2-22 Sunday
Early morning we loaded people and luggage tightly into two vans and traveled again 3 hours north and west to San Pedro Sula's airport. Thankfully and gratefully we again had no events with tickets or through customs. We were all very aware of how God had provided an almost flawless experience for our team. Our flight to Atlanta was delayed but did not cause us to miss our connecting flight as we had a more than 4 hour initial lay over. Boarded safely in Atlanta after a change of gates and flew home without incident. It was a huge adjustment to leave the 80+ degree day and arrive to below zero temperatures.
In closing, we would like to thank all of you who sojourned with us in prayer and support. Truly we could not have done this alone.
Blessings,
The 2015 Honduras Medical/Dental team
Walter A., Jeff W., Sonya W., Dorothy H., and Renee W.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
2-21 Saturday night team gathering
2-21 Saturday
After an absolutely wonderful day on the islands of Cayos Cochinos we came home to our last evening in La Ceiba. We had an opportunity for a short rest before going out to the Saturday evening church meeting. Following the worship and message we had an opportunity to say our good-byes to many we had met. Other church and community members that we had become closer to were invited to the host family for Dorothy and Sonya who agreed to allow their home to be the gathering for a final team farewell. It was a delightful evening of fun, food and fellowship. The treat of the evening was our team introducing the desert of smores. It was a big hit. The night ended all too soon and we had to say more good-byes. Just before sleep we all packed our bags for our trip home early the next morning.
After an absolutely wonderful day on the islands of Cayos Cochinos we came home to our last evening in La Ceiba. We had an opportunity for a short rest before going out to the Saturday evening church meeting. Following the worship and message we had an opportunity to say our good-byes to many we had met. Other church and community members that we had become closer to were invited to the host family for Dorothy and Sonya who agreed to allow their home to be the gathering for a final team farewell. It was a delightful evening of fun, food and fellowship. The treat of the evening was our team introducing the desert of smores. It was a big hit. The night ended all too soon and we had to say more good-byes. Just before sleep we all packed our bags for our trip home early the next morning.
2-21 Saturday relaxation day on Cayos Cochinos islands
2-21 Saturday at Cayos Cochinos
After the week of working at the clinic, this was our R&R day at Cayos Cochinos islands.
After the week of working at the clinic, this was our R&R day at Cayos Cochinos islands.
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| Equipped for a day at the islands |
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| Jeff and Renee on boat ride to the islands |
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| The first island we stopped at. Reef side very rough. |
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Sonya finding treasures in the water |
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| A beautiful snorkeling experience on the islands calm reef |
2-21 Miscelaneous pictures
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| Home building for family - similar to Habitat for Humanity |
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| Building tables for clinic and school |
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| Infant measuring board built for clinic |
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| CDI children playing marbles |
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
2-20 Friday clinic day and souvenier shopping
2-20 Friday
The rains passed and we woke to another gorgeous tropical day. The humidity is high making any wet hair or clothes take much longer to dry, but it is still a pleasant change from our frigid weather back home.
Today we planned for a shorter day at the clinic in order to take the afternoon to go souvenir shopping. We saw patients all morning as they arrived and then only had about 2 hours of service in the afternoon. Jeff was feeling a bit ill from both the change in diet and the less than ideal ergonomic conditions of the care he provides so the planned shortened day was helpful. The local staff of the clinic stayed open for patients. As we were able, we said our good-byes to people we had formed instant dear friendships with in a very short period of time. Hugs and pictures were copious and some tears of sadness shed.
Thankfully by the later afternoon Jeff was feeling much better and we did then again brave the local roads into the city to a souvenir shop that Walter is well acquainted with. The colors of all the merchandise in the store with not a space of shelf space wasted was a great visual experience. As a team we purchased a variety of items including sweet candies, trinkets, pictures and pottery. Next door was a delightful coffee shop and those who ordered some would argue that it's some of the best coffee they ever had.
In the evening we planned for an informal team gathering at one of the host homes. Friday evenings is when the local church has small group meetings and most of the host families were a part of those groups, so that left us with some open free time to get together as a team. It was nice to chat about our varied experiences. We were all very conscious about how quickly the time was flying by.
The rains passed and we woke to another gorgeous tropical day. The humidity is high making any wet hair or clothes take much longer to dry, but it is still a pleasant change from our frigid weather back home.
Today we planned for a shorter day at the clinic in order to take the afternoon to go souvenir shopping. We saw patients all morning as they arrived and then only had about 2 hours of service in the afternoon. Jeff was feeling a bit ill from both the change in diet and the less than ideal ergonomic conditions of the care he provides so the planned shortened day was helpful. The local staff of the clinic stayed open for patients. As we were able, we said our good-byes to people we had formed instant dear friendships with in a very short period of time. Hugs and pictures were copious and some tears of sadness shed.
Thankfully by the later afternoon Jeff was feeling much better and we did then again brave the local roads into the city to a souvenir shop that Walter is well acquainted with. The colors of all the merchandise in the store with not a space of shelf space wasted was a great visual experience. As a team we purchased a variety of items including sweet candies, trinkets, pictures and pottery. Next door was a delightful coffee shop and those who ordered some would argue that it's some of the best coffee they ever had.
In the evening we planned for an informal team gathering at one of the host homes. Friday evenings is when the local church has small group meetings and most of the host families were a part of those groups, so that left us with some open free time to get together as a team. It was nice to chat about our varied experiences. We were all very conscious about how quickly the time was flying by.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
2-19 Thursday night team outing
2-19 Thursday
One night of the week's stay is arranged for the team to go out to dinner and give the host families a break. On this evening we decided to go to a traditional favorite called El Gordos (The fat one). The restaurant is in the heart of the city about a 15-20 minute drive away from our home location. We had a wonderful dinner and great conversation as we enjoyed a family style selection of local bar-b-que meats and sides.
For both safety and coordination transportation is provided for us any time we have to go anywhere. When we go to and from the homes to the clinic it is a fairly quick 5 minute non-eventful drive. When we leave the neighborhood however, it is always an adventure. Though an American license would allow you to legally drive here, it just isn't something you want to do without a good understanding of how to do it. From a first time visitor's perspective it would seem that there are no rules on the road. Easily a two lane road is regularly having 4 vehicles wide with motorcycles squeezing between very small spaces to advance. At times even pedestrians are standing or sitting in the middle of the road either pan handling or marking a particular large pothole. In any case driving is not for the weak of heart.
One night of the week's stay is arranged for the team to go out to dinner and give the host families a break. On this evening we decided to go to a traditional favorite called El Gordos (The fat one). The restaurant is in the heart of the city about a 15-20 minute drive away from our home location. We had a wonderful dinner and great conversation as we enjoyed a family style selection of local bar-b-que meats and sides.
For both safety and coordination transportation is provided for us any time we have to go anywhere. When we go to and from the homes to the clinic it is a fairly quick 5 minute non-eventful drive. When we leave the neighborhood however, it is always an adventure. Though an American license would allow you to legally drive here, it just isn't something you want to do without a good understanding of how to do it. From a first time visitor's perspective it would seem that there are no rules on the road. Easily a two lane road is regularly having 4 vehicles wide with motorcycles squeezing between very small spaces to advance. At times even pedestrians are standing or sitting in the middle of the road either pan handling or marking a particular large pothole. In any case driving is not for the weak of heart.
2-19 Thursday at clinic
2-19 Thursday
Today was a busy day at the clinic. Approximately once a month the clinic advertizes the opportunity for child immunizations and OBgyn visits and today was the day. Fortunately there is additional medical staff to help with this as there were about 150 or so patients that went through the clinic today. In addition to the medical visit, there is a significant amount of education that is attempted to be communicated to the newly pregnant women. It is certainly a good opportunity and the women are very receptive to all that is shared.
We are in clinic from the early morning until mid afternoon. Every morning we arrive to patients already waiting, but some time is taken for a small staff devotional time before starting for the day. Patients are seen from about 8:30 to noon. We break for lunch and have some box-type hot food that is prepared at the CDI kitchen. It is nice to eat all together and be able to share our experiences of the day. One of the fun things that has become our little tradition on this trip is that Dr. Jeff has become our designated person to say grace. If you have opportunity to ask him about it, it's a nice story. After lunch we return to patient visits. Depending on how many patients arrive the afternoon may last until 4pm but usually ends a little sooner.
Today was a busy day at the clinic. Approximately once a month the clinic advertizes the opportunity for child immunizations and OBgyn visits and today was the day. Fortunately there is additional medical staff to help with this as there were about 150 or so patients that went through the clinic today. In addition to the medical visit, there is a significant amount of education that is attempted to be communicated to the newly pregnant women. It is certainly a good opportunity and the women are very receptive to all that is shared.
We are in clinic from the early morning until mid afternoon. Every morning we arrive to patients already waiting, but some time is taken for a small staff devotional time before starting for the day. Patients are seen from about 8:30 to noon. We break for lunch and have some box-type hot food that is prepared at the CDI kitchen. It is nice to eat all together and be able to share our experiences of the day. One of the fun things that has become our little tradition on this trip is that Dr. Jeff has become our designated person to say grace. If you have opportunity to ask him about it, it's a nice story. After lunch we return to patient visits. Depending on how many patients arrive the afternoon may last until 4pm but usually ends a little sooner.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
2-19 Thursday - Difficult night of sleep
2-19 Thursday
A very difficult night of sleep for most of us last night with the coming of torrential rains. Heavy sheets of water drenched the land almost continuously through the night. For the fleeting times that the rain let up, the chickens managed to use the opportunity to add their round of cackling. In addition, at some point the dogs began a round of barking as if their efforts would protect us all from the rain. Though all the sound effects did not promote too much restful sleep, they were otherwise delightful sounds that our city and suburban ears don't very often experience. The expected rain was so extensive that schools were closed for today, but fortunately it was not as constant a rain as was initially expected and it resolved by the afternoon.
In addition, on this particular morning at 0300, the host family's mother and daughter where Dorothy and Sonya are staying were off to Tegucigalpa, the capitol city 3 hours away, to meet up with Operation Smile. Angie is now 11 years old and was born with cleft lip and palate. She has had initial surgeries, but is now hoping for a final cosmetic repair when she is 14. Their efforts today were successful and Angie has been accepted and approved for ongoing care. A true answer to prayer for this family!
A very difficult night of sleep for most of us last night with the coming of torrential rains. Heavy sheets of water drenched the land almost continuously through the night. For the fleeting times that the rain let up, the chickens managed to use the opportunity to add their round of cackling. In addition, at some point the dogs began a round of barking as if their efforts would protect us all from the rain. Though all the sound effects did not promote too much restful sleep, they were otherwise delightful sounds that our city and suburban ears don't very often experience. The expected rain was so extensive that schools were closed for today, but fortunately it was not as constant a rain as was initially expected and it resolved by the afternoon.
In addition, on this particular morning at 0300, the host family's mother and daughter where Dorothy and Sonya are staying were off to Tegucigalpa, the capitol city 3 hours away, to meet up with Operation Smile. Angie is now 11 years old and was born with cleft lip and palate. She has had initial surgeries, but is now hoping for a final cosmetic repair when she is 14. Their efforts today were successful and Angie has been accepted and approved for ongoing care. A true answer to prayer for this family!
2-18 Wednesday night church services
2-18 Wednesday night.
This evening's activity revolved around the church. The service begins with a series of worship songs and is followed by a message and community announcements. It is a very contemporary experience with music that is loud enough to drown out those of us who don't sing quite on key. The constituency attending is pulled from 5 "neighborhoods" that are like small villages. The total population of these villages is close to 4 thousand. On this Wednesday night service about 350 were present. Most are young adults and young families. It is a delightful experience to be accepted so well and it really feels very comfortable here for all of us.
This evening's activity revolved around the church. The service begins with a series of worship songs and is followed by a message and community announcements. It is a very contemporary experience with music that is loud enough to drown out those of us who don't sing quite on key. The constituency attending is pulled from 5 "neighborhoods" that are like small villages. The total population of these villages is close to 4 thousand. On this Wednesday night service about 350 were present. Most are young adults and young families. It is a delightful experience to be accepted so well and it really feels very comfortable here for all of us.
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| Gran Comision church |
Friday, February 20, 2015
2-18-15 Wednesday Clinic day
Back at the clinic the routine was more familiar for everyone. Also the flow seemed much smoother because we had fewer patients throughout the day. For dental and medical clinic today we saw about 40-50 patients. One little one year old was compromised with severe asthma and had retractions. We provided IV fluids and respiratory medications but ultimately he needed to be sent to the hospital for ongoing care. One older woman had a systolic blood pressure of 230 mm/hg and was symptomatic with dizziness. Though she had blood pressure medication prescribed, she did not take it daily because she was trying to make it last. Education was provided as well as a new supply of necessary medication.
 Dr. Walter providing consult on hypertension | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| One year old with asthma and retractions |
2/18 Wed. - Visit to center for physical and emotional care
2-18-15 Wednesday
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| Electric therapy for pain. |
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| This man has paralysis from deep sea lobster fishing. Without proper equipment and diving deep into the ocean they develop air embolisms causing the paralysis. This device helps him stand and exercise muscles |
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| Patient has physical and developmental issues and receives physical and occupational therapy |
Thursday, February 19, 2015
2-17 Tuesday night dinner with hosts
2-17-15 Tuesday evening – Dinner out with hosts
The 5 members of our team and additional visiting providers
have the wonderful opportunity to live with host families during our week’s stay. These families provide meals and a place to
sleep as well as an additional opportunity to engage in the various relationships
of the respective families. It truly is
an added part of the gift of this mission and many lasting memories and
friendships have been made for those of us who are new as well as those who have been here repeatedly. In gratefulness we then arrange to take our
hosts out for one evening meal in the week.
For most of us this was the night we took our families out. Pizza, seafood and traditional locations were
the choices for this evening. Following
dinner some of us also had a chance to go shopping at a traditional mall that
is not much different than our own. Back
at home we were all very ready for a low key evening and an early time
to bed.
2-17 Child development center entry by Renee
2-17-15 Tuesday
Hi! This is Renee. I’m going to tell you a little about the
Child Development Center (CDI) here on this campus. CDI is where I have spent
the majority of my time. Great Commission Church in La Ceiba started CDI in
2008. It began primarily as a program to feed local children lunch. The public
school children in Honduras go to school either in the morning or the
afternoon. So, the children came for lunch either after or before school. The
program changed to include helping children with their homework both before and
after school. Over the years it has grown in number of children attending.
Currently, 124 children are served daily. Grade levels have also been added up
through 10th grade. The vision has also grown to include a holistic
approach. Now, the program is designed to meet many needs of the children
including nutrition, tutoring, skill training and spiritual instruction.
The children go to a school at the bottom of the hill. It is
a steep hill, so the older kids often help the little ones as they all walk up
to CDI. The children are darling! Some come in uniforms for school. Just like
at home, some are wiggly and busy, and some are calm and quiet. Large brown
eyes watch me and sweet little faces smile at me. I am getting hugs now as they
are more accustomed to seeing me,
Ahead of time I prepared three devotions. I did the first
one today with two groups of kids. In total, I will be talking about God’s
love, showing God’s love to others with kind words and actions, and God showing
His love to us through the gift of Jesus. I have a translator. After the
devotion time, I help with homework. This is an interesting experience given I
speak only a little Spanish….just enough to come out with an occasional word or
phrase. Not real helpful, but better than nothing!
Today, I also helped in the main kitchen. So fun for me! I
helped to make tortillas by hand, empanadas, and a vegetable dish. The staff
was so patient with my clumsy fingers. I am sure they were surprised when I
told them that I love to cook!
Thanks for your prayers. We are having great experiences,
but are all still pretty tired.
Blessings, Renee
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| CDI child having after school tutoring |
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| CDI child learning sewing skills |
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