Thursday is our last Clinic Day-day number six in Guatemala, day four at the Clinic.
Our morning devotional energized us as Joe compared the Faith and Hope given in our Mission to that given by Christ at the pool where he healed called Bethesda, John 5:2-9. Joe shared how since the beginning of Faith In Practice patients have come in faith, believing they would be healed. The National Hospitals serve mainly Trauma and Emergencies, and people often suffer disappointments and rejection. Our patients come trusting that what we do for them is the best. Also, Joe expressed his belief that there are many Saints in Guatemala, and they wear “Red Hats.” These in-country volunteers are committed to improving the lives of those in their particular Villages. The “Red Hats” bring a group of patients to the Clinic, and some even accompany those needing Surgeries to Casa de Fe in Antigua or Casa de Milagros in San Felipe, Retalhuleu, homes where they stay with the patients until the last patient is discharged.
Last evening after dinner Joe asked Dr. Lehman to share about Yom Kippur, Judaism’s Holiest day of the year celebrated this year on September 15. Dr. Lehman sang a beautiful Hebrew hymn dedicated to his deceased Mother and Father. Dr. Dimmick complemented Lauren and Shelby, our licensed physician assistants, on their excellent patient care and the injections of medications in knees for pain and stabilization of limbs to promote healing. The other physicians expressed their complements as well. Dr. Davidson and the other physicians wanted the interpreters, Anneke and Alejandra, thanked and congratulated on their stellar interpreting. Jill and Brenda, RN’s, were thanked for their many lab tests and injections.
The lines waiting for us this morning seemed like the longest of the week and staff were screening those in line for COVID when we arrived. Our physicians and licensed physician assistants, continue to utilize skills that would not be needed in the United States.
Jorge, age 58, experienced a motorcycle accident in December 2020. He sustained multiple left leg bone fractures
requiring eight large pins and sutures between his toes. Since then, he has not had the money to see a Provider to remove the pins and sutures. His leg is very painful. Shelby, a licensed Physician Assistant, examined the patient and antibiotics were ordered. It took Shelby twenty minutes to remove the sutures between the toes that were in place since last December instead of the usual two weeks. It was determined that Faith In Practice would pay for an Orthopedic Office Visit, needed treatments, and pin removal.
Pediatrics continued to be busy and Dr. Dimmick examined Gustavo, aged 3, who has had a left inguinal protruding hernia for a year. This will be easily corrected in surgery.
The Mobility Clinic continued to be busy. Joanie and Maggie, our Wheelchair Assemblers, have mastered their wheelchair building skills thanks to the detailed mentoring of Mynor, Wheelchair Technician, and Josh, The Mobility Program Director. (You might hear more about Mynor tomorrow since today is his birthday. But I do not reveal secrets). Jackeline has been a competent and compassionate physical therapist helping with walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs. At our dinner tonight and tomorrow night we will acknowledge and thank our entire Clinic Team.
Daniela, the Senior Coordinator of Casa de Fe in Antigua, came to the clinic and with Diego an in-country staff member did COVID screening and oversaw the entry of patients into the clinic. Two of the most continuously busy members of our team are Julissa and Jessica. They processed and taught hundreds of patients to ready them in Referrals for Surgery. Their quiet and professional interaction with patients was appreciated in the whole Referrals waiting area. Felipe, the Medical Clinic Program Director, made one last trip to procure a few medications needed to finish out the last afternoon. Tagni, the Medical Clinic Program Coordinator, facilitated COVID testing of the team members returning to the United States on Saturday. Trunks and supplies were packed back in “The Clinic” in a truck and will be returned to Antigua and readied for the next Medical Clinic.
This afternoon the emotions were excitement for having accomplished our goals of serving Christ and our patients well.
