Clinic Day 2
It was another beautiful day today in San Cristobal. Day 2 of the Clinic was another blessing, for the team, and for all the patients and parents- at least we pray it was! I feel the Lord is opening all our hearts more and more each day. Especially those of us who are here for the first time seeing firsthand the people and the country. Dear Lord, the children and parents you brought to us today were all so special. If possible, they seemed even more scared than yesterday, but our team works hard to make the connection to have them feel special and loved. They were a bit older for the most part, but we still had a fair share of infants. One baby was only 9 months old and weighed only 8 pounds. He was so undernourished that he could not be scheduled for surgery this trip, but hopefully next year. After a full exam, Nagi took him in to the prayer room to feed him with a special formula, the family was prayed for and sent home with whatever we could do to help them out. We pray we see them next year.
As we came in the morning, we saw the woman with the tumor on her face from the day before and her husband. They had been given food and shelter for the night and the first thing she did was hug us all. She was so scared yesterday; we feel she is seeing some hope now. At least we pray she is. There were at least two repeat clients from the year before coming back for a cleft palate repair. Little Marlin, now just over a year, was the boy who was so sick Jackie and team went up to his home to help with his breathing. Jackie was so scared at that time that she would lose him. But here he was back and thriving. Jessica, about 8 years old, also back for a cleft palate repair was looking so pretty and healthy. Lots of hugs were given by Jessica to all.
Several of the children needed special treatment. One little boy about 8 years old had a seizure on the table. His parents had stopped his medication because they had no money. So many needs to pray for! All the parents appeared proud, respectful, and caring. Several patients needed radiology consults and trying to find a radiologist close by was a challenge. Things went so fast and there were many lab trips for Steve. Gary and Rudy went into town to a lumber place so Gary can build a crate for the anesthesia matching. All the transporting back and forth takes a toll on the equipment. We ended the day with worship singing and fell into bed!
Please pray for Jackie and Dave as they have been feeling sick the last 2 days. They need their strength for the next week and a half. Pray for the health of the whole team here and the team arriving on Saturday.
God Bless!
Ginny
