Friday

Friday we packed up our suitcases before we left for the clinic. It was a little sad to be leaving our dorm, where we spent a lot of time this week bonding after our clinics each day. The women shared one bathroom and all slept in the same room. The same for the men's side. 1

Everyone enjoyed finishing up seeing all the patients in the morning. Before lunch, they took care of 87 patients and left no one waiting. 2

Julia made covers for exam tables that were torn. 3

Candy handing out layettes. 5

It was a little rainy today so it was nice to see people using the ponchos we brought. 6

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And finally, saying good bye to the friends that we fell in love with. 8

A Word from Jim

Jim worked with Karen in the pharmacy to make sure the patients receive their medicine and directions on how to take it.13

A word from Jim: I came expecting to see people with healthcare needs and found so much more. The needs of the people here are very basic. Many of the health problems could be taken care of simply by giving out vitamins. I wish I had packed my suitcases with nothing but vitamins! I am also very moved by the love and servant mentality of the people from the local church towards their community and towards us.

A Word from Kevin

Art & Kevin worked together seeing patients today. What a great team!12

A word from Kevin: I now have first hand experience dealing with and treating individuals that make drinking coffee possible. The hardship of the lifestyle that these coffee farmers put themselves through to deliver such an amazing delicacy now brings significance to this entire trip and respect for the people that farm it so they we can enjoy it.

Thursday

Today was another great day at the clinic. We saw 187 patients. We continued to hand out ponchos. 1

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We were also excited to hand out layette kits that were donated. Each one included a onesie, soap, cloth diapers, an outfit, washcloth, and towel all wrapped up in a receiving blanket. 2

Jim did an excellent job teaching first aid and CPR at the church. Many men from the area farms came and were especially interested in the first aid portion of the teaching. 3

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Some of the most beautiful people on earth. 10

Before...... 7

.......after :) Look at that pouty lip! Precious! 8

There was a little time for fun.... 9

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. 13

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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.11

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. 1 People waiting to get into the clinic.

People waiting for the doctors to see them (left). Registration & vitals (right). People waiting for the doctors to see them. (left) Registration & vitals. (right)

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9 Leishmaniasis

10 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. 17

Even Luis, our bus driver & huge helper in many ways, learned to sew! 18

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.