Thursday, November 20, 2008
My La Libertad Journeys
I have the opportunity to go to La Provision (the feeding program) in La Libertad about 3x/wk. Not long ago I got the idea that it would be fun to read to the little kids in this “neighborhood.” So, now my routine is to stay in La Libertad when the food runs out and visit within the neighborhood. I literally ask God for divine appointments, and my interactions have been nothing short of amazing. I was advised to have at least 1 of our local ministry worker guys with me at all times for safety. I wish you could’ve seen the day where I read my first book to a mess of kids. Unfortunately, it’s too dangerous to have a camera. Since that first day, Chilis (probably my favorite guy to take with me on my journeys in La Libertad), has finally gotten the idea of what I’m doing (essentially friendship evangelism) and really enjoys it. Now I have Chilis and Louis with me, and I have one of them read the story, lead songs, etc. They’re getting the hang of walking up to people, starting a conversation, asking meaningful questions that shows sincere interest in their life, etc. We always ask if our new friend has any prayer requests, and then we pray with them. For instance, Mauricia came up to my after the feeding program, and just hugged on me. I didn’t even recognize her. But now I know her by name; I know she’s blind in one eye, can’t see well out of the other, and is asking God for her sight. I also now know Rita, a lady who sits on the main drag behind a table, selling fruits/veggies. I met her because “my guys” were reading David and Goliath to a bunch of kids, so I walked a few feet away to Rita and introduced myself to her. Surprisingly, one of the first things she said was that she was a Christian. She then got teary eyed as she told me about her alcoholic husband. It was our privilege to pray for her too. I love doing this sort of thing. I love the way this ministry values building relationships. It’s only been a few weeks, but I think the small section of La Libertad where I always walk is getting accustomed to me. I’m feeling more and more comfortable there. So, at the very least, if I get attacked they probably won’t join in, and they might even help me or go get some help. A couple of days ago, I actually tucked a disposable camera in at the small part of my back, and took a few pictures of the guys reading to the kids. I wish I had the pics now, but I think I’ll have to wait to get them developed and put on a CD.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
TIG part I
TIG= This is Guatemala
- The new Guatemala City airport, in its attempt to be modern, has installed sensors for automatic flushing toilets. However, they’ve also installed lids, which keep the sensor from knowing a person is there. Therefore, the toilets don’t get flushed. To me, this is a perfect example of the way things are or are not thought through in this culture.
- Literally, you know the widow maker (the electric thing-a-magigee with wires running to it in your shower) which replaces the normal shower head and heats the water is working when the lights dim.
- If you think that washing dishes is a never ending process at your house, you should see it here. First we wash the dishes in cold water (because that’s all there is), then we have to let it sit in a Tupperware type bowel full of special restaurant style sanitization solution (aka dish sauce) for several minutes, then they have to drip dry. Of course, not all the dishes fit into it this bowel, so you have to remember to come back and switch them around, or in some cases flip a pot around so that the other ½ gets into the dish sauce. More than once, we find that some of the dishes are in the sauce overnight and/or some never got put in.
-Ginny & Kevin’s neighbor’s dog is flea infested, looks pathetic, barks a lot, but seems to be quite intelligent in at least one area. He can distinguish between fireworks (not the kind that shoot pretty colors into the sky, but just make noise on the ground) and gunshots. At times, we defer to the dog when we can’t tell if it’s gun fire. So, sometimes it’s nice to hear him bark.
The Garbage Dump
I’ve heard and read that the garbage dump in Guatemala City is the biggest in Central America. In deed, it’s massive. I took lots of pictures and put them on my Facebook page. (Feel free to check out my Facebook.) Some shots are pretty good, but it’s very hard to show the width and depth of the area on a camera. I’ll include some here.
The best view of the garbage dump is from the edge of a cemetery up on a hill that boarders that dump. This cemetery, like others I’ve seen in Latin America, have rental sections. Yes, you heard me correctly. There are tall and long cement walls, which to me resembles a human filing cabinet with one person per drawer space. When the rent is no longer paid up, the box/person is tossed over the edge of the cliff that leads down into the dump. I have a picture of one these boxes that only fell part way down toward the cliff. Nobody seems to know for sure whether the bodies/remains are still in the box. There’s some thought that perhaps the remains are tossed out at a different spot. Not too long about 45 local folks were looking for valuables among the remains when an avalanche of garbage broke free, causing some workers, a garbage truck and this group of 45 to be killed.
Ginny & Kevin say that the dump takes on a different look about every month. They fill up one section, and then spread a different way.
This is one of those times where I hope pictures will speak better than words.
The best view of the garbage dump is from the edge of a cemetery up on a hill that boarders that dump. This cemetery, like others I’ve seen in Latin America, have rental sections. Yes, you heard me correctly. There are tall and long cement walls, which to me resembles a human filing cabinet with one person per drawer space. When the rent is no longer paid up, the box/person is tossed over the edge of the cliff that leads down into the dump. I have a picture of one these boxes that only fell part way down toward the cliff. Nobody seems to know for sure whether the bodies/remains are still in the box. There’s some thought that perhaps the remains are tossed out at a different spot. Not too long about 45 local folks were looking for valuables among the remains when an avalanche of garbage broke free, causing some workers, a garbage truck and this group of 45 to be killed.
Ginny & Kevin say that the dump takes on a different look about every month. They fill up one section, and then spread a different way.
This is one of those times where I hope pictures will speak better than words.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
My first clinic in Amatitlan
I can hardly believe it myself. Ever have times when you find yourself agreeing to do something that you told yourself you’d never do? Yet, that’s exactly where I find myself. And guess what…I’m loving it.
Last Thursday, I and a few others, drove back out to Amatitlan specifically for me to do a clinic from 10am-noon. Did you get that? Me…one person…a RN that hasn’t done hands on nursing for a long time…with nobody that has any medical training at all…with nobody to turn to for a 2nd opinion. This is exactly the position I told myself I’d never get into. Yet, who else was there?
I can tell you this much, I did my homework ahead of time. I spent a significant amount of time on my knees in preparation. I prayed like crazy as I carefully chose which items to pack into my one large Rubbermaid container. I had no idea of what I’d be walking into, but I knew God knew, so I trusted Him to show me exactly which medicines to pack. I was a little nervous as we drove up, but mostly peaceful, which is a sure sign that God was with us. We went into a small room that had an examination table, another round plastic table, and 4 plastic chairs. After getting my stuff unloaded and laid out, my team (Ginny, a translator, and Manuel our driver who is a Godly man) laid our hands on every piece of furniture, the medicines, and even the walls in the room, asking God to be very real and very present with us that day; to bless our efforts; to give me wisdom, and most importantly to point people to Him (which is ultimately the real reason for the clinic). When the prayer ended I had tears running down my cheeks, but I knew we were ready.
I originally had planned on having Manuel with us in the exam room to take the lead as we prayed with each individual. However, it quickly became obvious that each person would need a minimum of 15 minutes. So, Manuel went to another room where he greeted and organized the patients, and privately prayed with each person individually. At times I felt particularly led to pray for individuals myself in the exam room, so I (we) did. I don’t know if I’ve ever prayed so much in one room in one set period of time. Over and over I’d ask God which medicine would be right, or what question did I need to ask in order to figure out what was going on, and for wisdom in general. Know what? God came through…like He always does. I know all this prayer stuff might sound a bit over the top for some of you…but for me (especially here) it’s every bit as important as breathing. As anticipated, the 2hr clinic quickly became a 3.5 hr clinic, and we simply had to shut the door. I’m positive I could stay there a week and see patients all day long and still have a line. Thank God, I didn’t run into anything too huge or terrible…but I’m sure He would’ve handled it regardless.
Afterwards, we again went down bumpy dirt roads to check on Carlos and Maria. Remember me mentioning them before. I cleaned up and bandaged their wounds again. Maria’s (which is absolutely huge) even looks like it’s healing. I guess it helps that it’s being properly cared for again (the last nurse was there months ago). At the end of each visit we prayed for the individual and/or their family. Maria leaned into me, I put my arms around her, and she just cried as we prayed. If any of you know a person who specializes in wound care, I’d love for you to put me in touch with them. I’m about to run out of the supplies I have, and could use some guidance as to what to do next. I have pictures I could send.
At the end of the day, I was exhausted, yet somehow I was on an emotional and spiritual high. My desires all along for being here were to reach out and touch the community in Jesus’ name, to offer His hope and love. On the ride home I leaned over to Ginny and told her that I absolutely loved this day and could do this forever. In the meanwhile I’ll look forward to Monday, when we return to Amatitlan.
I don’t know if this is where the Lord will have me to continue to work. But I sure am appreciative of this opportunity to serve Him and the people of Guatemala. I guess I need to be careful about what I tell myself I’ll never do.
Last Thursday, I and a few others, drove back out to Amatitlan specifically for me to do a clinic from 10am-noon. Did you get that? Me…one person…a RN that hasn’t done hands on nursing for a long time…with nobody that has any medical training at all…with nobody to turn to for a 2nd opinion. This is exactly the position I told myself I’d never get into. Yet, who else was there?
I can tell you this much, I did my homework ahead of time. I spent a significant amount of time on my knees in preparation. I prayed like crazy as I carefully chose which items to pack into my one large Rubbermaid container. I had no idea of what I’d be walking into, but I knew God knew, so I trusted Him to show me exactly which medicines to pack. I was a little nervous as we drove up, but mostly peaceful, which is a sure sign that God was with us. We went into a small room that had an examination table, another round plastic table, and 4 plastic chairs. After getting my stuff unloaded and laid out, my team (Ginny, a translator, and Manuel our driver who is a Godly man) laid our hands on every piece of furniture, the medicines, and even the walls in the room, asking God to be very real and very present with us that day; to bless our efforts; to give me wisdom, and most importantly to point people to Him (which is ultimately the real reason for the clinic). When the prayer ended I had tears running down my cheeks, but I knew we were ready.
I originally had planned on having Manuel with us in the exam room to take the lead as we prayed with each individual. However, it quickly became obvious that each person would need a minimum of 15 minutes. So, Manuel went to another room where he greeted and organized the patients, and privately prayed with each person individually. At times I felt particularly led to pray for individuals myself in the exam room, so I (we) did. I don’t know if I’ve ever prayed so much in one room in one set period of time. Over and over I’d ask God which medicine would be right, or what question did I need to ask in order to figure out what was going on, and for wisdom in general. Know what? God came through…like He always does. I know all this prayer stuff might sound a bit over the top for some of you…but for me (especially here) it’s every bit as important as breathing. As anticipated, the 2hr clinic quickly became a 3.5 hr clinic, and we simply had to shut the door. I’m positive I could stay there a week and see patients all day long and still have a line. Thank God, I didn’t run into anything too huge or terrible…but I’m sure He would’ve handled it regardless.
Afterwards, we again went down bumpy dirt roads to check on Carlos and Maria. Remember me mentioning them before. I cleaned up and bandaged their wounds again. Maria’s (which is absolutely huge) even looks like it’s healing. I guess it helps that it’s being properly cared for again (the last nurse was there months ago). At the end of each visit we prayed for the individual and/or their family. Maria leaned into me, I put my arms around her, and she just cried as we prayed. If any of you know a person who specializes in wound care, I’d love for you to put me in touch with them. I’m about to run out of the supplies I have, and could use some guidance as to what to do next. I have pictures I could send.
At the end of the day, I was exhausted, yet somehow I was on an emotional and spiritual high. My desires all along for being here were to reach out and touch the community in Jesus’ name, to offer His hope and love. On the ride home I leaned over to Ginny and told her that I absolutely loved this day and could do this forever. In the meanwhile I’ll look forward to Monday, when we return to Amatitlan.
I don’t know if this is where the Lord will have me to continue to work. But I sure am appreciative of this opportunity to serve Him and the people of Guatemala. I guess I need to be careful about what I tell myself I’ll never do.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tues Nov 4, 2008
November 4, 2008
Rosa came in again this morning looking like she didn’t feel too well. Stomach pain, headache, stuffy head/nose, cough, etc. Unfortunately, sickness tends to run up blood sugars, and today her’s was 315 (with medicine, without breakfast). At least it wasn’t over 500. This evening I got the email address of a US MD that was here this summer and treated her. I hope he can give me some guidance since we’re now out of medicine.
Today I went on my first “La Provision” = “The Provision” (which is what the Guatemalans call our lunch time feeding program) takes place in the nearby shanty town of La Libertad every Mon-Thursday. La Libertad exists on top of what used to be part of the infamous garbage dump. Now, the dump has been forced to spread out a little more in another direction, and many residents of La Libertad “work” in the dump. They don’t get paid; actually they need to pay the govt in order to get an ID card to enter. We’ve learned that a young, health adult man who can work 12 hours a day and knows exactly what to look for can earn 75-100Q every day. (Remember $1= 7.4Q) There were probably 60-80ish people in line, but several came with large containers in order to get portions for the rest of their family. There were itty bitty barefooted kids all the way to the elderly. We require that everyone gets in line and goes to the hand washing station first, where today Kevin poured water over the hands, then I either put soap in their hand or I lathered up their hands (depending on their age and ability), then Kevin rinsed, and Ginny dried their hands on a towel. Then they were given a bowel (soup today) and spoon. I promise you that I’ve never in my life seen hands/faces (and clothes) so dirty. I watched as a little girl, maybe 5 yr old lead her 3 younger siblings down the road. She precariously carried her bowl of soup and one for the youngest. The other 2 were spilling their soup as they walked (flimsy Styrofoam bowels didn’t help). So, I carried the soup for the little ones to their tiny dirt floor one room tin shanty. I also watched people “huff” today. I’d heard about huffing, but if I’ve ever seen it before, I didn’t know what I was looking at. I thought huffing would involve a person holding a bag of some sort to their face. Today I saw men and kids with their hand balled up and put to their mouth…as if they were blowing into it to keep their hand warm. But instead, they were inhaling the fumes from a rag soaked in gas or other toxic fumes. The fumes are very short and fast acting, and they have to keep it to their mouth in order to keep the effects going. I wish I could find a way to really describe what I experienced, but it seems essentially impossible. Somehow putting a small hotel sized bar of soap in people’s hands, and watching the waves of dirt come off was very moving….and even more so when I’d take tiny little hands into my own to wash and rinse. It really does flip an emotional switch in me.
After the provision, I and one of the translators from the ministry went to do some home visits in the area. Some have one spigot for water, some have electricity, nobody has plumbing for a bathroom. Flies and filth are the norm since most work in the dump, and often bring some of their findings home with them. In one case, I saw a rolled up “egg-crate” style foam mattress in a bag….apparently an excellent finding from today’s treasure hunt at the dump. There were flies all over it and circling around it. I think you and I can both imagine where that mattress may have been before. If I looked up in the sky and several blocks over, I could see numerous large black birds circling…the ever present marker of the dump.
If you'd like to see pictures of "The Provision" and others, you can go to Ginny & Kevin's blog anytime you'd like: www.allforhiminguate.blogspot.com
Rosa came in again this morning looking like she didn’t feel too well. Stomach pain, headache, stuffy head/nose, cough, etc. Unfortunately, sickness tends to run up blood sugars, and today her’s was 315 (with medicine, without breakfast). At least it wasn’t over 500. This evening I got the email address of a US MD that was here this summer and treated her. I hope he can give me some guidance since we’re now out of medicine.
Today I went on my first “La Provision” = “The Provision” (which is what the Guatemalans call our lunch time feeding program) takes place in the nearby shanty town of La Libertad every Mon-Thursday. La Libertad exists on top of what used to be part of the infamous garbage dump. Now, the dump has been forced to spread out a little more in another direction, and many residents of La Libertad “work” in the dump. They don’t get paid; actually they need to pay the govt in order to get an ID card to enter. We’ve learned that a young, health adult man who can work 12 hours a day and knows exactly what to look for can earn 75-100Q every day. (Remember $1= 7.4Q) There were probably 60-80ish people in line, but several came with large containers in order to get portions for the rest of their family. There were itty bitty barefooted kids all the way to the elderly. We require that everyone gets in line and goes to the hand washing station first, where today Kevin poured water over the hands, then I either put soap in their hand or I lathered up their hands (depending on their age and ability), then Kevin rinsed, and Ginny dried their hands on a towel. Then they were given a bowel (soup today) and spoon. I promise you that I’ve never in my life seen hands/faces (and clothes) so dirty. I watched as a little girl, maybe 5 yr old lead her 3 younger siblings down the road. She precariously carried her bowl of soup and one for the youngest. The other 2 were spilling their soup as they walked (flimsy Styrofoam bowels didn’t help). So, I carried the soup for the little ones to their tiny dirt floor one room tin shanty. I also watched people “huff” today. I’d heard about huffing, but if I’ve ever seen it before, I didn’t know what I was looking at. I thought huffing would involve a person holding a bag of some sort to their face. Today I saw men and kids with their hand balled up and put to their mouth…as if they were blowing into it to keep their hand warm. But instead, they were inhaling the fumes from a rag soaked in gas or other toxic fumes. The fumes are very short and fast acting, and they have to keep it to their mouth in order to keep the effects going. I wish I could find a way to really describe what I experienced, but it seems essentially impossible. Somehow putting a small hotel sized bar of soap in people’s hands, and watching the waves of dirt come off was very moving….and even more so when I’d take tiny little hands into my own to wash and rinse. It really does flip an emotional switch in me.
After the provision, I and one of the translators from the ministry went to do some home visits in the area. Some have one spigot for water, some have electricity, nobody has plumbing for a bathroom. Flies and filth are the norm since most work in the dump, and often bring some of their findings home with them. In one case, I saw a rolled up “egg-crate” style foam mattress in a bag….apparently an excellent finding from today’s treasure hunt at the dump. There were flies all over it and circling around it. I think you and I can both imagine where that mattress may have been before. If I looked up in the sky and several blocks over, I could see numerous large black birds circling…the ever present marker of the dump.
If you'd like to see pictures of "The Provision" and others, you can go to Ginny & Kevin's blog anytime you'd like: www.allforhiminguate.blogspot.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday Nov 3, 2008
Rosa (remember…the gal with the consecutive incredibly high glucose readings) came to the clinic this morning. Her glucose was 215! We could hardly believe our eyes. I used the same machine, same strips, etc. It hasn’t been that low in several months. The only difference is that she had not yet eaten breakfast. But still, no matter what, breakfast should not cause a glucose level over 500. Therefore I choose to believe that God’s hand is in this. I don’t know what the future will hold for her, or what medicine she will need, or how she will get what she needs. But I do know that God has always come thru for me in the past, and I choose to believe He will do the same in the future.
Around 9am a few of us went to Amatitlan. I think I heard there are about 60,000 or more in this sprawling city. Like most cities, it has an area of commerce and it has a “slums” area (which is a shanty town), and it has far reaching dirt roads that weave into the mountain side. I went to 2 homes down a bumpy dirt road in order to see 2 people who had significant health needs/wounds. The first stop was to see Carlos. You’re simply not going to easily believe this story. He’s from Nicaragua and was her for work. He digs wells. Somehow he ended up at the end of this going-to-nowhere road, digging a well for a family. During his time of work at this home, he molested their daughter. At some point afterwards, he fell into the well, which caused him to become a paraplegic and have one leg amputated. Then….get this….the same family took him into their home to care for him. There’s forgiveness, and then there’s forgiveness. Does this blow you away or what? This happened 4 years ago, and since the accident he’s become a Christian. He’s been treated for a bed sore for at least 3 years. Unfortunately, I had no idea what I was walking into. The last Kevin and Ginny had heard (from the last medical team), the wound on his bottom was big enough to put your fist in it. Therefore I packed all sorts of stuff…trying to be prepared for the worst. The one thing that nobody told me was that I was going to have to assess and care for him in the dark. His bedroom (dirt floor) had one low wattage light bulb that hanging from the ceiling (if you can call it a ceiling) and no matter what I was in my own shadow. Fortunately, I happened upon a pen light when I was packing up my supplies, and therefore I could see what I was doing. Much to my surprise, the area looked great and was only the size of a quarter, and had almost no depth. Unfortunately, I’d only bought supplies for something huge, so I had to cut down what I had and make do. Also unfortunately, just as I had cleaned the area and was about to put a pad on it, a bug landed on the wound…so I had to clean it all over again. Now, I’m sure he’ll have more critters in it soon, but in good conscience, I just couldn’t put a bandage on it knowing there was a bug under it. Yicky! Ok…ready for more?? Our next stop on the bumpy dirt road was with Maria. Her home was more simple than the previous. She hobbled to the “door” to meet us and lead me down a dirt passage to her bedroom. Her lower leg was wrapped in what looked like a large bandana. She was in pain as I took it off and found another bundled up cloth covering the wound. I’ll try to not get too explicit, but the wound was as tall as my hand wrapped almost all the way around her leg, and was dripping with foul yellow yucky stuff. I cleaned and bandaged it as well as I could, then I simply said a prayer with her. Her 2 daughters have ran off and left her to care for two adorable granddaughters (7 & 8 yr old), and a 12 yr old grandson. We have no idea of how she makes any money to survive…perhaps she provides day care for a little tyke that was also there. As I sat on her thin, hard “mattress”, small bugs swirled around me…kind of like gnats. And get this….2 hr later, she was at the Bible study back in town, several miles away. Would you or I go thru such efforts? Just this evening, I’ve learned that some say that Maria has dealt with this malady for 15-20yrs. So, was it a waste of time to attend to her? Some would say yes. I would say no. Anytime a person reaches out to say that “I care” or “you matter”, it’s never a waste. And I keep reminding myself that God is in control.
When we returned to town (Amatitlan), I had an hour to goof off while the leaders had a Bible Study, and then the Bible study and simultaneous kids program would start at 2pm. I continue to find that blowing bubbles is a great way to make contact with folks. The kids were shy at first, but they soon came around and were chasing bubbles. I even had the old ladies blowing bubbles, and laughing as they watched each other. Then I taught the kids, “Cat, Cat, Dog”, which is my version of the kid’s game, “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Ducks and geese are first of all, irrelevant in this culture, and 2nd of all I don’t know the word for goose. And 3rdly, it makes a lot more sense to have a dog to chase something. So, the kids picked right up on the game and we had a blast…although we were hot and sweaty by the time the programs started. (It’s much warmer in Amatitlan.) The attendance continues to grow. Ok….are you ready again for more staggering info? If you don’t believe it, it’s OK. I wouldn’t believe it either if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. In a room, approx. 15ft x12ft, there was one local volunteer who led 100 kids in praise songs and Bible stories, etc. I’m told that every week this number is growing…especially now that school is out until Jan. When all the kids sat down, there was just barely enough room for the teacher to stand. There was absolutely no room for her to walk. And there were kids sitting all around the outside of the door because there was no more inside room. The adults Bible study (where there were also kids), takes place in a long alley way, about 20 yards long and 12 feet wide. Rigging the tarps to cover this area was a well planned, practiced, and executed exercise which reminded me of what it must look like to watch Barnum and Bailey put up their tents. As best as I could count, there were 200 people in attendance at this study. People came way in advance to save chairs because they always run out of chairs. And some people stand in the nearby street to hear what’s happening.
I’ve been asked, and have agreed to return to Amatitlan on Thursday to do a 2 hr clinic, and then to do home visits (which will include Carlos and Maria). This is way outside of my comfort zone…but it’s what I believe the Lord wants me to do right now.
Before (from under the tarp)
Before (from above the tarps)
During the adult service, taken from the standing room only section. You can't even see how many are standing at the front and outside the entrance to the alley.
During the adult service, taken from behind the speaker. The children's service is simultaneously taking place in the room (with the windows) in the back.
The Children's service (early on, before it got really full). Some kids sat outside the door because there was no more room inside.
"Red and yellow, back and white, they are precious in His sight..."
"They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."
Amen
Around 9am a few of us went to Amatitlan. I think I heard there are about 60,000 or more in this sprawling city. Like most cities, it has an area of commerce and it has a “slums” area (which is a shanty town), and it has far reaching dirt roads that weave into the mountain side. I went to 2 homes down a bumpy dirt road in order to see 2 people who had significant health needs/wounds. The first stop was to see Carlos. You’re simply not going to easily believe this story. He’s from Nicaragua and was her for work. He digs wells. Somehow he ended up at the end of this going-to-nowhere road, digging a well for a family. During his time of work at this home, he molested their daughter. At some point afterwards, he fell into the well, which caused him to become a paraplegic and have one leg amputated. Then….get this….the same family took him into their home to care for him. There’s forgiveness, and then there’s forgiveness. Does this blow you away or what? This happened 4 years ago, and since the accident he’s become a Christian. He’s been treated for a bed sore for at least 3 years. Unfortunately, I had no idea what I was walking into. The last Kevin and Ginny had heard (from the last medical team), the wound on his bottom was big enough to put your fist in it. Therefore I packed all sorts of stuff…trying to be prepared for the worst. The one thing that nobody told me was that I was going to have to assess and care for him in the dark. His bedroom (dirt floor) had one low wattage light bulb that hanging from the ceiling (if you can call it a ceiling) and no matter what I was in my own shadow. Fortunately, I happened upon a pen light when I was packing up my supplies, and therefore I could see what I was doing. Much to my surprise, the area looked great and was only the size of a quarter, and had almost no depth. Unfortunately, I’d only bought supplies for something huge, so I had to cut down what I had and make do. Also unfortunately, just as I had cleaned the area and was about to put a pad on it, a bug landed on the wound…so I had to clean it all over again. Now, I’m sure he’ll have more critters in it soon, but in good conscience, I just couldn’t put a bandage on it knowing there was a bug under it. Yicky! Ok…ready for more?? Our next stop on the bumpy dirt road was with Maria. Her home was more simple than the previous. She hobbled to the “door” to meet us and lead me down a dirt passage to her bedroom. Her lower leg was wrapped in what looked like a large bandana. She was in pain as I took it off and found another bundled up cloth covering the wound. I’ll try to not get too explicit, but the wound was as tall as my hand wrapped almost all the way around her leg, and was dripping with foul yellow yucky stuff. I cleaned and bandaged it as well as I could, then I simply said a prayer with her. Her 2 daughters have ran off and left her to care for two adorable granddaughters (7 & 8 yr old), and a 12 yr old grandson. We have no idea of how she makes any money to survive…perhaps she provides day care for a little tyke that was also there. As I sat on her thin, hard “mattress”, small bugs swirled around me…kind of like gnats. And get this….2 hr later, she was at the Bible study back in town, several miles away. Would you or I go thru such efforts? Just this evening, I’ve learned that some say that Maria has dealt with this malady for 15-20yrs. So, was it a waste of time to attend to her? Some would say yes. I would say no. Anytime a person reaches out to say that “I care” or “you matter”, it’s never a waste. And I keep reminding myself that God is in control.
When we returned to town (Amatitlan), I had an hour to goof off while the leaders had a Bible Study, and then the Bible study and simultaneous kids program would start at 2pm. I continue to find that blowing bubbles is a great way to make contact with folks. The kids were shy at first, but they soon came around and were chasing bubbles. I even had the old ladies blowing bubbles, and laughing as they watched each other. Then I taught the kids, “Cat, Cat, Dog”, which is my version of the kid’s game, “Duck, Duck, Goose.” Ducks and geese are first of all, irrelevant in this culture, and 2nd of all I don’t know the word for goose. And 3rdly, it makes a lot more sense to have a dog to chase something. So, the kids picked right up on the game and we had a blast…although we were hot and sweaty by the time the programs started. (It’s much warmer in Amatitlan.) The attendance continues to grow. Ok….are you ready again for more staggering info? If you don’t believe it, it’s OK. I wouldn’t believe it either if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. In a room, approx. 15ft x12ft, there was one local volunteer who led 100 kids in praise songs and Bible stories, etc. I’m told that every week this number is growing…especially now that school is out until Jan. When all the kids sat down, there was just barely enough room for the teacher to stand. There was absolutely no room for her to walk. And there were kids sitting all around the outside of the door because there was no more inside room. The adults Bible study (where there were also kids), takes place in a long alley way, about 20 yards long and 12 feet wide. Rigging the tarps to cover this area was a well planned, practiced, and executed exercise which reminded me of what it must look like to watch Barnum and Bailey put up their tents. As best as I could count, there were 200 people in attendance at this study. People came way in advance to save chairs because they always run out of chairs. And some people stand in the nearby street to hear what’s happening.
I’ve been asked, and have agreed to return to Amatitlan on Thursday to do a 2 hr clinic, and then to do home visits (which will include Carlos and Maria). This is way outside of my comfort zone…but it’s what I believe the Lord wants me to do right now.
Before (from under the tarp)
Before (from above the tarps)
During the adult service, taken from the standing room only section. You can't even see how many are standing at the front and outside the entrance to the alley.
During the adult service, taken from behind the speaker. The children's service is simultaneously taking place in the room (with the windows) in the back.
The Children's service (early on, before it got really full). Some kids sat outside the door because there was no more room inside.
"Red and yellow, back and white, they are precious in His sight..."
"They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." Amen
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