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.