I wanted to write an entry to give you a peak at what has been happening in the medical clinics. We continue to have three scheduled clinics each week, occasional trips (by plane) to the Zona Reina, and the occasional unscheduled walk-in/emergency visit. Overall I would have to say that things are going well. My need for translation into Spanish occurs less and less and my confidence in treating common ailments continues to grow.
A patient that stands out from San Andres clinic this last week, was a man who, in a drunken stupor, fell into an open fire. This happened four months ago and he was badly scarred over roughly 2/3 of his right leg. There were two large and several smaller areas that had THICK infected scab over them and needed to be debrieded. (unfortunatly for my nurse friends on the OHSCU, I did not have my camera with me that day) We asked his wife to change the bandages this next week and I asked him to cut out the drink'in.
This week at the Chiminisijuan clinic, a five year-old girl had a badly burned area on her foot. She had been playing a game where you light a piece of nylon on fire and stomp it out with your bare foot. I again got practice at cleaning out a burn wound. The rest of the patients that day were mostly the normal mix of ear infections, prenatal patients and rashes. We got done with clinic a little early, that is until a young couple approached us. The young woman's sister was in labor and they were very worried about her. After a brisk 20 minute walk (in the mountains at 7000 ft. elevation - Ugh!) we came to a small wooden shack. Inside was a young girl laying on the floor wrapped in blankets. The portable ultrasound showed that the baby was head-down and the heart was beating fine. In talking through the Quiche translator, we found out that this young girl had gone to work at the coast, had a relationship with a man for a month, he left her, and she came back home pregnant. Neither the girl or her mother wanted the baby, and this was part of the reason she had asked for us to come. She felt guilt from what had happened and disconnected from a legalistic evangelical church. We prayed for both her and her baby. The girl recommitted her life to Christ. Leslie asked her to promise not to let her baby die and to bring it to us if she decides that she does not want it.
The medicine we practice here is a door. A door into the lives of the people we serve, a door into their hearts. Sharing a prayer over that young pregnant woman (struggling with guilt and shame as much with the beginings of labor) brings the purpose of why we are here serving into perspective - To share the love of Jesus with the people here in the highlands of Guatemala. Please be praying for young this young girl and her newborn baby.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Evening Outreach
It has been a few days since we have posted. Sorry about that. It has been very busy here with going to the Home on Thursday and having the Warren's here as well as the normal clinic etc. We did want to tell you about a couple evening activities that have taken place in the last week.
Last Friday night, the Fickers hosted the Christian Businessmen's Organization. They want to start meeting in this area and asked Duane to be the chairman. We served about 40 meals including a dozen North Americans. Duane counted about 14 men from Canilla who came but would never step foot into a church. We pray that this meeting impacted them and their businesses. There were many testimonies given including Greg Warren with Aaron Ficker translating. They plan on continuing the meetings on a monthly basis.
These are a couple of the leaders of the organization giving the presentation. The one on the left is from San Andres. The other man lives in Guatemala City but owns a large finca in the Zona Reina. Duane was introduced to him because of their airplane/clinic outreach to that area.
Here is Duane with the Guatemalas who organized the evening.
Last night, Craig and Marty Bontrager served at a church, Iglesia El Calvario (Calvary Church) in San Andres. They have been serving there consistently since we had the Pastor's Conference here in early January. The pastor, Joel, usually leads all of worship and gives the sermon. Craig took over for him with the worship a couple times during the evening so the pastor could minister and pray over his congregation. The Fickers, Warrens and our family all attended last night. Here is a picture of Craig leading worship.
This is Marty playing the drums.
Last Friday night, the Fickers hosted the Christian Businessmen's Organization. They want to start meeting in this area and asked Duane to be the chairman. We served about 40 meals including a dozen North Americans. Duane counted about 14 men from Canilla who came but would never step foot into a church. We pray that this meeting impacted them and their businesses. There were many testimonies given including Greg Warren with Aaron Ficker translating. They plan on continuing the meetings on a monthly basis.
These are a couple of the leaders of the organization giving the presentation. The one on the left is from San Andres. The other man lives in Guatemala City but owns a large finca in the Zona Reina. Duane was introduced to him because of their airplane/clinic outreach to that area.
Here is Duane with the Guatemalas who organized the evening.
Last night, Craig and Marty Bontrager served at a church, Iglesia El Calvario (Calvary Church) in San Andres. They have been serving there consistently since we had the Pastor's Conference here in early January. The pastor, Joel, usually leads all of worship and gives the sermon. Craig took over for him with the worship a couple times during the evening so the pastor could minister and pray over his congregation. The Fickers, Warrens and our family all attended last night. Here is a picture of Craig leading worship.
This is Marty playing the drums.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Boys' Turn
Today, it was the boy's turn for haircuts. First was Craig Phoenix, our resident worship leader and helper with everything guy.
Next was David.
Finally it was Joe's turn.
Absent was Caleb (who wants to grow his hair out to look more like the Ficker boys). Also absent were Aaron and Don (who both don't want to ever pass up the opportunity for their wives to run their fingers through their hair).
Next was David.
Finally it was Joe's turn.
Absent was Caleb (who wants to grow his hair out to look more like the Ficker boys). Also absent were Aaron and Don (who both don't want to ever pass up the opportunity for their wives to run their fingers through their hair).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Surprise Blessing!
When we left for Guatemala, my neighbor (who also does my hair) sent enough hair color with me for 7 months. I have colored my hair once since we have been here and well it was ok but not that great. I was supposed to leave it on for so long and then comb it through or something during the last few minutes etc. Apparently it was a little complicated for me! Also, I have not had a real haircut since September 15th (I am not counting the time I asked Don to cut the back for me. Let's just say that I could see in the mirror how crooked it was in the back!) Well, I found out yesterday morning that Janet Warren used to be a hair stylist! I showed her all the hair color and asked if she would please help me. She said that she would love to and gave me a trim as well! It seems like such a little thing but it was such a blessing to me!
The Ficker girls were also very interested in getting a haircut. Here is Rachel during her turn.
Then is was Katie's turn!
And I just had to add this one as well! They loved having their picture taken especially Katie!
We are still working on Leslie - we are hoping that some of my hair color might work for her. (I promised no pictures - wink, wink!) Then there are the boys who would also like a haircut. Janet said that she needed to get going or she wouldn't have enough time to get all of the haircuts done! What a wonderful gift! The Lord has such a sweet way of fulfilling the smallest of desires.
The Ficker girls were also very interested in getting a haircut. Here is Rachel during her turn.
Then is was Katie's turn!
And I just had to add this one as well! They loved having their picture taken especially Katie!
We are still working on Leslie - we are hoping that some of my hair color might work for her. (I promised no pictures - wink, wink!) Then there are the boys who would also like a haircut. Janet said that she needed to get going or she wouldn't have enough time to get all of the haircuts done! What a wonderful gift! The Lord has such a sweet way of fulfilling the smallest of desires.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Weekend
We took the babies back to the Children's Home on Friday morning. It was a good week with them, very busy, but good! Here are some pictures that we took the morning that they left.
Luisito after Bethany's glasses.
Bethany and Venuncio
Both of the boys really liked their baths!
Duane and Leslie made it back last night from their trip to the Peten. The Warren's have settled in somewhat and have been helping us with preparing food and packing vitamins for clinic. It is always nice to have some extra hands. We are expecting a few more visitors this afternoon. There is a new doctor in Quiche (taking Matt and Heidi's place with Agape in Action). They are going to San Andres to help with clinic and then they may head this way in the afternoon. Never a dull moment!
Luisito after Bethany's glasses.
Bethany and Venuncio
Both of the boys really liked their baths!
Duane and Leslie made it back last night from their trip to the Peten. The Warren's have settled in somewhat and have been helping us with preparing food and packing vitamins for clinic. It is always nice to have some extra hands. We are expecting a few more visitors this afternoon. There is a new doctor in Quiche (taking Matt and Heidi's place with Agape in Action). They are going to San Andres to help with clinic and then they may head this way in the afternoon. Never a dull moment!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Comings and Goings
This last Tuesday, the Warren family arrived. This is a picture of Greg and Janet, Janet is holding Luisito. They brought their three kids and will be staying for two weeks. This morning, Duane and Leslie left for a few days in the Peten (northern Guatemala). Tomorrow, Enrique and Luisito will be returning to the children's home. And this weekend, we may have even more visitors.
Today also marked the 'goings' of the thirties for Lori. Today she turned forty. After taking the boys back tomorrow, we are planning on driving on for a day in Quiche to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who sent her an email today. Her inbox was full this morning!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Visitors
Sunday after clinic, Don, Leslie, Katie and the others brought home two little visitors. They are Luisito (8 months) and Venuncio (5 months). Venuncio has been here before but Luisito does not really like gringos. He cried most of the way to Canilla. However, after we fed him and talked to him, he seemed to warm up to us. He is a content little boy and easy to care for. Venuncio is much more particular but he loves gringos!
Oralia and Sebastian are taking the other children from the Home to the beach for a few days so we are watching the babies for them. We will return them to San Andres on Friday morning. They are so cute and fun to take care of!
Oralia and Sebastian are taking the other children from the Home to the beach for a few days so we are watching the babies for them. We will return them to San Andres on Friday morning. They are so cute and fun to take care of!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Pastor's Conference
Last Wednesday, the Ficker's Pastor, a worship pastor and a camera man from their church in the US arrived. They come every year to hold a conference for the local pastors. Duane and Leslie had invited all the pastors from Canilla and San Andres. We were expecting about 50 or so people. The plan was to serve them lunch, worship a little and then have the teaching on Thursday.
The people started arriving at around 11 am. We think we ended up with around 25 or 30 Guatemaltecans and we had about 20 or so North Americans.
This is Kent Henry leading worship.
Pastor Phil Stern is doing the teaching.
All of the attendees on the Ficker's back porch
It was fun to serve the local pastors and worship with them.
And here is just a cute picture of Grace and Abi from the day!
The people started arriving at around 11 am. We think we ended up with around 25 or 30 Guatemaltecans and we had about 20 or so North Americans.
This is Kent Henry leading worship.
Pastor Phil Stern is doing the teaching.
All of the attendees on the Ficker's back porch
It was fun to serve the local pastors and worship with them.
And here is just a cute picture of Grace and Abi from the day!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Un Paseo
We decided that we needed an outing or un paseo on Monday to have some family time etc. David told us that they like to swim at the place where the canal and the river connect. (I think we have mentioned the canal before. It is an irrigation structure that they use during the dry season. see posting from Dec. 18) We had to drive for a little while until the road ended and then the we picked up the trail by the canal. There were places where there was no trail and we actually walked in the canal or along the edge.
Most of the trail had just a slight incline until we got closer to the beginning. The kids compared this to the log ride at Adventureland. Caleb kept saying how much fun it would be to ride the canal all the way back to the Fickers!
There were several neat waterfalls the closer we got to the river. This one is the biggest and the loudest!
There are so many rocks in the river. The kids had such a great time climbing on them.
The water was sooo cold! Samuel preferred to just throw rocks in and find bugs.
They all went in for a second or so. Bethany and Caleb actually jumped in a couple times.
Don and Caleb are trying to push each other in although it looks like dancing or maybe just hugging!
Once we ate our picnic lunch, climbed rocks and swam a little, it was time to head back home. The kids decided it would be fun to walk most of the way in the canal - it is much easier going down than up!
We did have one problem while we were on our paseo. Notice in this picture that Caleb does not have his glasses. I had his glasses clipped on the neckline of my shirt when I bent over to get a water bottle. The glasses slipped off and fell into a small puddle of water below me. Unfortunately, this puddle connected with the rest of the river underneath some rocks. We didn't see them again. Read our January newsletter for more.
Most of the trail had just a slight incline until we got closer to the beginning. The kids compared this to the log ride at Adventureland. Caleb kept saying how much fun it would be to ride the canal all the way back to the Fickers!
There were several neat waterfalls the closer we got to the river. This one is the biggest and the loudest!
There are so many rocks in the river. The kids had such a great time climbing on them.
The water was sooo cold! Samuel preferred to just throw rocks in and find bugs.
They all went in for a second or so. Bethany and Caleb actually jumped in a couple times.
Don and Caleb are trying to push each other in although it looks like dancing or maybe just hugging!
Once we ate our picnic lunch, climbed rocks and swam a little, it was time to head back home. The kids decided it would be fun to walk most of the way in the canal - it is much easier going down than up!
We did have one problem while we were on our paseo. Notice in this picture that Caleb does not have his glasses. I had his glasses clipped on the neckline of my shirt when I bent over to get a water bottle. The glasses slipped off and fell into a small puddle of water below me. Unfortunately, this puddle connected with the rest of the river underneath some rocks. We didn't see them again. Read our January newsletter for more.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year!
It is a couple of days into the new year already but we didn't have a chance to post until today so "Happy New Year!".
We went to the Children's Home on Wed, Dec. 31st and returned yesterday the 2nd. Unfortunately we forgot all three of our cameras! A missionary from Costa Rica, Barb, was also there so we may be able to get some photos from her at some point. If we do, we will add them!
On Wednesday when we arrived, Oralia, Lita and Zoila were preparing chucharitos (translated little dogs) for lunch. This is a traditional Guatemalan food. It is similar to tamales in that it has the same filling but it is stuffed into an uncooked tortilla which is folded in half and sealed around the edge. It is then wrapped in corn husks and cooked in a pot over a fire for about an hour. They are huge and very filling but they taste good.
Later they killed two of their turkeys for lunch on Thursday. I won't describe this too much but Barb took pictures so maybe you will get to take a look later! Let's just say that it was quite the process to see for a non-farm girl like me!
Don and I went to the New Year's Eve service on Wednesday night. It started at 8'ish and those who stayed the whole time didn't get home until 2:30 am. We actually left early at around 10:30 or so. Our kids stayed at the Home, watched a movie and then went to bed. Traditionally, they light off alot of fireworks at midnight. The fireworks were so loud that we thought for sure it would wake the kids up but they all slept through them!
Thursday, I was the lucky one who got to cook the turkeys. Oralia wanted to cook them in the oven but didn't know how. They usually cook them over a fire. It took a really long time to cook them but they were very good when we finally ate lunch at 2:30!
Barb had lots of activities for the kids at the Home while we were there. Our kids had fun joining in. They built boxes/houses with popsicle sticks, strung beads and went swimming in the swimming pools.
We ended up staying until after lunch on Friday. The older girls had an activity during the day and had asked Don if he would drive them. We wanted him to be able to go get them in the afternoon, so we waited to leave until after they returned. We made it back to Canilla just in time to leave for market.
We had a great time but we were all very tired on Friday night. Don jumped back into clinic on the weekend. We are looking forward to Monday when we will have some time to rest and relax!
We went to the Children's Home on Wed, Dec. 31st and returned yesterday the 2nd. Unfortunately we forgot all three of our cameras! A missionary from Costa Rica, Barb, was also there so we may be able to get some photos from her at some point. If we do, we will add them!
On Wednesday when we arrived, Oralia, Lita and Zoila were preparing chucharitos (translated little dogs) for lunch. This is a traditional Guatemalan food. It is similar to tamales in that it has the same filling but it is stuffed into an uncooked tortilla which is folded in half and sealed around the edge. It is then wrapped in corn husks and cooked in a pot over a fire for about an hour. They are huge and very filling but they taste good.
Later they killed two of their turkeys for lunch on Thursday. I won't describe this too much but Barb took pictures so maybe you will get to take a look later! Let's just say that it was quite the process to see for a non-farm girl like me!
Don and I went to the New Year's Eve service on Wednesday night. It started at 8'ish and those who stayed the whole time didn't get home until 2:30 am. We actually left early at around 10:30 or so. Our kids stayed at the Home, watched a movie and then went to bed. Traditionally, they light off alot of fireworks at midnight. The fireworks were so loud that we thought for sure it would wake the kids up but they all slept through them!
Thursday, I was the lucky one who got to cook the turkeys. Oralia wanted to cook them in the oven but didn't know how. They usually cook them over a fire. It took a really long time to cook them but they were very good when we finally ate lunch at 2:30!
Barb had lots of activities for the kids at the Home while we were there. Our kids had fun joining in. They built boxes/houses with popsicle sticks, strung beads and went swimming in the swimming pools.
We ended up staying until after lunch on Friday. The older girls had an activity during the day and had asked Don if he would drive them. We wanted him to be able to go get them in the afternoon, so we waited to leave until after they returned. We made it back to Canilla just in time to leave for market.
We had a great time but we were all very tired on Friday night. Don jumped back into clinic on the weekend. We are looking forward to Monday when we will have some time to rest and relax!
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