Day 8: Recreation and Reflection

Last night we drove to Antigua.  This morning, nineteen of us climbed Pacaya Volcano.  Four rode horses up.  The view was awesome.

Late afternoon we completed evaluations and discussed what we learned from the trip and what lessons we would take home.  We find the Guatemalan people very patient, friendly, and appreciative.  We believe people deserve better health care than many are receiving.  We will help others and continue to improve the lives of underserved people in other countries and at home.

Day 7: Fifth Clinic

Today we had a short fifteen-minute walk to Pop Wuj for our last clinic.  I had many women I tested as well as a young teen in a school uniform who had very bad vision.  She is now able to read her school work. I had an efficient sign up sheet and happy patients.

Day 6: Fourth Clinic

Today's drive was a mere forty-five minutes to Buena Vista. Just like the name of the city, the view was beautiful.

I had hugs and kisses from patients who received glasses.  One woman had a memorable, surprised look on her face after I put on the glasses and she saw clearly. The mother of a young boy came with him to get reading glasses.  She very concerned that he put his school books and papers about two inches from his eyes and squinted to see them.  She was so happy when he had glasses on and could read a good 12 inches away.  Many recipients hugged and blessed me.

Day 5: Third Clinic

Today was the longest ride, two hours, to  Pujujil.  We set up our clinic in a community center.  From the outside, I saw a woman weaving on her porch.  Most of the recipients of glasses were women, many who struggled with reading, sewing, and weaving.  Because the center was an open space, we had to hang plastic sheets to create private examination rooms.  My first patient was the major of the city!

Day 4: Second Clinic in Xeabaj

After breakfast at 6, walking to Pop Wuj, packing medicines and supplies, we drove for one and a half hours to Xeabaj. The view outside our windows was gorgeous.

We set up clinic at a school.  Many children played with us.  We played basketball, soccer, and red light/green light.  The children loved stickers and bubbles.

Another patient who was thrilled to be able to see:

Day 3; First Clinic in Llanos del Pinal on Monday

We had breakfast at 6 a.m., walked to Pop Wuj, packed medical supplies on top of the van, and drove one hour to a school for clinic.  When we arrived to set up, a line of patients was already there. I dispensed glasses next to the pharmacy.  I had many very happy recipients of reading glasses.

Day 2 Panajachel

After breakfast at Valenino's Restaurant, we had two hours to wander around, shop, or take a boat ride across beautiful Lake Atitlan.  I wandered, shopped, and took lots of pictures!