A quick update from a Don and a 'medical perspective'!!
Dr. Matt Hannan and his family have been coming down every six months to serve the dental needs of our patients. This trip he brought a group of three hygienist/assistants with him.
With the extra help, Dr Hannan's was able to have three stations set up
and see many more patients than previous trips.
On Tuesday, we all made the trip to Chiminisjuan for normal clinic
and to provide some dental care for the patients there.
It had been raining for several days straight prior to our trek up the mountain.
Joe's jeep made it through the mud just fine. Lets just say I was a little late for work that day.
Thanks Dr Jack and Joseph for helping to dig me out!
and to provide some dental care for the patients there.
It had been raining for several days straight prior to our trek up the mountain.
Joe's jeep made it through the mud just fine. Lets just say I was a little late for work that day.
Thanks Dr Jack and Joseph for helping to dig me out!
The patients at this remote clinic do not have access to dental care.
They were very appreciative for Dr. Hannan's work.
With the mud we were not able to have quite all the equipment we have would liked, including the chairs.
They were very appreciative for Dr. Hannan's work.
With the mud we were not able to have quite all the equipment we have would liked, including the chairs.
Dr. Jack was able to utilize his dentistry skills as well.
Last week, we ran to Guatemala city to pick up Caleb and Bethany coming back from ihopkc. And to celebrate Hannah's Birthday!
When we got back, Dr Heidi flew up to Canilla and I traded places with her, working at Hospital Buen Samaritano (Good Samaritan) in Chichicastenango for a few days.
When we got back, Dr Heidi flew up to Canilla and I traded places with her, working at Hospital Buen Samaritano (Good Samaritan) in Chichicastenango for a few days.
The airplane doesn't quite go all the way to Chichi, so I had to hop a micro-bus for the last half hour of the trip. It was very cultural but not all that comfortable.
In Chichi, I acted as first assist for Dr. Tom Hoak. Dr. Hoak has been working at Buen Samaritano for many years. He is the surgeon who performed the surgeries in Canilla this last summer.
I love being in the OR. You can't tell but I am smiling under the mask!
***** CONTENT ADVISORY *****
We fixed a lot of hernias and removed several gallbladder as well as some other fun stuff. All the families, every single one, wanted to see what was removed from their family members.
Here is a gallbladder full of little green stones that was taken out after surgery to show the family.
Here is a gallbladder full of little green stones that was taken out after surgery to show the family.
I was exhausted after just a couple of days in the OR. It was surprising how physically draining it was. I was so appreciative to be able to worship Saturday night when I got home.
"In the shadow of Your tent, there I am blessed.
In the cover of your wings, there I will rest."
Worshiping that night, I was really struck by how faithful God is. In the midst of our busyness, in the midst of all the need around us, He is faithful. I was filled with thankfulness for the opportunity to serve here in Guatemala in all these different ways. I was filled with thankfulness for the Lord's blessing, for His protection as we serve, for His rest.
