

Orphanage:Missionaries of the Poor

Description: Orphanage for children and young adults with congenital birth defects, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, HIV, epilepsy, and malnutrition. These children were abandoned with no where to go after the earthquake. This is when Missionaries of the Poor was established. 

Team 1

• Lindsey 
• Patrick
• Jordan
• Jake
• Cassie
• Cheryl

Reflection: We spent the day visiting an orphanage that consisted of over 80 abandoned children. These children were not only abandoned by their parents but also disenfranchised from society due to their severely debilitating physical status's.  I think it's safe to say it was a day full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Seeing so many children in such need was both heart wrenching and inconceivable. There were beds and cribs filled with children and young adults that couldn't move on their own, yet they'd smile so big when you played with them. They loved to be held and touched. The caregivers are incredible. None of the children had bedsores, however the residents extensive needs can hardly be met due to staffing insufficiency. The quality time and love the children crave may not always be received. 

The caregivers bathe the orphans three times a day to keep them, and their environment clean. The bathing process is thorough and time consuming! We had the opportunity to help feed, bathe, love and play with the orphans. It was fun to see their faces light up as we gave the candy, toys, and cars that so many graciously donated! The children played with them for hours. Those bed ridden with limited mobility were able to play with their new toys, in bed, continuously with a smile.

Later our health practitioners assessed those children with acute health concerns. Overall they were pleasantly surprised by the number of children who demonstrated great health condition, in spite of their limited staff and regional recourses. Their exemplar physical status's were the result of preventative measures in regards to skin breakdown and sanitation. The part that made it the highest of highs was feeling the grace and love for and from the individual caregivers. We laughed and cried with the sweet residence and their caregivers both! We arrived with the intent to bless these kids, and they blessed us in return. We saw so many smiles from people that have been bed ridden for years! It really gave us a different perspective with a lasting impression. 

Here are some images from our day spent with these amazing individuals!