As I mentioned in the previous post, we travelled to Guatemala with I Care International. Our clinic was the goal and mission of the group. Although our clinic days were busy busy busy they were very much enjoyable.
We set up in the 'salon,' which is a large concrete building in the center of town. It was only a 10 minute walk from our hotel, and when we would arrive in the morning there would be people lined up outside waiting. Some of them, 200+, would make it inside before lunch. The others would wait until we opened again in the afternoon. I was amazed by the patience of the people. A lot of them travelled from nearby villages, and if they were able, they would hire a pickup truck to bring them. Others, probably the majority, walked hours. They thanked us often and sincerely.
Buenos Dias!!
Jen and I with our translators. The intermediate school sent translators for us. This was wonderful, except that most of them couldn't speak english! They could, however, translate the many mayan dialects that were spoken by the people. Our girls were wonderful with the patients, but could hardly understand a word of what we would say.
Jason and Dr. Dan finding the "perfect" prescription
once again...
and this is what we did...for 4 days straight.
I would also tend to the diabetics when they came through. Although diabetes wasn't prevalent, those that had it frequently came through with blood sugar over 500.
Ian is Jason's classmate, and also the one who got us set up with the group. He has 3 little girls, so his wife stayed home.
This girl was adorable. She was there with her mom and we couldn't resist putting a few frames on her:)
These ladies have formed an organization within the village called 'seeds'. They are trying to teach young girls the value of education and so on. We hired them to prepare lunch on our last day. Those who ate said it was amazing, but as my stomach was still unsettled from an earlier run-in with unfriendly food, I was advised to politely decline.
Jason examining our very last patient! Patient #1600...give or take a few...
outside the clinic on our last day
9 comments:
What an amazing trip for you! Thanks for sharing with us. I enjoyed your pictures!
Wow! Looks like an awesome time. The pictures of the people are amazing. I love you. Can't wait to see you in a week. For Jason's sake I really hope they had good smelling breath : )
haha.. Julie you're funny. I actually did feel quite bad for him as most people had been sitting out in the hot sun for hours before they came in...let's just say the smells are not one of our finer memories :)
Great experience all the way around, thankful to be thankful!
Hi Sue!! Looks like a great trip!! I was going to ask you where I should send the birth announcement I have for you, but looking at Julie's comment, maybe I'll just give it to her to give to you! :)
Hey you guys! I love your big heart for others and your taste for adventure! I am presently at the Leibrand home in Mt. Vernon, in therapy after foot surgery. Dr. Leibrand is just home from helping in Haiti! Cheers!
Aunt Jan
What an amazing experience. Can't wait to hear more about it.
We are excited to see you soon Sue.
What a perfect match--a nurse and an optometrist, so you can go on these very cool missions saving the world one eye at a time.
XOXO
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