Dr. Steve’s Download
January 25th, 09
Bill Whalen and Lloyd Arnold are wonderful leaders. They are doing a great job anticipating the needs for the team and working with the National Leadership. The team is really coming together beautifully. Such an interesting mix of individuals - - all so completely unique in the collection of skills, experience, and personalities. And yet God is bringing everyone together for a wonderful common purpose.
January 26th, 09
Today is the first day of the clinic. Everybody is ready to go.
Last night the worship service with the church was great. The church was packed and the people very responsive. It was nice to see familiar faces and to be greeted so warmly. It really felt as if we are family. There is definitely something to be said for returning for follow-up clinics and creating on-going relationships.
Something truly amazing happened yesterday morning. Even now it is somewhat difficult to process - - except to be amazed at God’s concern for specific individuals.
It all started last year when in the last hour of the clinic on the last day, a little girl put her arms around Leo, looked up at him, and said, “Could you fix my eyes? She had severely crossed eyes. Leo told her he was not a doctor, but he brought her over to see me. We couldn’t do anything because we were preparing to leave. She has been on my heart ever since.
So several months ago, I cleared my clinic schedule, and booked flights to be with the team so that we could perform surgery on this little girl. At the time I didn’t think locating her again would be an issue since we had her name and the area of Sumpango in which she lived.
That turned out to be an incorrect assumption. In spite of having her name, a photograph, and a zone address, the church had been unable to locate her dispite a search over the last several weeks, including a search through records at City Hall and local radio. Word we got from the church and doctor Paredes was that they had no idea where she might be or what had happened to her. In that she was the primary reason for me coming on this trip, we were praying that we would find her. Yesterday I decided I would go to the market and look for her.
Sumpango has about 40,000 inhabitants, 6,000 or more are children. Sunday morning is market day and everyone comes in to sell their agricultural produce. It is open air in the center of town involving about two linear blocks, a central square, a large multi-story indoor market that is literally wall-to-wall people and the large central cathedral. Los Olivos, the church, is about a half block off the market area. The Community Center where we have the clinic is about a half block off the market area on the opposite side. The view from this central market area is beautiful with the city of Sumpango sprawling up and down the rolling terrain and a view of volcanoes on two sides.
This market captures an aspect of Guatemalan life - - family, that is beautiful to see. Families are really family businesses and everybody works together to survive. Market day is where families earn their living, purchase necessities and celebrate being together. Children are everywhere. You will see a mother, a baby, a father and four kids all holding hands - - all under the age of ten - - unless those hands are filled with a treat, like sugared fried plantain, or fruited shaved ice, or a small toy. You will see scores of little 4 to 5 year old boys or girls, either carrying or holding the hand of their younger sibling for whom they are responsible. Ninety percent or more is traditional Mayan attire. It is a cacophony of sound, color, kids, and ordered mayhem - - a rolling ever-changing count of 5,000 to 10,000 people spread out over several acres as people from the entire region come and go throughout the day.
I quickly realized as we moved into the market that spotting Rosa would be a long shot. To my eyes all the little girls looked so similar - - and there were so many people. It was just packed. I decided that I would focus on faces and look for her age group and anyone with crossed eyes. Over the course of an hour or so I went through the entire area - - and didn’t see her. I ran into our people on several occasions - - they are tall and white. I decided to go through the market one more time before we met back at the clinic area to be transported to the hotel for lunch.
In the press and flow of all the people, I happened to be walking directly opposite a mother, daughter, and son combination about 20 feet or so away coming toward me. The girl was about Rosa’s age and looked familiar. I looked intently at her as she walked by. As she walked past, I continued watching her to see if there was any sign of recognition. I was aware that she knew I was watching her because our eyes met, but there was no sign of recognition. I figured that to her I was simply an odd looking Gringo. She was about 30 feet past me with the press of the crowds carrying her farther away when she stopped and looked back at me. She looked like Rosa’s sister.
Last year Ann Marie Belcore had given me hundreds of her photos of the trip. There was a picture of Rosa with her two sisters and Ann Marie. I had seen it a couple weeks before when I sent this photo to Los Olivos and Dr. Paredes. We had recorded Rosa’s full name, the name of her two sisters, and their address zone from last year’s clinic as well.
So, I worked my way through the crowd and caught up with them, got their attention and said, “Tejaxin?” (Rosa’s family name). The girl and her Mom both broke into nervous broad grins and laughter. I was clueless as to how to interpret that. Was I an idiot gringo, or were they laughing because they were surprised that I said their name, or were they laughing because I knew their name and butchered the pronunciation. My Spanish is so poor I didn’t know where to go from here. So since this possibly was Rosa’s sister, I said the only name of Rosa’s sisters that I remembered, “Amalia?”
I will never forget the look on her face at that moment. Her eyes got real big and she gave a nervous glance to her Mother as if to say, “Mom, what is happening here?” So I said, “Rosa, hermana?” and they together said, “Si, Si.” What an amazing God we serve!”
Fortunately Megan, one of our pharmacists who speaks Spanish, was nearby. She came over and was a great help from there on. Yes, this was Rosa’s sister and mother. Yes, Rosa’s eyes were crossed. Yes, they would come to the clinic tomorrow so that we could fix Rosa’s eyes. And very importantly, they gave us their address.
By this time several other team members had gathered around. They were all curious as to what had happened. But at that point, I was pretty worthless. I had to step away and collect myself. I was so overcome with this demonstration of God’s specific love for this little girl and family.
But that is not the end of the story. The night before our team had shared dinner with the Los Olivos elders. The elders randomly spread out among the tables and sat with the team. Caiesar “by chance,” sat next to me. He is the only elder of the church who speaks English. This was good since my Spanish is in between lousy and non-existent. His English was good because he went to school in Iowa, of all places. (I grew up in Iowa.) He was in charge of Los Olivos children’s ministry and the principal of a school with 200 kids. I related to him that I was looking for this little girl to fix her eyes. He said that he would look for her as well.
Thus that is where we stood this morning. I had some concerns about Rosa making it to the clinic today, so I spoke with Enrique Fernandez about the situation. He suggested that we should go to her home and make sure Rosa would be brought to the clinic. So Armando, another one of the church leaders, drove Enrique, Caesar, and me to find her home. We went to the address we had, and came up empty. So Caesar, remember he is a school principal, took us to the neighborhood school and introduced us to the principal. We enquired about Rosa, and, yes, she was a student there. So with Caesar, Enrique, Armando, and myself in tow, the principal marched us to Rosa’s classroom and called the teacher to the door. He explained the situation, asked for Rosa, and moments later, the teacher ushered her to the door. There she was!
Per Enrique, Mayan people are very deferent to authority figures. Rosa kept her eyes down and without saying a word left the school with us to take us to her home. A school official accompanied us. This must have been very intimidating for her and she probably did not know for sure how this related to the report from Amalia and her mother about our meeting in the market the day before. I couldn’t imagine what thoughts must have been going through her mind.
At that point, I was still amazed at what was happening (Mostly all in Spanish with a little commentary from Enrique). I was grateful and appreciative that Armando walked ahead of us with Rosa, his arm very tenderly around her shoulders. I learned later that he asked her if she could see well and she said yes, but that she would would often close one eye because the kids made fun of her crossed eyes. God had Armando to minister to her because there was certainly nothing I could say that would have helped the situation.
We walked several blocks back to the main street and down a ways to a small path beween tall rows of corn and a concrete garage (We were pretty much at the edge of town). We turned in at the path and walked about 40 yards back off the road to a series of small low lying very modest concrete structures. Rosa’s mother and brother came to the door with Amalia peeking her head out from behind her. Enrique, Armando, the school official, and Caesar all explained the situation to her in Spanish. Yes, she wanted Rosa to have the surgery and she consented to Rosa being picked up that afternoon by Armando.
I was so grateful for Enrique, Armando, Caesar, and the school official being there. All I could contribute was, “Hola, Amalia,” to which she again poked her head out and gave me a smile more valuable to me than any payment for surgery I have ever received. I wanted her to know God used her to make the connection for her sister’s surgery.
As we walked away from the house back to the main road and clinic, something else happened I will never forget. All of a sudden we heard whoops, yelling, and cries of joy coming from the house. It’s a wonder any of us saw through tears to get back to the main road. We were all pretty much too overcome to say anything.
Enrique later told me that it was very important that we went to Rosa’s home with the school official to speak to her mother. Mayans are so deferent to authority that they would not feel they could have asked the school for permission for Rosa to miss school, especially the first day, even for this life-changing surgery.
Rosa had surgery this afternoon starting about 2:30 or so. I anticipated about two hours for both eyes. The surgery was very tough (Normally this is done under General Anesthesia). After more than two hours, we only had one eye done. Her eye was almost constantly moving and she responded poorly to both the oral sedation and the local anesthetic. We could not have done it without Bill Benn monitoring her vitals, Becky Fernandez comforting Rosa, and Jeremy Olson assisting surgically. They were the model of medical excellence, bombproof adaptability, and compassion.
Fortunately, we had an excellent result, though Jeremy probably had second thoughts about ever doing eye surgery.
But then we had a difficult decision to make. Should we soldier on and do the second eye or bring her back the next day. Bill, Becky and Jeremy were all willing to keep going. Again, this would not have been possible without this great team. So we explained the options to Rosa’s mother, took a quick break to stretch, gave her 150% more sedation and waited for it to kick in. The youth group from Los Olivos came over as a group to pray for Rosa. And we started. I adjusted my local anesthesia, used a slightly different surgical technique, and we were done an hour later with as smooth a case as you can imagine. Rosa awoke and sat up literally seconds after I tied off the last suture.
It was notable how many people from Los Olivos stayed for the conclusion of the surgery. Rosa’s father was there as well and profusely grateful.
We made it back for the tail end of dinner and the evening team meeting. What a great team Bill and Lloyd lead!
January 27th ‘09
Today, Rosa came for her one day follow-up. She had an uncomfortable night and was up several times crying. She hadn’t opened her eyes yet because they were mattered shut. Jeremy Olson tenderly placed an anesthetic drop and cleaned the debris off her eyelid margins. She opened her eyes - - and there she was - - a precious little girl with straight eyes! We told her she was a beautiful little girl - - and she smiled. We then gave her a large soft, friendly stuffed bear - - and she really smiled!! Jon Cronce has it on video. That video will be cherished. Before she left, she gave Becky and Enrique Fernandez, and Jeremy hugs. Bill Benn was seeing patients but they waited for him to see her. Before she left she gave me a big hug and thank you as well. What a precious little girl!
Dr. Paredes will see her at one week and one month. As she heals her eyes will adjust and she should have as perfect a result as we could hope for. But time will tell the plans God has for Rosa, Amalia, her family, and her classmates who saw her removed from class on the first day of school by the principal. It ultimately is never about the medicine. And I am sure that at some point they will begin to comprehend the wonder of God’s love shown in His orchestration of such an improbable series of events.
Final Comments:
It was such a privilege to be part of Bill and Lloyd’s team. Everyone was amazing! I learned from Enrique today that between 40 and 50 volunteers from Los Olivos were serving in various support roles. This second trip is really connecting to the church. The outlying villages Los Olivos is targeting were being very favorably impacted.
Lloyd’s Ob/Gyn Clinic was exceeding all expectations and bringing a standard of Medical Care very difficult under the existing circumstance for Dr. Paredes to provide. Dr. Paredes has been deeply touched and encouraged. What a wonderful Christian man and Doctor. Supango is very fortunate to have him. Lloyds extra efforts to arrange for interpreters was also honored. God certainly hand-picked these “professional” interpreters. I look forward to hearing further how God touches their hearts.
The morning devotionals have been powerful. Lloyd and Bill both shared their Life verses and how these verses would prepare them and the team for whatever they would encounter. This morning Don Price shareed from John 3 about the necessity of a new spiritual life that only comes as we look to Christ. He shared with us his own journey from religiosity to that life. Don’s Niece, Anastasia, then interpreted for Dr. Paredes. Ana did an excellent job and is a tremendous addition to the team.
Nicky, in the optical area, is providing great leadership. She will make an outstanding optometrist and will be able to help the Costa Rica Optical department do a better job. We need to thank Dr. Tim Bevers from Shopko Optical for lending her to us for the week.
Wendy and Sue in Pharmacy are, in Wendy’s Words, “a well-oiled machine,” and yes, that is an understatement. They are not only very competent, they are having way too much fun in their balcony perch.
The physicians and physician extenders are doing a great job. They provided care for 250 patients on the first day alone! And wonderful ministry is occurring.
The family photo ministry was run by Los Olivos and 165 family photos were printed on day one. These were especially appreciated by the outlying villagers who have never had a family photo.
Jon Cronce and Scott Kingston continue to be the dynamic duo of logistics. Their comedic relief often masks their logistical excellence. (Scott set up Rosa on the EKG machine so that Bill Benn could monitor her vitals).
Julie Price continues to establish a wonderful atmosphere of medical ministry just by her presence alone. Don and Julies’s connection with the Orths is such a blessing. Before I left today, I touched base with Don and Peggy. Don was doing a root canal! And the patient was smiling! At least as best she could with the padding and instruments in her mouth. What a privilege to work with people like this!
Leo and Brenda continue to prove themselves indispensable with all they do. What a blessing to have them on the team - - and in Central Wisconsin when just last year we made their acquaintance.
Scott Dickman and I spent some time on the bus together. It was inspiring to hear of is heart for Wisconsin Rapids and missions. What a skillful clinician to have as an anchor for the team.
Rhonda is doing a fantastic job in Ob/Gyn. From Radiology to Ob/Gyn - - - I don’t know how she does it.
Ryan is doing a great job with worship and optical. Dan Bondeson is doing a lousy job keeping him under control, but everything else he’s doing is tremendous. They both are wonderful young men for whom God has very special plans.
I enjoyed Melanie’s story of how her professors were supportive of this trip. I also appreciated her commitment and boldness to make it happen.
Laura Otto is all smiles. She flew past me this morning with the statement, “I just did an injection” as if she had just won the lottery.
William is quietly going about the business of being wherever someone needs an interpreter. His background in medical assistance at Travelguard is really coming in handy. We appreciate his sacrifice in leaving his family with their brand new addition.
Trisa is getting excellent reviews from those with whom she is working. She also works at Travelguard in the medical assistance department. Travel guard is well represented on the teams this year.
Jeremy Olson was again indispensible. Enrique commented to me today on what a quality young man he has become. Ray and Darlene - - You did a great job! Before we know it, Jeremy will be leading teams. What God did for Rosa would not have been possible without Jeremy’s bombproof adaptability.
The quality of the young people on this team is exceptional.
Chet Price has been in our thoughts and prayers this week. In his absence, his recruits have been representing him well. He really recruited some quality people. The Merdans are absolutely delightful. Very proficient - - and just great to work with. Diane is doing a super job and quietly provides compassionate care. Megan is so skilled in so many areas, Pharm, Spanish, Medical, I am glad I am not in Lloyd’s shoes because I wouldn’t know where to place her. Cindy is a joy to be around. She is right on top of stuff and game for anything.
Darla, Lloyd’s assistant in the “Mecca of Pathology,” quietly oversees her collections of slides, stains, bathes, and fixatives. Lloyd knows that he couldn’t provide the quality of care he provides without her. I will enjoy running into her in the pathology department at St. Michael’s when I stop in to see Lloyd and Jason.
And finally, teams rise and fall with leadership. Bill and Lloyd’s many hours of work and prayer are certainly bearing fruit. These are tremendous leaders and they have a great team. It was an honor to serve with them. I can’t wait to hear all that God will do through them this week.
Steve S.
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