Continuation of last blog

The last blog got cut short so read it first then continue here!!!!!!!!!  PS the volcano is in the first pic.

........We organized our equipment and began seeing patients who came from all over the town, some walking quite long distances.  The majority of our patients had simple colds, or "gripe", but we diagnosed a patient with pneumonia, one with migraines, and another with an h. Pylori infection.  All of our patients received proper diagnosis and treatment but I was struck with how much I realized I have come to rely on the other tools we have in our modern clinics at home.  I would have sent one patient for an MRI, another a CT, and a bunch would have gotten a rapid strep test.  However, even lacking these appliances and tests, with a few medicines and some knowledge these suffering adults and children received relief from their ailments and those that needed further treatment were instructed how, and why, to do so.  I know many people think we shouldn't bring our "advanced" medicine from the states because we treat and leave and the people are worse off because there is no follow-up.  The medicine we practiced today was in conjunction with the local health promoter and included education for her that she can now use to further treat and care for her community.  I have a hard time understanding how that could be a bad thing.  In addition to the help we gave, they gave me something in return, perspective and gratitude.  People are the same everywhere.  Work is required to survive, sickness and injury haunts us all, the will to live is in all beings and the family is the central unit to making hardship bearable and life meaningful.  As Christ went about freely giving his healing touch and loving words, I can and should be following in his steps trying to do my meager part in making the world a better place.  I think being here in Guatemala is teaching me how to do that better.  At any rate, I surely am more grateful for the blessings I have received in my life.

Aaron

Sent from my iPhone

Clinical day 1, working out the kinks!

First day of clinic. We visited the town Panimaquip about 15 miles from San Lucas situated on the side of the currently dormant volcano Atitlan (the mountain left of the tree). The clinic site, which was the small community center, was located about 15 minutes walk up the hillside from where our transportation left us.

We spent the day orienting ourselves to San Lucas. It was humbling to see the work being done in this town by the church and its people. We visited a womens center built specifically as a place for the women of San Lucas to escape for a few moments to rest and learn new skills. We also visited the hospital and organized our medical equipment at the "bodega" in preparation for our first clinic day tomorrow. Today was market day so we went shopping for fruit.

Lake Atitlan, beautiful but not safe for swimming, drinking or washing!

Walking to the Mercado to shop for fruit in San Lucas Toliman

We´re here!!

We finally made it to Guatemala today.  We survived the long bumpy bus ride to San Lucas Toliman and I was only slightly green. What we´ve seen so far has been amazing. I will post pictures and tell more tomorrow. Buenas Noches! 

News is we aren't yet in the beautiful country of Guatemala quite yet. Our flight was cancelled due to the fact they didn't have a pilot...Hmmm. The adventure has already begun. They put us up in a hotel in LA and we will try again tonight. Good news is we get to go to the beach and eat at our favorite resturaunt, Islands! Love and miss you all! Amy and Aaron