Medical Mission

Last week was the week I'd been waiting for since the first week I arrived...it was the week that the medical mission from the US came to Esquipulas. I had very high expectations for this week and each and every one was exceeded by leaps and bounds.
Basic rundown...there were about 24 workers from CHW (catholic healthcare west...a system of Hospitals in Cali, Ariz, and Nev) who came to Esquipulas...4 doctors, a PT, 2 pharmacists, translators, and several nurses and administrators. About half of the group was returning and half new, and they came from different hospitals all over the 3 state area. The group was split into two teams, Red and Blue. I was on the Blue team and Theo on the Red. Each day (for 5 days) the teams set out at about 7:30am for a different mountain village (aldea). The ride ranged from 30minutes to 2 hours over rough roads. They were single lane, dirt, rock, ruted, pot holed roads. Keep in mind that we had to fit about 14 people, 10 medical bags, 2 drivers, plus extra Guatemalan volunteers (usually 2 or 3) in two pickup trucks. That meant that there was anywhere from 4 to 10 people in the bed of the truck...many times sharing space with medical bags (VERY large duffle bags). Needless to say it was a rough ride at times, and we all felt like we needed the PT and pain meds most days. At each location we saw about 100 patients as well as 50-100 kids (we had a seperate peds clinic that changed teams depending on the aldea being visited). Therefore, by the end of the week we served about 1400 people between the two teams. My job for the week was to help Les in the pharmacy...I was his pharm tech (now I can put that on my resume!). We would try to finish the clinics at around 3 or 4 to be sure to return before it got dark because of safety on the roads. The days were long but enjoyable. In addition to being a pharm tech, I got to play optomtrist for a while as well as interpretor...although the team brought their own.

The whole experience was amazing...even the truck rides (I enjoyed seeing all of the gorgeous mountains and valleys which never get old). The medical team was incredible. I knew they would be nice and caring but didn't know what to expect as far as humor or intensity. The team was very relaxed, funny, joked around, had fun, and immediately took us in as part of their own...which felt great. We instantly felt included and appreciated. They constantly reminded us how thankful they were for our assistance which was nice to hear...but every time they said it, I always felt like I was getting far more out of the trip than I could put in. The biggest surprise, and most pleasant surprise...other than being so easily accepted...was that they were REAL. This is when I wish I was better with words. They weren't arrogant, didn't talk down to us, asked for our help and suggestions, included us in everything (including dinner and a trip to Guatemala City on their way out), and joked around with us....they were normal, fun, and REAL. They even got tired at the end of a long day and just wanted to sit down and have a beer. Each night they invited us to join the team for dinner at a local restaurant where we were able to get to know them a little better. In addition to the team, the work was incredible too. For the first time since arriving, I actually felt as though I was helping people in a very direct way and making a positive difference in peoples lives...it was an incredible feeling...largely why I KNOW that I got much more out of it than I put in. Many people we served would just hang out even after they were seen because they just wanted to see what was going on...the Gringo Circus was in town :) There were always kids with smiles on their faces...many of which like to have their picture taken.
After the week was over we were all exhausted...but kind of sad that it was over and that the team was leaving...or returning to ¨normal¨ life. BUT the connections and projects aren't over. Theo and I made connections with the group that will help us start some big projects here including microfinancing and water purification and storage for the aldeas!!! That is incredibly exciting. Not to mention that I got an invitation to visit California and shadow the PT next summer if I want (he can even get me in to see some orthropedic sugeries!)...I may just have to look into that when I get home.

Well, that's all I can say...although it doesn't even come close to the emotions and feelings that I had during and after the week. It was an eye opening, and life changing experience. I am more and more thankful everyday for what I have.

PS. Two quick interesting stories from the mission.
The patient that will always stick out in my mind...a 92 year old woman who walked barefoot to the clinic. She was about 4 ft 6 (if that) and hugged everyone. She had a smile on her face and the only thing wrong with her was that she had a cough.

Another interesting case happened at Theo's clinic where an 8 yr old with worms threw up...in the clinic...an 8 in worm that was full of babies and about to burst in his stomach.