Update from Deb

Despite problems with the internet connection in the DR, we continued to take pictures so that we could update the blog when we returned. 
Day 2 at the clinic began with a devotion given by our dentist Randy.  He spoke about his experience in reading a book called "The Art of Possibilities, Transforming Your Personal and Professional Life".  We had all been feeling like we were there just putting a bandaid on a giant wound, because of the amount of poverty and what we had to offer in the week we were there.  He talked about taking OWNERSHIP of what would we could do, to own that we had a week there to make a difference.  He related it to the fact that the world only needed 1 savior, but many disciples.  We could make a difference by serving for the short time we were there. 
We had interpreters that were medical students at the University, who were invaluable, as we knew very little Spanish.  They do not have patient contact very early in their studies, so they were very eager to help us and to see all the pathology in the patients we saw.  We learned alot from each other.  The children have all kinds of skin fungus, pharyngitis, coughs, colds.  The girls marry very young (13-15) and are mothers very young in life.

 The clinic building, with "offices" on the second floor

 2 Dominican students dressed up as clowns and played with/educated the children

 The waiting line for the clinic.  It goes around the clinic.  They were there every morning

 This little boy was so cute.  He kept coming up to me and smiling and looking at me with big brown eyes

 Candice and Erielka, the medical student/interpreter

 Jane and her interpreter

  This is a 6 month old little girl who had no diapers.  Her mom was 15 and she was feeding her only juice and an "herbal" tea, because she didn't have any formula.  We gave her formula and bought her 3 packs of diapers. 

This was the sunrise we saw every morning from the hotel dining room. 
Day 2 we saw about 200 patients.
Day 3, we did not have as many interpreters.  Some of the medical students were concerned, that even though they had permission from the University leaders, they would not be looked upon well by their professors for missing class.  It was too bad, but we doubled up with interpreters and made do with what we had.  Jane, Katerina, Rachel and Katrina took a bus to a Haitian orphanage and took care of about 70 children who all had some sort of skin condition.  That evening, we met with the community and University leaders to interview them about the community. (I will let some of the students describe)  We have forged a relationship with the leaders of the medical school at the Catholic University. 
Day 4 at the clinic started early at 8 am.  Our goal was to finish our last clinic day with a bang.  We had plenty of medical students for interpreters, so we were able to see many.  The church in Cien Fuegos provided us with lunch each day; some sort of meat, rice and beans, tomallies (sp?) and usually some type of salad.  The women were very gracious in serving us and making sure we were fed well so we could continue the clinic each day.

That evening we were honored to be part of Noche de Damas (Night For Ladies)  This was a night organized by the lay women on the trip.  It was a night planned for educating the DR women on their rights.  In the DR, women have few rights and are never given such an opportunity.  It wa a beautiful night.  I spoke on Breast Health and Awareness, speaking from my personal story of breast cancer and educating women on how to decrease their risk of breast cancer.  Karla spoke from her heart about her story of being raped and how her life has changed since giving it up to Christ.  Then a judge from Santiago spoke on women's rights and how the women of Santiago could get help if their rights were violated.  Tom had sent a bus to Cien Fuegos to pick up some women and bring them to the hotel.  They had never been to an event like this and they were all very grateful. 

Singing Amazing Grace.
One day we went to the "hole', the garbage dump of Cien Fuegos.  It was terrible to see.  There are people who are garbage diverss here.  They spend the day "diving" into garbage and trying to get anything they can to use or sell.  It was so sad.  Here is a picture:

What a wonderful trip.  Something that I will never forget.  Please know that your prayers and support were very important in making this a meaningful trip.  I am sure that we touched the hearts of the people of Cien Fuegos and Santiago as much as they touched our hearts.  Stay tuned for more information from the students.

Message from Carol

We are so very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Cien Fuegos medical mission.  The graduate students rocked!  Over 600 patients received care at the clinic.  Our hearts melted for the people.  Every night we fell into bed exhausted.  I can't say that we felt satisfied at the end of every day because we wanted to do so much more for the people.  Their poverty was overwhelming to us, yet they maintained a joyful spirit and expressed great appreciation for the most basic of care.

Plans are beginning for next spring.  The Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra would like to collaborate on a project in addition to our work with Barnabas Task.  What opportunities await the IPFW students and the Republica Dominicana students!

Having internet problems from DR

Last night here (11:49pm) and after 3 days, we finally have blog access again.  Please don't give up on a complete story about our trip.  Story to be completed when we arrive back in the U.S.  Here is a preview picture!  (Our last moments together with all the mission group and medical students from the DR. 

First Clinic Day Sunday 1/23/11

Started the day out bright and early with breakfast at 6:30 a.m.  Gathered after breakfast for a meeting with Tom, our mission leader.  He provided information about clinic set up and flow and much needed spiritual guidance.  Off to the clinic, driving from Santiago  ( about 35 minute drive) into the poverty stricken Cien Fuegos, a community of 300,000 people. 

 Day began by setting up the clinic (pictured above).  17 suitcases of medicine had to be unloaded, labeled and organized.  Two students started triage with the interpreters.  Very short on interpreters as they did not come as agreed, so we shared, making due with what was available.  The two NP's and 3 other NP students were in the diagnostic area assessing patient and prescribing appropriate treatment.  Common complaints were the "flu", hypertension, diabetes, arthrits symptoms and fungal infections.  Personnel broke for lunch about noon, with a great home cooked meal prepared by church members from Cien Fuegos.  Off to a filled afternoon in the clinic; triage, assess, diagnose and treat.  A total of 105 patients were seen, ranging from 2 month old infant to the elderly.  Randy, the dentist, pulled 10 teeth and cleaned many.  The people are so grateful for the care they received, a smile and a listening ear.  Many praised God for our efforts and presence here in the DR.  The children were beautiful and full of energy and loved getting their pictures taken. Culture shock was apparent in all of us.  After a long filled day, we are exhausted and ended the day with a relaxing dinner at a wonderful outdoor restaurant, concluding with a debriefing and summary of how we could improve clinic flow tomorrow.  We are grateful for the leadership of Tom and Nancy Hinton.   Dios la bodega (all praise to God)

Arrival Day- Saturday 1/22/11

All IPFW group arrived in the DR as scheduled, despite some very close connections and earlier missed flights.  Going through customs here is a challenge, as the authorities opened all of the suitcases with medication.  It took about 1 hour just to get through customs.  Once all 17 suitcases were inspected (lost 1 that is still in Miami), we were off in buses to the Hodelpa Centro Plaza.  We are overwhelmed by the poverty as we drive to our hotel.  We are all tired, but anticipating a new day tomorrow.

Pictures from the mission supplies packing party 1/17/11 at Nancy's house.