Bo's Journal

Tuesday
The third day broke with beautiful weather, Sunshine and blue skies. Our volcano burped and we were treated to an early morning plume of smoke and ash. I started the day with a run, saddened when a much younger female member of the Dakota team, also running, reminded me of my passing years and not-so-slim physique. Breakfast included bean paste this time and I put green pepper sauce on my eggs to act as the blasting cap. Our bus must be my age, as it had to stop and rest, too, on one of the hills on the way to the clinic. It, fortunately, recovered and we journeyed on, in the increasing warm sun, disheartened knowing nippleodeon would not be on the program today.
We arrived just in time for the morning devotion, inspiring us all. Jesus, jeans, our April substitute, played the twelve string guitar to accompany songs which every group knew . . . except ours. Relieving their obvious pain through song, Ivan gave his “I hope you all get out of debt” sermon. We tried to appear reverent and engaged, but I’m not standing next to Leighanne next time. Still high from the depregnantization the previous day, we bounded up the hill, eager for the new day. Who knew what miracles awaited.
Today was routine, actually a little slow. I think we are seeing the effect of the half-time physician there. This however, gave Kelly time to work on her “Don’t Kill Chickens” sign in anticipation of lunch. Tony was the featured care giver for the day, blooming in his new role. It is always wonderful to see people grow when they come here and Tony was no exception.
After our chicken lunch we were once again entertained by the mongrel dog troop. For an encore, the Clinica Cut-the-cordia delivery team went to check on the previous days vaginal expulsion – mother and baby were doing well. Our magic returned when Jaime saw a patient with a large earlobe organized abscess. Again, given the opportunity to try something new, she resected and reshaped the ear lobe, pt and PA ecstatic. Of course we ran past 5:00, boarding the bus to a very sympathetic crowd-not. Returning to the hostal, we were able to witness Guatemala EMS in action. Noting a man lying partially in the road, next to a pick-up truck, for all appearances looking like he had been hit by traffic. The bus urgently stopped, Randy, the bus driver and I ran to evaluate. Guess who? Guatemalan Elmer!! A few minutes later the ambulance shows up, sponsored by Barnum & Bailey, no kidding. The ambulance was a mini, mini-van with a light bar. The side door slid open and out popped 4 attendants, none taller than 4 foot. Equipment consisted of a cot, back board, head blocks and a veteran C-collar – no med box. After their formation dance, they approached the patient. I think they would have left him there, let alone, but a C-Collar on him. We wondered if they dumped him off at the next block after we had gone.
Dinner at the hostal met everyone’s needs, if not being inspirational, followed by our group breaking into our respective devotionals, both spiritual, ours liquid. Dona Isabel has turned an area into a bar where Gallo beer was served. For those of you who don’t speak Spanish, Gallo means rooster, particularly the fighting cock. Matt had fun with that one. Meanwhile, our chef, now turned bartender, entertained the women with amusing card tricks. Thus came day 3 to a close.