From Nov. 13-20th, I went on a mission trip with Our Savior Lutheran Church, Burlington. Lydia and Abigail couldn't come with, but in Flat Stanley fashion, Lydia and Abigail's backpack buddies could! Sending pictures of them was a fun way to stay connected with the girls.
Waking up in Lake Amatitlan, beautiful view from the dorms.
Right away the next morning after arriving, we set up clinic at the church. This is Kim at the reading glasses table. Not many sights for Rocco and Maddie while we worked 3 long days of clinic, seeing 60-100 people each day. The other nurse and I switched off taking BPs and blood sugar and doing the pharmacy with a translator.
On the 4th day, we packed up our clinic and pharmacy in suitcases and took it to a mountain village. Word travels fast, and soon the whole village was out to see us or just get parasite meds, vitamins & toothbrushes for the kids. It was here that we were blessed to witness part of God's amazing plan unfold.
Here's that story:
We were supposed to do clinic at another site, but since no doctor had visited this clinic for over a month, we went here. A 19 yr old came in, but she looked 12 and explained that she was born with underdeveloped kidneys and now is in renal failure. Kidney transplant is not an option, but she saw a specialist and was prescribed 5 different medications. Her father is a farmer and her mother is bedridden, but she was able to save up to buy one dose of Erythropoietin. She went to a clinic the day before with this dose, but the nurse there was uncomfortable administering it, so she came here today. This girl said she had a dream last night that gringos would come and help her. So she asked, "Can you help me?” We were able to give her the subQ med. Not only that, Dr Elry was able to tell her that we have (for free) all of the medications she had been prescribed! “Gracias, Gracias”, she cried and Dr Elry prayed with her. What we didn’t know, is that just a week ago, another person had been taking this very expensive medication, Erythropoietin, but something changed and it wasn’t need anymore. It was left at Dr Elry’s clinic in Lake Amatlitlan. They made plans for her to visit him in 2 weeks to take the next dose as it is taken every 15 days. Had our group not come, this puzzle would not have fit together like it did. Wow. God’s plan is sovereign and sometimes we just need to humble ourselves to be a willing part of it.
Two boys visiting the clinic. The people are generally very warm and expressive.
We went on a neighborhood walk with Dr Elry's son, Sammy. Some members of the church graciously welcomed us into their home.
Robin (RN), Me, Kim (secretary, glasses fitter), Donna (OT, pharmacy helper)
at Lake Amatitlan after our walk. Wonderful people to work with!!
On the 5th day, our whole 13-member team (medical & construction) hiked up Volcano Pacaya. Horses followed us the whole way in case we changed our mind about hoofing it.
Rocco and Maddie took in the stunning views.
The volcano hike and views were absolutely incredible. The volcano was actively fuming and flowing.
Stopping for a rest and picking out lava rocks to take home.
I will remember this trip for the good fellowship. I will remember this trip for the incredible volcano experience. I will remember this trip for the wonderful life-changing holistic work the mission church is doing to help break the cycle of poverty and give true hope. I think Rocco and Maddie had a memorable time too.
I will remember this trip for the good fellowship. I will remember this trip for the incredible volcano experience. I will remember this trip for the wonderful life-changing holistic work the mission church is doing to help break the cycle of poverty and give true hope. I think Rocco and Maddie had a memorable time too.
