Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday
Today was our last day in Nicaragua!! We are sad to leave, but had a great time. We woke up this morning and had breakfast and said our farewells to the El Ayudante staff. Then, we loaded up the bus and headed towards Managua. We had lunch at the mall in the food court. Everyone enjoyed having familiar foods, like McDonald's and Burger King.
After lunch we had planned on heading to Catarina, but decided to forgo that trip and head straight to Masaya for shopping. We spent about 2.5 hours shopping there. We walked around and visited and shopped together. Lots of people bought many things and we all had a good time there. We actually ran into Omar at the market, which was really neat for all who know him.
We came back to Managua mid-afternoon and checked into the hotel. We had a couple of hours of free-time and some of us swam, while others relaxed and took hot showers. We had a private dinner that was wonderful and shared some laughs and stories together. We also sang a few songs.
There is a big fiesta out by the pool tonight, and some of us went to the opposite side of the pool (behind the stage) and had our own fiesta. We danced and sang with one another. The band is playing everything from the Beatles, to Elvis, to Nicaraguan music.
The plan is to get up early tomorrow morning and head over to the airport. Our flight out is a little before 9:00. Keep us in your prayers!! Thanks again for your support! We will see all of you soon!
After lunch we had planned on heading to Catarina, but decided to forgo that trip and head straight to Masaya for shopping. We spent about 2.5 hours shopping there. We walked around and visited and shopped together. Lots of people bought many things and we all had a good time there. We actually ran into Omar at the market, which was really neat for all who know him.
We came back to Managua mid-afternoon and checked into the hotel. We had a couple of hours of free-time and some of us swam, while others relaxed and took hot showers. We had a private dinner that was wonderful and shared some laughs and stories together. We also sang a few songs.
There is a big fiesta out by the pool tonight, and some of us went to the opposite side of the pool (behind the stage) and had our own fiesta. We danced and sang with one another. The band is playing everything from the Beatles, to Elvis, to Nicaraguan music.
The plan is to get up early tomorrow morning and head over to the airport. Our flight out is a little before 9:00. Keep us in your prayers!! Thanks again for your support! We will see all of you soon!
Thursday
Thursday was another great day. It ended with an eventful night, so I am sorry I am not posting until this morning (Friday).
We started the day by going to Las Tias for VBS and a medical/dental clinic. Las Tias is a child rescue center that will likely be closing soon. The children do not spend the night there anymore, but return everyday for the day. El Ayudante is reaching out to these other child rescue centers in the district that will be potentially closing. The day was very busy and successful. The kids were very gracious and enjoyed receiving health kits and beanie babies. Cindy led them in songs and they heard Bible stories and made crafts.
In the dental clinic, we saw 57 patients and 13 needed extractions. We were very busy. It was apparent that most of these kids had never had dental treatment before. They all received toothpaste and a toothbrush in their health kits and we told them about the necessity of brushing their teeth regularly. The kids were excited to finally have a toothbrush and toothpaste so that they could finally brush their teeth!
The medical team saw 74 patients, including a young girl with bell's palsey. They stayed very busy, but were able to help many children and adults.
A few people from the team (Bill F, John B and Len) stayed behind and worked with construction for the morning. They mainly worked with concrete and really wore themselves out doing it! They have come a long way with the expansion of HCN this week!
The afternoon began with a carnival and clinic for the children of HCN and the employees/families of El Ayudante. The children all received new shoes and were able to get two beanie babies each. They were so excited to be able to pick out their beanie babies, and even more excited to learn that they could get two! Thanks everyone who donated beanie babies, as they have been a HUGE hit this week!! The medical/dental team also stayed very busy this afternoon and really enjoyed doing the work.
Some members of the team took the later part of the afternoon to tour the hospital in Leon. It was nothing like hospitals at home, and those that went were very touched by what was seen. There were beds along the hallways, and 6 or more people to an inpatient room. It was hot, and there were roaches climbing the walls. There was a surgical team from North Carolina and we discussed with them about the needs and possibilities of bringing a surgical team eventually.
Len and Tyler went back to the police station and visited with the National Police for a few hours. They have really enjoyed their time with the police, and the National Police are incredibly grateful for the time that Tyler and Len have spent with them.
We spent the early evening discussing how to distribute the rest of our funds, and then Mike pulled out a slip of paper he had been handed. It was an invitation for everyone to join together in the ranchero for the joining of Len and I (Katie) in the Nica Pseudo Bonds of Major Togetherness Forever and Ever (aqui aqui aqui). We had dresses and bridesmaids, and the guys had bowties and cumberbuns... and there was wonderful music and a fun fiesta afterwards. It was hilarious! Chuck got it all recorded, so we will post that to YouTube and add the link to the blog. Those of you that missed it, sorry... you will have to ask someone about it.
Thanks again for the comments and prayers. We love and miss you all! We are preparing now for a day of fun and shopping, and will stay in Managua tonight at the Best Western. We will see you soon!
We started the day by going to Las Tias for VBS and a medical/dental clinic. Las Tias is a child rescue center that will likely be closing soon. The children do not spend the night there anymore, but return everyday for the day. El Ayudante is reaching out to these other child rescue centers in the district that will be potentially closing. The day was very busy and successful. The kids were very gracious and enjoyed receiving health kits and beanie babies. Cindy led them in songs and they heard Bible stories and made crafts.
In the dental clinic, we saw 57 patients and 13 needed extractions. We were very busy. It was apparent that most of these kids had never had dental treatment before. They all received toothpaste and a toothbrush in their health kits and we told them about the necessity of brushing their teeth regularly. The kids were excited to finally have a toothbrush and toothpaste so that they could finally brush their teeth!
The medical team saw 74 patients, including a young girl with bell's palsey. They stayed very busy, but were able to help many children and adults.
A few people from the team (Bill F, John B and Len) stayed behind and worked with construction for the morning. They mainly worked with concrete and really wore themselves out doing it! They have come a long way with the expansion of HCN this week!
The afternoon began with a carnival and clinic for the children of HCN and the employees/families of El Ayudante. The children all received new shoes and were able to get two beanie babies each. They were so excited to be able to pick out their beanie babies, and even more excited to learn that they could get two! Thanks everyone who donated beanie babies, as they have been a HUGE hit this week!! The medical/dental team also stayed very busy this afternoon and really enjoyed doing the work.
Some members of the team took the later part of the afternoon to tour the hospital in Leon. It was nothing like hospitals at home, and those that went were very touched by what was seen. There were beds along the hallways, and 6 or more people to an inpatient room. It was hot, and there were roaches climbing the walls. There was a surgical team from North Carolina and we discussed with them about the needs and possibilities of bringing a surgical team eventually.
Len and Tyler went back to the police station and visited with the National Police for a few hours. They have really enjoyed their time with the police, and the National Police are incredibly grateful for the time that Tyler and Len have spent with them.
We spent the early evening discussing how to distribute the rest of our funds, and then Mike pulled out a slip of paper he had been handed. It was an invitation for everyone to join together in the ranchero for the joining of Len and I (Katie) in the Nica Pseudo Bonds of Major Togetherness Forever and Ever (aqui aqui aqui). We had dresses and bridesmaids, and the guys had bowties and cumberbuns... and there was wonderful music and a fun fiesta afterwards. It was hilarious! Chuck got it all recorded, so we will post that to YouTube and add the link to the blog. Those of you that missed it, sorry... you will have to ask someone about it.
Thanks again for the comments and prayers. We love and miss you all! We are preparing now for a day of fun and shopping, and will stay in Managua tonight at the Best Western. We will see you soon!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday
Another day has come and gone and we cannot believe that tomorrow is our last day in Leon! We will spend the morning at Las Tias, a child rescue center, and the afternoon will be split between a carnival/medical clinic at HCN, time with the police, and a tour of the Leon hospital.
Today was productive and restful for many. We spent the morning at La Majada, and had a medical/dental clinic and a carnival. However, there were so many medical and dental needs that they were very slow in the carnival. Everyone had a good time, though.
The medical team saw 58 patients today, and had to turn some patients away at the end of our time there because we could not see them all. That was very difficult for everyone. They were able to treat many, however, and give them the medicines that they needed. They had the first "surgery" of the week when a patient had a cyst and it had to be cut open to drain.
The dental team saw 44 patients. The dental team was very pleasantly surprised today to see that the majority of the children had good teeth. It is apparent that teams have been going there for several years and the children have frequently received new toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with dental education! Only 7 of the 44 patients needed extractions!! What a blessing to begin to see the long term differences that are being made through God's workers at El Ayudante!!
John and Heather headed up clay pot training this morning at La Majada, as well. For those of you who do not know, clay pots are used for water filtration, which can greatly increase the health of the people of Nicaragua. The team passed out 25 clay pots and trained the people on how to use them. They also had about nine people who had been given clay pots in the past to return for more supplies. It was a very successful morning!
We all returned to the team house for a late lunch, and then were given several options for the afternoon. We could rest, we could work on the construction project, or we could go on a tour of Old Leon. Old Leon is the site where Leon originally was, and had been destroyed by the eruption of the volcano Momotambo. It had an absolutely beautiful view of the volcano. The children at HCN that have sponsors on this team (9 children) joined us for the tour. Everyone had a good time with the children and with one another.
Tonight, we had a later dinner and then the older girls from HCN came over to the team house to do two dances for us. They did a wonderful job, and spent time relaxing with the team for a little while afterwards.
We have just finished our nightly team meeting. Thanks everyone for the update on the weather at home. Thanks, also, for the information on what happens when the toilet flushes on an airplane. We are making sandwiches now for Las Tias, and will be preparing for bed soon. Once again, we love and miss you all, and we greatly enjoy hearing from you.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday
It is hard to believe that Tuesday has come and gone! Only two more days left to work before we begin our journey home. We are all doing well. No real injuries or sicknesses. We have grown more comfortable with one another and getting to know one another the way that can only be done on a trip such as this! Everyone is happy and doing well!
Today was busy, but wonderful. Len and Tyler spent time with the Nicaraguan National Police. They really enjoyed the experience. Both had interesting stories to tell, and both were disheartened at the needs and circumstances of the police here. They were able to minister with them and to share about the differences between their police duties in the states and in Nicaragua. Tyler said that 5 women adopted him and said he could stay with them anytime. Apparently the police loved both Tyler and Len, and have asked that they go back on Thursday!
Sheila, Janice, Sandy, and Bill Ford stayed at El Ayudante today to assist with construction. They had a good time and were able to accomplish a good amount. They all appeared to be very tired tonight after a day of hard work, but they enjoyed what they did.
The rest of the group went to the Sacred Heart of Mary child rescue center for the day today. There were medical and dental clinics, along with stories, songs, crafts and pictures. All of the children received hygiene kits and beanie babies. Some of the ladies also handed out shoes to everyone seen there.
Leah bonded with a 3 year old child as soon as she got off the bus. The sweet little girl sat in her lap, as Leah decided to sing a song to her (in English). The child caught on to the idea of singing and began singing praise songs at the top of her lungs. Everyone else was working to set up clinics and sort through supplies to prepare for the day, and we all stopped what we were doing to listen to this sweet little child praise God loud enough for all to hear. She eventually began singing a song that we are familiar with and we all joined in a chorus of singing and clapping our hands. We all saw Jesus through that child today! After she finished singing, a lady that worked at the center pulled out a guitar and lead the children in a couple of songs. She had such a beautiful voice and we were all touched by this gift!
The dental clinic had a particularly difficult day today. They saw about 20 kids and extracted around 30 teeth. There were several kids that were terribly frightened and it took a few people to hold the child down and attempt to calm them as Dr. Roy worked. In the midst of all of this, Holly sprained her shoulder. (Don't worry, she is feeling better.) It was a hard, but productive day for the dental team.
The medical team saw 48 patients today. Dr. Dave reported that the first child he saw probably had undiagnosed cerebral palsy. The child was three years old and could not speak (except for two words), and he did not walk well. It is particularly difficult to see children like this when we know there is only so much that we can do to help them.
We had an ice cream party tonight, and are finishing up preparing for the day tomorrow. We will be going to La Majada tomorrow and are expecting to see about 200 people in medical/dental clinics and VBS. We will also be doing clay pot training and checking in with those who have received clay pots in the past. We are all very happy that we are not in the cold, messy weather of Tennessee tonight! The weather here is still beautiful, although very dusty! The sunsets are beautiful, and the team is happy and healthy. What more could we ask?
Thanks again for the comments and prayers. We really do look forward to reading them together every night and hearing from all of you! It is a fun time to catch up on the news and laugh with one another. We love and miss you all and we thank you for your prayers and support!
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