Week # 2 - Medical Clinic - El Arbolito Clinic [the Little Nest]
The medical team is missing Edna, Mary, Kay, Elizabeth and Leslie who left us after week #1. But the clinic still has Bea, Joe, Cheryl, Dr. Del,
Mary Anne, Maggie, Alyce, Dr. Patricia, E. J., Doris and Jerry. (And they stole Iris from construction.)
Monday, August 19
Since Edna left the group after the first week Mary Anne now leads the daily reflection each morning.
Maggie Fleming writes, "We each shared a moment or experience when we saw God's presence during our whale watching excursion. We saw the experience again through other eyes. After the weekend of R&R most of us were refreshed and ready to work another week with the beautiful people – our patients of Ecuador.
"The medical team is smaller, as well since several - Kay, Edna, Lesley departed for the Galapagos Islands, and Kay and Elizabeth and her husband returned home. We miss them already. We’ve developed many friendships and strong bonds with one another that most likely will last for a lifetime. Being new to the SMA mission trips I finally remember everyone's name.
"The students from Rostro de Crristo were set up and ready to begin eye exams, the pharmacy was ready, the doctors were in place and patients lined up and ready to be seen. Babies with mamas, old people with their children – a little sample of role reversal, and special-needs children, completed our canvas of clients for the day who were all anxious to see the doctors.
"The smiling faces and welcoming arms of the people waiting for us was uplifting and memorable. The registration team quickly sprung into action and started organizing one area as we are the first point of contact. Everyone knows their assignments and all of us moved quickly to get everything in order. Desks. Chairs. Tables. Our volunteers pulled suitcases, opened boxes of medications fast and furious with one goal in mind – to open doors and begin seeing our patients. Within the hour we were set and ready to go. What organization. What dedication. What a great team. It was amazing.
"Hope came to light when Alyce and I were handling registration triage. A young woman was interested in the equipment and looking at the volunteers. She commented to her companion through a series of gestures and very broken English. We learn she is interested in nursing and hoping someday to become a nurse, and ward director for a hospital. There is hope for the future. Perhaps we will inspire others. God is good and is evident in many different ways.
"Father John Paul, [Padre Juan Pablo] priest of the village parish, was present to provide support for our team and his people. His joy, friendly spirit and juggling talents served as a distraction from the heat and passing time. Last week I worked in eyeglasses. This week I'm working in another area of service. The experience, the people are all rewarding for me even though the work requires many hours of standing in extremely hot and steamy conditions. We sweat. Our patients found it very humorous when we poured water down our shirts to reduce body temperature. By mid afternoon our clothes were soaked from perspiration. Strains of hair were stuck to our faces and eyeglasses, but we pushed through and stayed on target. [Ditto for the construction crew.] The smiles, the joy in the hearts of the people provided the renewal of energy."
Tuesday, August 20
Evelyn E.J. Jacobs writes, "Morning prayer and devotion sets the tone for the day. We reflected on attitude [and how it can change the world and the way we look at others.]
"It's another hot and long day full of lots of work. More than just physical. Although we gave of ourselves, we received so much more in smiles, blessings and expressions of gratitude. I was grateful for the systems/organization created by our team for those procedures that worked and even those that didn't because we learned. Whenever help was needed someone was willing to jump in. When it is the most physically miserable time, or hour I remembered to tell myself it could be a whole lot worse. I know that God carries me through. I am given those moments of anger, frustration, impatience so that I can give into God's will and find peace and tranquility. I thank the patients we have seen for I see hope and thankfulness in their eyes. What a reflection! It truly is an opportunity to serve. I know I grow closer to God when I do."
Tuesday after work the bus driver, Benito dropped off Doris, Alyce and Alli at the grocery store (comissorio) on the way back for refreshments and office supplies. Benito called a cousin, who had been working since six that morning, to pick up the group via taxi cab because he had to return the charter bus. Then Benito was going to take a local bus to deliver him back to Duran where he lives. Instead, the group of women overpowered, insisted, put him in the next taxi and paid for his fare back home.
The medical team is missing Edna, Mary, Kay, Elizabeth and Leslie who left us after week #1. But the clinic still has Bea, Joe, Cheryl, Dr. Del,
Mary Anne, Maggie, Alyce, Dr. Patricia, E. J., Doris and Jerry. (And they stole Iris from construction.)
Monday, August 19
Since Edna left the group after the first week Mary Anne now leads the daily reflection each morning.
Maggie Fleming writes, "We each shared a moment or experience when we saw God's presence during our whale watching excursion. We saw the experience again through other eyes. After the weekend of R&R most of us were refreshed and ready to work another week with the beautiful people – our patients of Ecuador.
"The medical team is smaller, as well since several - Kay, Edna, Lesley departed for the Galapagos Islands, and Kay and Elizabeth and her husband returned home. We miss them already. We’ve developed many friendships and strong bonds with one another that most likely will last for a lifetime. Being new to the SMA mission trips I finally remember everyone's name.
"The students from Rostro de Crristo were set up and ready to begin eye exams, the pharmacy was ready, the doctors were in place and patients lined up and ready to be seen. Babies with mamas, old people with their children – a little sample of role reversal, and special-needs children, completed our canvas of clients for the day who were all anxious to see the doctors.
"The smiling faces and welcoming arms of the people waiting for us was uplifting and memorable. The registration team quickly sprung into action and started organizing one area as we are the first point of contact. Everyone knows their assignments and all of us moved quickly to get everything in order. Desks. Chairs. Tables. Our volunteers pulled suitcases, opened boxes of medications fast and furious with one goal in mind – to open doors and begin seeing our patients. Within the hour we were set and ready to go. What organization. What dedication. What a great team. It was amazing.
"Hope came to light when Alyce and I were handling registration triage. A young woman was interested in the equipment and looking at the volunteers. She commented to her companion through a series of gestures and very broken English. We learn she is interested in nursing and hoping someday to become a nurse, and ward director for a hospital. There is hope for the future. Perhaps we will inspire others. God is good and is evident in many different ways.
"Father John Paul, [Padre Juan Pablo] priest of the village parish, was present to provide support for our team and his people. His joy, friendly spirit and juggling talents served as a distraction from the heat and passing time. Last week I worked in eyeglasses. This week I'm working in another area of service. The experience, the people are all rewarding for me even though the work requires many hours of standing in extremely hot and steamy conditions. We sweat. Our patients found it very humorous when we poured water down our shirts to reduce body temperature. By mid afternoon our clothes were soaked from perspiration. Strains of hair were stuck to our faces and eyeglasses, but we pushed through and stayed on target. [Ditto for the construction crew.] The smiles, the joy in the hearts of the people provided the renewal of energy."
Tuesday, August 20
Evelyn E.J. Jacobs writes, "Morning prayer and devotion sets the tone for the day. We reflected on attitude [and how it can change the world and the way we look at others.]
"It's another hot and long day full of lots of work. More than just physical. Although we gave of ourselves, we received so much more in smiles, blessings and expressions of gratitude. I was grateful for the systems/organization created by our team for those procedures that worked and even those that didn't because we learned. Whenever help was needed someone was willing to jump in. When it is the most physically miserable time, or hour I remembered to tell myself it could be a whole lot worse. I know that God carries me through. I am given those moments of anger, frustration, impatience so that I can give into God's will and find peace and tranquility. I thank the patients we have seen for I see hope and thankfulness in their eyes. What a reflection! It truly is an opportunity to serve. I know I grow closer to God when I do."
Tuesday after work the bus driver, Benito dropped off Doris, Alyce and Alli at the grocery store (comissorio) on the way back for refreshments and office supplies. Benito called a cousin, who had been working since six that morning, to pick up the group via taxi cab because he had to return the charter bus. Then Benito was going to take a local bus to deliver him back to Duran where he lives. Instead, the group of women overpowered, insisted, put him in the next taxi and paid for his fare back home.
Wednesday, August 21
Joe Balsamo writes, "Hola mi nombrees Jose de Taos. Today was a good day. We should be at top form by the time we leave in two days.
I'm seeing patients as is my wife, Bea and Dr. Del and Dr. Patricia.My interpreter is Susca who is the best. I told everyone early on she is to be my interpreter. And that's the way it has been. We are a great team. Del and Bea have tried to steal her away but I caught them in time.
"Today we saw a lot of patients - 200+. Lots of parasites, anemia, headache, backaches, leg ache, foot pain and flu.
"One man on his bicycle was hit by a car four years ago. Today he received a new pair of crutches. He was overwhelmed and gratified.
"Another man, who had polio as a child, drives a wheel chair with a bicycle sprocket to his arms so he can move the wheel chair.He will get crutches tomorrow. And a pair of gloves donated by Joe Kelly.
"We ate beef for lunch. It was cut thin, dry and tough. I thought if they called it jerky it would be quite good. And rice, of course.
"All the medical volunteers at the end of work said it was a good day. The bus let off some at the Mercado to purchase gifts and souvenirs. The rest of us went back "home." After a hot shower, dinner, cup of tea we are looking forward to our last full day on Thursday, with a half day on Friday. It's been a great opportunity to serve on this mission."
Alyce Grissom: "This is the first day of really cool weather. The last 12 days felt like the Arizona heat, but with humidity. Our clothes were wet through and through. It didn't help to be in the medical clinic rooms without windows and no breeze. Of course I later learned I could have moved to a different area with a built-in breeze way. Oh well, think of how soft and smooth my face is going to feel with all this humidity.
"Back to today,I'm told the lines for registration start at 5:30 a.m. We get there around 8:30. They cheer us on with toothless smiles and hand waves. Once we start registration, which is another story in itself, they get weighed and vital signs taken then off to another line to be seen by either Dr. Del or Dr. Patricia. Then they wait in another line for medications for each member of their family, ranging from 2 to 5 children. After all that waiting and trying to keep their little ones under control all we have to do is give them a smile, a touch and they are so grateful.
"There is a patient who had the oldest pair of crutches I've ever seen. His hands had callous, as well. When we gave him a new pair of crutches you would have thought we had given him a million dollars, or that he had won the lottery. Volunteering on this medical mission has been a humbling experience.
"At the close of the medical mission we see in other faces how we love these poor Ecuadorian patients – these brothers and sisters of ours. We are going to miss them, but we will never forget them."
Joe Balsamo writes, "Hola mi nombrees Jose de Taos. Today was a good day. We should be at top form by the time we leave in two days.
I'm seeing patients as is my wife, Bea and Dr. Del and Dr. Patricia.My interpreter is Susca who is the best. I told everyone early on she is to be my interpreter. And that's the way it has been. We are a great team. Del and Bea have tried to steal her away but I caught them in time.
"Today we saw a lot of patients - 200+. Lots of parasites, anemia, headache, backaches, leg ache, foot pain and flu.
"One man on his bicycle was hit by a car four years ago. Today he received a new pair of crutches. He was overwhelmed and gratified.
"Another man, who had polio as a child, drives a wheel chair with a bicycle sprocket to his arms so he can move the wheel chair.He will get crutches tomorrow. And a pair of gloves donated by Joe Kelly.
"We ate beef for lunch. It was cut thin, dry and tough. I thought if they called it jerky it would be quite good. And rice, of course.
"All the medical volunteers at the end of work said it was a good day. The bus let off some at the Mercado to purchase gifts and souvenirs. The rest of us went back "home." After a hot shower, dinner, cup of tea we are looking forward to our last full day on Thursday, with a half day on Friday. It's been a great opportunity to serve on this mission."
Alyce Grissom: "This is the first day of really cool weather. The last 12 days felt like the Arizona heat, but with humidity. Our clothes were wet through and through. It didn't help to be in the medical clinic rooms without windows and no breeze. Of course I later learned I could have moved to a different area with a built-in breeze way. Oh well, think of how soft and smooth my face is going to feel with all this humidity.
"Back to today,I'm told the lines for registration start at 5:30 a.m. We get there around 8:30. They cheer us on with toothless smiles and hand waves. Once we start registration, which is another story in itself, they get weighed and vital signs taken then off to another line to be seen by either Dr. Del or Dr. Patricia. Then they wait in another line for medications for each member of their family, ranging from 2 to 5 children. After all that waiting and trying to keep their little ones under control all we have to do is give them a smile, a touch and they are so grateful.
"There is a patient who had the oldest pair of crutches I've ever seen. His hands had callous, as well. When we gave him a new pair of crutches you would have thought we had given him a million dollars, or that he had won the lottery. Volunteering on this medical mission has been a humbling experience.
"At the close of the medical mission we see in other faces how we love these poor Ecuadorian patients – these brothers and sisters of ours. We are going to miss them, but we will never forget them."
On these SMA mission trips long-lasting bonds are created and new friendship emerge between the medical and construction team. For a change of scenery and menu from the Retreat House food Doris, Lin and Maggie went to Los Nuestro, as recommended by Dr. Patricia. It was magnificent. The last group who took the midnight flight went the following Saturday evening and had the same positive reaction. (photo courtesy Doris Lippo.)
Thursday, August 22
Unsigned: "As we draw close to the end of our tour, a sense of accomplishment fills my thoughts, along with it comes gratefulness and appreciation for my own life. Today the clinic was the smoothest and most efficient I felt it has run so far this week. Too bad we will be leaving soon. Patients seemed calmer toward each other. Perhaps it was because we were too.
"Everything seemed to fall into place. The budget/money issue was resolved; we finally got the referral slips with the name, phone of directions of the dispensary that patients could go to for follow-ups. Our patients also don't have to wait as long since our doctors are giving the 'easy' meds from their desks. People didn't have to wait at the pharmacy to pick them up.
"The highlight of my day was when a patient was offered a pair of reading glasses. She just couldn't believe how clear she could see to read. The gleam in her eyes and smile on her face brightened my day."
Friday, August 23
At the daily reflection before breakfast Dr. Del gave a reading that focused on 'Today' – taking one day at a time - and staying in the moment. This was an emotional morning as individuals on the team reflected on the various ways of how these two weeks came together for them by... working side-by-side for the common goal...creating life-long bonds... sharing of hardships and experiences ... gratefulness ...health...humbling...their first trip...a cohesive group...the different personalities and fun times.
Iris shared several videos she took of the medical site yesterday. She said she will be able to re-live and share the experience with her community once she returns home. The eyeglasses were an immediate gratification. [Dr. Del suggested next time it would be helpful to have a dental provider for extraction, as this also gives immediate relief.)
An example was described - when you walk into a house you don't always notice the attention to detail with the space, placement of windows that all add to the structural beauty, comfort and functionality. Gratitude was expressed to Joe, Mary Anne and Cheryl who provide the architecture structure to SMA and the smooth running of this trip.
So much to be grateful for including those on our team who were fluent in Spanish – Joe K, Joe B, Jim S, Jerry S. E.J., Iris, and Bea.
Unsigned: "As we draw close to the end of our tour, a sense of accomplishment fills my thoughts, along with it comes gratefulness and appreciation for my own life. Today the clinic was the smoothest and most efficient I felt it has run so far this week. Too bad we will be leaving soon. Patients seemed calmer toward each other. Perhaps it was because we were too.
"Everything seemed to fall into place. The budget/money issue was resolved; we finally got the referral slips with the name, phone of directions of the dispensary that patients could go to for follow-ups. Our patients also don't have to wait as long since our doctors are giving the 'easy' meds from their desks. People didn't have to wait at the pharmacy to pick them up.
"The highlight of my day was when a patient was offered a pair of reading glasses. She just couldn't believe how clear she could see to read. The gleam in her eyes and smile on her face brightened my day."
Friday, August 23
At the daily reflection before breakfast Dr. Del gave a reading that focused on 'Today' – taking one day at a time - and staying in the moment. This was an emotional morning as individuals on the team reflected on the various ways of how these two weeks came together for them by... working side-by-side for the common goal...creating life-long bonds... sharing of hardships and experiences ... gratefulness ...health...humbling...their first trip...a cohesive group...the different personalities and fun times.
Iris shared several videos she took of the medical site yesterday. She said she will be able to re-live and share the experience with her community once she returns home. The eyeglasses were an immediate gratification. [Dr. Del suggested next time it would be helpful to have a dental provider for extraction, as this also gives immediate relief.)
An example was described - when you walk into a house you don't always notice the attention to detail with the space, placement of windows that all add to the structural beauty, comfort and functionality. Gratitude was expressed to Joe, Mary Anne and Cheryl who provide the architecture structure to SMA and the smooth running of this trip.
So much to be grateful for including those on our team who were fluent in Spanish – Joe K, Joe B, Jim S, Jerry S. E.J., Iris, and Bea.