Julia handing out ponchos. An appreciated protection in this rainy climate. Thank you to all who donated to provide these ponchos!
A Waterfall and A Baptism
Wednesday was complete with a trip to the beautiful waterfall.
Nicole made the decision to be baptized.
It was a pleasure to be a part of Nicole's special day!
A Word from Jodie
Jodie did a teaching session with pre-teens on girl's hygiene. She taught them about their bodies, the normal changes they will see with puberty, what to expect with their menses, and how to care for themselves using the feminine hygiene kits we brought. They were brought back from a trip to Kenya where they are made.
A word from Jodie: It's powerful to think how one clinic can make such a huge impact on so many people and how now we are able to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. With my hands, I am able to treat a child that has an ear infection with a simple antibiotic, or connect in prayer with a women who is mourning over the loss of her mother. It's a blessing to see how God is using not only our medical team, but also the staff here in the clinic to provide a continuous heath care facility!
A Word from Paul
Paul, assessment for back pain. A very common complaint.
A word from Paul: 4 years ago I was part of the team that helped construct the clinic here in La Esmeralda. This week I can see the fruits of our work. Before the clinic was built, someone with a medical problem would need to travel by bus to a distant clinic in the city. It could take hours to get care for a medical emergency. Today, the clinic is providing care and saving lives!
Wednesday
Wednesday was another great day of seeing patients. 178 people were seen in the clinic. Common conditions include diarrhea, vomiting & nausea, dermatology conditions such as fungal infections, flu & colds. I enjoyed seeing the team work together with the Nica team to bless the people of the area by helping to treat their medical needs.
People waiting to get into the clinic.
People waiting for the doctors to see them. (left)
Registration & vitals. (right)
Leishmaniasis
Fungal infection
A Word from Julia
Julia's store manager, Jack, donated this sewing machine for the clinic. Julie is making some tie backs for the curtains she made last year and sent over. She is also recovering the exam tables.
Even Luis, our bus driver & huge helper in many ways, learned to sew!
A word from Julia: I came on this mission trip hoping to be a blessing to the people of Nicaragua, but day 2 at the clinic I felt I am the one being blessed. The people here have little but make up for it in the amount of love, joy and kindness they have.
Tuesday
The Fox River Clinic in La Esmeralda.
Day two began with a yummy pancake and Oreo cookie breakfast. Yes, that's what I said. :) We began seeing patients today around 8:00 and the team was off and running.
Michelle enjoying the intake process and all of the cuties.
Steve entertaining the kids waiting in the intake area.
Jan & Art worked together today, seeing many interesting cases.
The well deserved "Tongue Depressor" award goes to Jodie today. Jodie went so far out of the box today. She saw OB patients and did pelvic exams and learned how to do sutures. Great job, Jodie! I know she will have so many great memories from this trip!
Jodie, Kevin, Jan & Art
Look away if you're squeamish.....
Kevin also got to learn how to do sutures.
Mark & Bev helped Jim in the pharmacy.
Nicole worked with Dr. Centeno today and then helped in the pharmacy. This little sweetie is one year old. He had high bilirubin levels at birth that didn't resolve resulting in oxygen deprivation and ended in brain injury. He goes to Managua weekly for therapy. Although he is healthy medically, he will not meet normal milestones and will likely not talk or walk. He is so precious!
The team worked so well today. The flow of the clinic was well established by the Nicaraguan team, and we all worked together to see 185 people today. We were all so grateful to be able to help so many people!
Monday Afternoon
After lunch we headed in the bus to Limon and set up a clinic at a school. The team did a great job pulling together a quick clinic set up and saw 20 patients. Common conditions included back pain, colds and gastritis.
Art
Nicole giving injections.
Teamwork!
It was a great first day and we look forward to another productive day tomorrow. The staff at the clinic has been an amazing blessing and we could not do any of this without them!
A Word from Jan
Jan doing consults.
Jan won my "Tongue Depressor" award today for going way out of her comfort zone and learning to do things that she was very nervous about. She was courageous and we are all proud of her.
A few words from Jan:
God is working with me in ways I never imagined. he is giving me courage to learn new things; to diagnose and treat illnesses of the beautiful people of La Esmeralda. The staff at the clinic are so giving and my new friends from Fox River will forever be in my heart.
The Two Jims
Jim F. seeing a patient and Jim P. giving moral support. :)
Jim F. uses such a caring and kind demeanor with patients.
A word from Jim: We arrived safely in Nicaragua after a long journey that left us tired and drained. Not knowing what to expect, the challenges have been placed before us. Our Nicaraguan hosts have made us feel quite welcome. It has been a very different experience than serving in Kenya, and just as rewarding. As we read from scripture this morning, "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others." With God's guidance we will put aside the quirks that make us individuals and come together as a team that brings the helping hand of our Lord to His children in La Esmeralda. I feel that our first day in the clinic has been a success with even better yet to come!