Morning in Montellano

Right now I'm waiting for the start of our morning devotional on the last surgical day of this eye trip. I've done this before, but each time I am overwhelmed by the range of emtions that we go through during the week. There are the highs of patients whose post-operative results are so positive, and the lows of those who are sent home because they are not eligible for surgery. There are the laughs from our translation errors during patient interviews, and the sadness at the physical impoverishment that is the only life these people know. It is the reason we come, and the reason we come back.
Meredith Ezell, M.D.

Gloria a Dios!

My experience has been a little different than that of the others here on this trip. This is my second clinic to participate in over the past month. I worked in the General Medicine/Dental group that went to Chichicastenango, and I have been here working at Clinica Ezell for the eye surgery team. It has been interesting to see the completely different types of medical clinics that are available to the people down here. It's amazing that not only do we have this awesome place to work at here in Montellano, but that we are also able to take mobile clinics to those that can't afford to travel here often. Not only have I been able to observe the patients here at the hospital, but I have been able to see first-hand the homes of the people in Chichi. I wasn't sure what to expect at Clinica Ezell, but it is obvious that God is doing amazing things and providing what is needed to the people here through the work of Health Talents. To have a clinic as modern as this in a third-world country is honestly, a miracle.
I have had an advantage in the fact that I am here as a translator and can speak to the people here, but it has been great to watch how people can communicate without knowing a single word of each other's language--the smiles, the hugs, the love that pours out from everyone here. It's not necessary to know what the other person is saying sometimes; actions speak volumes more than words in many instances. There is a phrase that I have heard from every single Guatemalan here that I have worked with, and that is "Primero, Dios" meaning "First, God." Whether receiving good news, bad news, or many times uncertain news, every single person knows that whatever is going to happen is all in God's hands. It's humbling to see that kind of faith, a faith so true that we don't see in the United States very often. Gloria a Dios--Glory to God for all the He is doing here.
Hayley Entrekin

It's only Tuesday!

July 25th
We've already accomplished so much! One surgery after another, one eye examination right after the other, one conversation right after another...it's easy to see that we're doing something special in Guatemala. They joy of sight or of relieving pain--it's special what we get to share with the Guatemalan citizens. What has made this different than any other service trip took place on Sunday morning: all of us attended an overflowing church, with 70% of attendees waiting for Clinic Ezell and hearing about the what Christ has done for them, how easy it is to get to heaven, and that joy is possible on this Earth through God. In the words of a patient after a patch was taken off, "Gloria a Dios!"...I enjoyed hearing that and not "Gloria al doctor" or just "gracias." In a book by Mother Theresa, she writes "Because even today Jesus is looking for somebody to console and comfort him....Are you there to comfort him? He comes to you in the hungry. He comes to you in the naked. He comes to you in the lonely. He comes to you in the drunkard, prostitute or street person....are you willing to share the joy oh his love with them. " I think that is something that these ophthalmologists understand--at least according to the degree of perfection they strive for in every single surgery on patients that they'll probably never see after this week. It's true, I wish I could do more than serve as a circulating nurse in the OR...maybe one day!

Sujit Itty
Medical Student

first mobile clinic outing

Today I went with the mobile clinic on its first outing to the small village of Los Margaritas. We arrived slightly before 9 am there was already many people waiting for treatment. The clinic operated very efficiently and saw approximatley 70 patients, the majority of whom were women and small children. There was only 1 doctor providing care but all the patients had been seen to shortly after 3 pm. The health problems from that area were mainly diaherrea, malnutrition and and muscle problems. Many of the malnutrition problems seemed to arise due to a lack of knowledge about basic health care. While waiting to be seen, many of the children would run around in the mud and put dirty hands/toys/objects in their mouths. Several went to the toilet in areas where others were playing showing clearly how sickness could spread so rapidly among the young. Around the clinic, animals such as pigs, chickens and dogs were roaming around by themselves spreading fleas and droppings which would also contribute to the poor health of the area. The village did not seem to have any running water, and the clinic had its own well which many people drank from while waiting. It was wonderful to have had the opportunity to experience and observe the culture of the guatemalan people They were all very friendly and had no complaints about waiting. Many had travelled a long way to be seen by the doctor. My experience today has greatly increased my appreciation of the health care I recieve and the everyday blessings that I so often take for granted. I have only been in Guatemala for two full days but already the trip has been amazingly eye opening and i look forward to the remaining time here. Hannah Vick

Monday, July 24, 2006

WOW! We've only been here for about 3 days and this has already been such a great experience for me! This being my first time out of the country, I didn't know what to expect! I thought maybe the food would be bad or we would sleep in bunk rooms! I was so wrong!! The food is great and the rooms are VERY accommodating. Everyone is so nice to eachother and getting along great! I have already had the chance to check patients in and sit in on an eye surgery! I really wish I could speak spanish, then I could talk with the patients more. I will be sure and learn spanish before my next trip. :) The patients are so nice and it is such a blessing to help in any way possible! Through the last few days I have already realized that coming on this trip was a great idea and I am so blessed that God made it posible for me!!
Heather Michelle Patton