Bo's Journal--Thursday

Thursday
Dun-te-de-dum te-de-dum-te-de-dum, Dum-te-de-dum te-de-dum-te-de-dum, Tum-tum, tum-tum. Yup, made it all the way around the neighborhood without stopping, did the Rocky-on-the-steps of liberty plaza scene, then limped into the hostal for breakfast. Didn’t wake the girls before 6:45 as Kelly had promised me a second circumcism if I did, so, diplomatically, I waited until 6:46 to deliver candy grams.
Breakfast here has been alfresco all week; the weather in Guatemala allows it. One of the drawbacks, however, is that this wonderful coffee we are served, cools very quickly in the chilled cups. Every day, in addition to the egg-du-jour, we have fresh papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple, plus, of course, bean paste. I’ve come to the conclusion, that bean paste is really spackle for the colon. Very effective, it gives you a delivery like a ride down a water slide. Today, a new item on the breakfast menu was brought out; Kelly was speechless, chicken tamale!
Into our routine now, we boarded the bus, glazed, waiting for the caffeine to kick in. I don’t think it woke anyone up, but its diuretic effect was undiminished and we eagerly anticipated our arrival. Word had gotten out of our presence, or the presents we gave the children advertised our largess, at any rate we were busy. I think we saw 50 patients in the am. We broke for lunch, headed for the pavilion for our standard ground fowl fare. The Mongrel Dog Troop, evidently had a successful recruiting drive as their number had increased, all apparently well in-serviced as none appeared to have any difficulty chewing the bones. Another 20-30 patients came in the afternoon, most of whom arrived after 4pm, which again endeared us to the other teams anxious to leave on time. No Miracles today, a well-baby check on the baby born here Monday – mother and child still doing well. The biggest case was the I & D of a lateral thigh abscess. Tony was given the chance to play surgeon and soon pus was running. I don’t know what it is about abscesses, but some people really love them. I guess it’s the cause & effect: pain-cut-drain-relief.
Heading back we darted and twisted through traffic, waved to the Mamacitas who seemed to recognize us (which one said “Hello Dennis!”?). Our appetites were ready and supper did not disappoint: Bar-B-Q chicken. No sweat, Kelly is a confirmed vegan now. A special treat awaited tonight, as Lidia had put in a sauna and massage area. The girls indulged themselves as Matt and I praised God with a Chilean Cabernet. Dennis informed me, the South Dakota group is concerned. Jeremy and Melissa visited after dinner, what special people they are, took our coffee order and promised to join us for dinner tomorrow. Up a little later than normal, we finally called it a night. I had noticed the mattress label in the morning, some firm named Redi-Mix, but, no big deal, my devotions for the evening were adequate and I fell asleep quickly.