Survival of the Fittest

Today was another hot day in the lands of Guatemala. We had some pancakes for breakfast (it felt just like home) and then headed to "the clinic". There were many more people waiting for us this morning, but most of them were waiting to receive glasses from us! The glasses line was longer than the medical check-in line this morning, and the people that received glasses were very excited to be able to see.

This morning, Jeremy and Chris were helping with intake, Ernie and Joyce helping to see patients, Bev and the three pharmacy students (Kayci, John, and Phil) dispensing medications, and Joy entertaining all of the extra children. We started our morning with a prayer from the pastor of the church, and started seeing many patients (mostly children today).

The highlight of the morning (especially for Ernie) was listening to a generator and chainsaw. Ernie could barely hear the sounds of heartbeats and breathing, but he found a way to make it work. We saw quite a few pregnant women, and Ernie dropped some hints for the upcoming pediatric pharmacy exam to Kayci. We saw a woman that was in congestive heart failure, children with scabies and head lice, and many diabetic adults. Joy also really enjoyed a pigeon that dropped an egg right on top of her CD player. This put an end to the music, but we couldn't really hear it anyway over all of the noise.

Lunch was very welcomed, as a way to relax and join again as a group. We had some down time before our interpreters returned from their lunch (we learned our lesson yesterday of not starting before the interpreters were back). Joyce went back to the hotel before lunch, as she was not feeling well (don't worry, she's feeling better now). In the afternoon, Kayci joined Chris at intake, and Jeremy helped Ernie as a provider. The afternoon brought many headaches (both of the kids and all of us). Many of the kids complained of headaches at school, but most of us complained of our current headaches from the still-running chainsaw and the fireworks.

Kayci had a great time at intake, helping with getting vital signs and holding many of the babies! Many of the older women were very grateful for their care, and gave out many hugs and kisses (some of the kids did as well).

After we packed up at the clinic, we went to the Maxi Bodega (Wal-Mart) to buy some needed supplies and presents for all of the women who have helped us run the clinic. Then we came back to the hotel, relaxed, and played some UNO. To those wondering, Ernie has STILL not won a game!

Buenas noches everyone!