Vital Signs: A Day in the clinic - Nov. 28, 2015
A couple notes before we get started.
First, Alaina's Aunt June passed after a difficult battle with cancer this week. We can rejoice because she is a saint, but it's hard to not be home for this, hard not to be able to console and be consoled face to face. Your prayers for the whole family are coveted.
Second, our website has
a) a new blog up today...an unforgettable adventure (click to view)
b) a nice collection of photos under the "Picutres" tab, we'll keep updating this periodically.
c) a newly added "Newsletter Archive" if you or anyone else wants to look back on what has been written in previous emails
Now, for the FEATURE ARTICLE:
A couple weeks ago, I (Alaina) went with Amie, another TEAM missionary nurse, to a small medical clinic located near the "garbage dump communities" (slums whose residents mostly survive off scavenging the garbage dump, and the [often enabling] charity of surrounding organizations). To get to the clinic, we drove through tiny back-alley streets lined with broken down cars, garbage and sickly stray dogs roaming everywhere. A gate opened for us and we entered into an open parking lot. The clinic is run by Dr. Lila, two volunteer nurses and a pharmacy technician. Only open for two hours a day, two days a week, it can't serve everyone who needs care, and it's simply first come, first serve. The clinic was small and cramped and definitely not up to "code" (but what does "code" really mean in Guatemala?).
When I arrived, the waiting room was packed with local Guatemalans who live in the garbage dump communities. They had already received a number and were waiting in line. They often wait in line for over an hour. I helped with taking down patient information, their chronic conditions and current issues, and getting current vital signs and weights. This process was made extra interesting given my lack of Spanish skills and their limited education level. The patients then saw the nurse, who directed them to be assessed by Dr. Lila. Dr. Lila gives a diagnosis, medical advice, and medications needed. The patients then visit the small pharmacy to receive their free medication on their way out the door. There is definite need for this medical clinic; It's been there for 25+ years! There might be a need there for me. We're dreaming in the liturgy of abundance about what that clinic could look like, praying how it could help the people around it to thrive if it had all the help and resources it needed., It was wonderful giving nursing care to people, giving and receiving hugs and smiles with them while taking their vitals. This is where my heart thrives, and I was blessed to care for such beautiful Guatemalan people.
Thanks for journeying with us! Even though Guatemalans don't celebrate Thanksgiving, we are the most thankful for all of you. With love,
AJ & Alaina
First, Alaina's Aunt June passed after a difficult battle with cancer this week. We can rejoice because she is a saint, but it's hard to not be home for this, hard not to be able to console and be consoled face to face. Your prayers for the whole family are coveted.
Second, our website has
a) a new blog up today...an unforgettable adventure (click to view)
b) a nice collection of photos under the "Picutres" tab, we'll keep updating this periodically.
c) a newly added "Newsletter Archive" if you or anyone else wants to look back on what has been written in previous emails
Now, for the FEATURE ARTICLE:
A couple weeks ago, I (Alaina) went with Amie, another TEAM missionary nurse, to a small medical clinic located near the "garbage dump communities" (slums whose residents mostly survive off scavenging the garbage dump, and the [often enabling] charity of surrounding organizations). To get to the clinic, we drove through tiny back-alley streets lined with broken down cars, garbage and sickly stray dogs roaming everywhere. A gate opened for us and we entered into an open parking lot. The clinic is run by Dr. Lila, two volunteer nurses and a pharmacy technician. Only open for two hours a day, two days a week, it can't serve everyone who needs care, and it's simply first come, first serve. The clinic was small and cramped and definitely not up to "code" (but what does "code" really mean in Guatemala?).
When I arrived, the waiting room was packed with local Guatemalans who live in the garbage dump communities. They had already received a number and were waiting in line. They often wait in line for over an hour. I helped with taking down patient information, their chronic conditions and current issues, and getting current vital signs and weights. This process was made extra interesting given my lack of Spanish skills and their limited education level. The patients then saw the nurse, who directed them to be assessed by Dr. Lila. Dr. Lila gives a diagnosis, medical advice, and medications needed. The patients then visit the small pharmacy to receive their free medication on their way out the door. There is definite need for this medical clinic; It's been there for 25+ years! There might be a need there for me. We're dreaming in the liturgy of abundance about what that clinic could look like, praying how it could help the people around it to thrive if it had all the help and resources it needed., It was wonderful giving nursing care to people, giving and receiving hugs and smiles with them while taking their vitals. This is where my heart thrives, and I was blessed to care for such beautiful Guatemalan people.
Thanks for journeying with us! Even though Guatemalans don't celebrate Thanksgiving, we are the most thankful for all of you. With love,
AJ & Alaina