Well......the day has come that we were all dreading. The day we leave. We're off to a sandy spot for a couple of days. Last night we had a wonderful time at the Rancho where we performed a rousing Hallelejah and a soulful mashup. We also watched a talented group of kids sing and dance. The teenage girls were particularily upset about saying goodbye to friends they had quickly bonded with.
On reflection this experience has been incredible. We often face new experiences with trepidation and this was no different. There were also concerns about how much impact we could make over such a short period. To Kirsten, Lauren and the teams credit, really solid connections were made with local physicians and community leaders. This tact will surely pave the way for more directed and fruitful missions in the future. The community really appreciated our efforts.
The coordination by Mark, Peter King and Colin were instrumental in our success.
Hopefully this trip has been life changing for the members of the group: New Friendships, New Connections, Lifelong Interests in Mission Work.
Over and out. Pete B.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Little Miracles
On our Wednesday clinic, we had a lady present in labour - 2 cm dialated. We found out today (through a follow up visit to the clinc in Las Brenas) that she gave birth to a baby girl on Saturday via c-section. She has yet to be named. Here is the beautiful little miracle!!!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Ketchup day...mustard tomorrow Feb 19, 2013
Today started with a productive meeting early in the morning with Dr. Sylvia, the Doctora of the pequenos at the home. We were able to ask her many questions about the running of the clinic here at the home and also we were able to give her many medications and supplies that were needed for pequenos. She was able to share with us some of the work she and the therapists here do for some disabled children in sorrounding communities, through an organization called the "Good Samaritan". She was able to take Janice and Kirsten on a tour of her clinic, and introduced us to Evert, a paralyzed boy who unforunately right now is battling some nasty bedsores.
We then took the time to go through the assessment pails that we used during clinic. We figured out what we needed to gather for next year and started compiling a list. We also figured out what we were going to be taking to the hospital and community dr's tomorrow.
Lauren headed off to her meeting with the deaf child's family to see if they were receptive to the idea of obtaining schooling for their son. They are! Lauren has meetings arranged - hopefully everything goes according to plan.
Many members of the team enjoyed some much needed down time before lunch, which was an enjoyable meal with the pequenos.
After lunch, we were asked to do de-lousing treatments on 2 of the girls casas (houses). We were very glad we had the opportunity to do this, and it was quite fun to wash and style the girls hair and make them feel like princesses. Making it a very fun experience for the girls. It also gave us the opportunity to see the inside of the girls casa's (which are simple, but very spacious and clean).
We had the directors here for dinner and learned about their experiences in becoming involved with NPH. Some brainstorming was done on what we can do to gather needed supplies for some of the children here and what we need to bring for next year.
Overall, today was a good unwind/packup day. Our time here is coming to a close. What a time it has been!
.JPG)
Giving supplies to Dr. Sylvia for the NPH clinic
We then took the time to go through the assessment pails that we used during clinic. We figured out what we needed to gather for next year and started compiling a list. We also figured out what we were going to be taking to the hospital and community dr's tomorrow.
Lauren headed off to her meeting with the deaf child's family to see if they were receptive to the idea of obtaining schooling for their son. They are! Lauren has meetings arranged - hopefully everything goes according to plan.
Many members of the team enjoyed some much needed down time before lunch, which was an enjoyable meal with the pequenos.
After lunch, we were asked to do de-lousing treatments on 2 of the girls casas (houses). We were very glad we had the opportunity to do this, and it was quite fun to wash and style the girls hair and make them feel like princesses. Making it a very fun experience for the girls. It also gave us the opportunity to see the inside of the girls casa's (which are simple, but very spacious and clean).
homework time in the girls casa
time to do some hair!
Then we all headed back to the house to do paper work (some of us indulged in paperback work...haha). We had the directors here for dinner and learned about their experiences in becoming involved with NPH. Some brainstorming was done on what we can do to gather needed supplies for some of the children here and what we need to bring for next year.
Overall, today was a good unwind/packup day. Our time here is coming to a close. What a time it has been!
.JPG)
Preparing mentally for ziplining (yesterday)
Our WONDERFUL translators with Cathy and Donna (yesterday)
From Sherrie, Janna and Kirsten
Monday, February 18, 2013
shop till you drop
Hello All!
Today we enjoyed a day away at the Masaya handcraft market and surrounding shops. Many different and unique handmade items were there for perusing and purchasing. Since we went on Monday (instead of Saturday, as origially planned) the market was nice and quiet. After a morning of shopping (until we were quite literally dropping) we enjoyed a deightful meal at one of the restaurants at the market.
We loaded onto the busses after lunch and headed up to the ziplining course! What an amazing experience! For many of us, this was our first time ziplining. We found out that we have some daredevils in the group. Even some of our more "wonderful" people (as Peter would say) went ziplining. And if it weren't for Toyin, Freeda would've bowled over a tree! On the course, you could fly like a superman, with an instructor holding up your legs behind you. We could also hang upside down by our harnesses'.
After the ziplining, we took the jeeps up to the coffee plantation on Masaya Mountain (which is a semi-active volcano, in case you were wondering). The view below was BREATHTAKING! Fresh ground coffee was enjoyed by most (not me, for I detest coffee).
Finally, after an amazing day, it was time to pack ourselves and our new treasures onto the bus to head back to the orphanage, where we were welcomed back by our amazing cooks!
For supper, we enjoyed a delicious meal with our translators who helped us out during the clinics translating...obviously. Donna and Cathy presented our translators with gifts of gratitude after supper and we then enjoyed each other's company while playing games and got a great group photo.
After the translators cleared the building, we practiced our skit/song for the performance we have to make to the pequenos at the end of our time here, which is approaching much to quickly.
Tomorrow we look forward to meeting Dr. Silvia (the Dr. at NPH) and organizing and packing up the rest of the medication we have. Lauren will be going back to one of the clinics that we went to. There, she will be providing information to a family that has a son who is congenitally deaf. Hopefully, they will accept the information and we can help this little guy learn sign language! There is a tentative meeting set up with the director of the co-op for deaf and mute people in Granada. Others of us will be teaching english to the pequenos and handing out more school supplies.
Since it sounds like we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow, I'd better get to sleep!
Here are some pictures before I sign off,
Janna DeWeerd
Today we enjoyed a day away at the Masaya handcraft market and surrounding shops. Many different and unique handmade items were there for perusing and purchasing. Since we went on Monday (instead of Saturday, as origially planned) the market was nice and quiet. After a morning of shopping (until we were quite literally dropping) we enjoyed a deightful meal at one of the restaurants at the market.
We loaded onto the busses after lunch and headed up to the ziplining course! What an amazing experience! For many of us, this was our first time ziplining. We found out that we have some daredevils in the group. Even some of our more "wonderful" people (as Peter would say) went ziplining. And if it weren't for Toyin, Freeda would've bowled over a tree! On the course, you could fly like a superman, with an instructor holding up your legs behind you. We could also hang upside down by our harnesses'.
After the ziplining, we took the jeeps up to the coffee plantation on Masaya Mountain (which is a semi-active volcano, in case you were wondering). The view below was BREATHTAKING! Fresh ground coffee was enjoyed by most (not me, for I detest coffee).
Finally, after an amazing day, it was time to pack ourselves and our new treasures onto the bus to head back to the orphanage, where we were welcomed back by our amazing cooks!
For supper, we enjoyed a delicious meal with our translators who helped us out during the clinics translating...obviously. Donna and Cathy presented our translators with gifts of gratitude after supper and we then enjoyed each other's company while playing games and got a great group photo.
After the translators cleared the building, we practiced our skit/song for the performance we have to make to the pequenos at the end of our time here, which is approaching much to quickly.
Tomorrow we look forward to meeting Dr. Silvia (the Dr. at NPH) and organizing and packing up the rest of the medication we have. Lauren will be going back to one of the clinics that we went to. There, she will be providing information to a family that has a son who is congenitally deaf. Hopefully, they will accept the information and we can help this little guy learn sign language! There is a tentative meeting set up with the director of the co-op for deaf and mute people in Granada. Others of us will be teaching english to the pequenos and handing out more school supplies.
Since it sounds like we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow, I'd better get to sleep!
Here are some pictures before I sign off,
Sherry enjoying a smoothie at lunch
Shannon
John
Peter
Lauren
Freeda
Toyin
Maggie
View from Mount Masaya
Goodnight,
Sunday, February 17, 2013
A day at the beach - Sunday Feb 17
Greetings from our foursome - Tena, Ruth, Joanne and Freda.
Today we started our second week with a great breakfast, left at 0900 on an old school bus to see a different part of Nicaragua. We travelled for about 1 1/2 hours to San Juan del Sur. After a windy walk on the beach, we gathered at El Timon restaurant on the beach and enjoyed a most wonderful lunch. Then we parted in small groups, some by taxi to explore more sights a distance away. Some
relaxed at the beach. Tena, Joanne and I explored the quaint little shops; walked alot, shopped very little - while John, our chaperone, kept an eye on us! At 4 pm all of us went back to the bus, just in time as rain started to come down. On our way we saw farms, volcano mountain, fruit stands, and a large statue of Jesus on a high mountain, and a beautiful sunset.
Freda Leenders
Today we started our second week with a great breakfast, left at 0900 on an old school bus to see a different part of Nicaragua. We travelled for about 1 1/2 hours to San Juan del Sur. After a windy walk on the beach, we gathered at El Timon restaurant on the beach and enjoyed a most wonderful lunch. Then we parted in small groups, some by taxi to explore more sights a distance away. Some
relaxed at the beach. Tena, Joanne and I explored the quaint little shops; walked alot, shopped very little - while John, our chaperone, kept an eye on us! At 4 pm all of us went back to the bus, just in time as rain started to come down. On our way we saw farms, volcano mountain, fruit stands, and a large statue of Jesus on a high mountain, and a beautiful sunset.
Freda Leenders
Food for thought
Since the last clinic ended, we've had many conversations within the team about global health. Our impressions, opinions, things we've learned, and suggestions for years to come are accumulating! In addition to our sightseeing, the Medical team is doing a great deal of pondering. Exactly what is needed here? Exactly what is the best way for Canadians to contribute to the Medical Care of the people of Nicaragua? And who should be determining this? We'll keep you updated.
Kirsten Blaine
Kirsten Blaine
Nicaragua from a Younger point of View
This place is absolutely fantastic! Two weeks is not nearly enough time!! We've made so many new friends that we can't even fathom leaving. Friday was the last clinic and the most crazy by far!! We helped around 140 patients! The clinic location was very nice and spacious. Which made it very easy to get ourselves organized! The translators did an amazing job once again, and all in all it was a pretty successful day! On saturday we got to sleep in, YAY!!! It was a much needed rest for the whole group! After that some members of the group headed down to the rancheon to watch a very intense dance practice! After that the teenagers (aka us) got some dance lessons (informal) from Jeffry, Baltazar and Reyna! They were amazing dancers and our Canadian hips couldn't keep up to all that shaking!We showed them some of our Canadian moves, let's just say not nearly as impressive... After the embrrassing dance class we headed back to the casa for lunch, once again it tasted awesome!! In the afternoon we just hung out, got some homework done, chilled. Then we made valentines cards for all of our friends and translators! When we got to the rancheon for church the girls side was about 80% full, but the boys, not one had a rrived yet, hmmmm go figure. Church was beautiful! All though we didn't understand, spanish is a beautiful language to listen to, we didn't really mind!! After church we handed out all our valentines, I think they all really appreciated the intentions! Then came the dance!!! Ive never seen so much booty shaking in my life, us Canadians are like cardboard! But non the less we had a ton of fun!! What an unforgettable night, I'm sure there wll be more fun to come!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Stay tuned...
sorry for the lack of posts from friday night. a post is on it's way tonight - keep checking back!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
After parting ways with four of our group members who would be spending the day with the English classes, we started off our day by taking the long way around Nandaime, to our clinic in Los Jirones. Our amazing bus driver, Mincho, was incredible at winding the bus through the narrow streets, some of which were dirt paths. Along the way we saw magnificient scenery, including Mount Mombacho and the sugar cane fields. It amazes us to see pigs randomly roaming the properties of every home.
people waiting to be seen at our clinic
We arrived at the clinic to waiting people and set up camp in no time at all. As our fourth day on the job the set-up has become easier and has allowed for better organization. Things ran very smoothly and we were able to see 129 people from nine till five o'clock. Everyone enjoyed interacting with the little ones and took many opportunities to hold and take photos of them.
One of the sweetest little guys
We saw many issues from a foot ulcer, worms, many \UTIs, iron difficiency and some respiratory issues. The highlight of the day was when many in the group were able to listen to a fetus' heartbeat. The mother is 18 weeks pregnant and was overjoyed when she was offered the chance to listen too. Her face lit up like a candle when she heard the heartbeat. Albeit being exhausted, we had a very successful day and are all looking forward to a shower and a relaxing evening.
over and out, Maggie and Janice
We arrived at the clinic to waiting people and set up camp in no time at all. As our fourth day on the job the set-up has become easier and has allowed for better organization. Things ran very smoothly and we were able to see 129 people from nine till five o'clock. Everyone enjoyed interacting with the little ones and took many opportunities to hold and take photos of them.
Keagan and Haley flouriding the children's teeth
Toyin, Maggie, Yomara, Shannon and Dr. Kirsten
Yadar, Janice's translator, with one of the patients
Nestor( Dr. Kirsten's translator) and Kirsten
An exhausted Kirsten after the clinic
Registration
Haley, Katie and Baltazar (another one of the translators)
Sometimes the translations can be quite amusing
Lauren, amazed at the sound of a fetus' heartbeat
The children love their toothbrushes
Janna holding one of the little ones (hard job!)
Maggie at the pharmacy
Justine, hard at work as a triage nurse
We saw many issues from a foot ulcer, worms, many \UTIs, iron difficiency and some respiratory issues. The highlight of the day was when many in the group were able to listen to a fetus' heartbeat. The mother is 18 weeks pregnant and was overjoyed when she was offered the chance to listen too. Her face lit up like a candle when she heard the heartbeat. Albeit being exhausted, we had a very successful day and are all looking forward to a shower and a relaxing evening.
over and out, Maggie and Janice
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Wednesday Feb 13 - La Brena Day 2
What an exhausting but exhilarating day. We were already half set up this am - and we were up and running even faster. Everyone had very clear ideas of their jobs, and things ran even more smoothly. We saw 175 people!! The MINSA (the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health) nurses and Dr Vega were really enojoying the day! Lauren tells the story of one of the nurses (Darline) going to the little corner 'store" (people sell drinks, snacks, etc out of their homes in these villages) to buy her a pop - and when Lauren protested, Darline insisted "but we're a team" - which is exactly what Lauren had been saying to them when we shared our meals with them!
We had to make a trip to two local pharmacies at the end of our day to stock up on some items for Thursday and Friday. At the first pharmacy, we were helped efficiently, and had the sense we were given very fair prices. At the second, while the assistant at the counter was finding the items we had requested, the pharmacist from the back came forward with an armful of medications. She asked if we were the team doing clinics in the communities, then asked "can you use these"? That was cool. I'm starting to sound like Peter King!! Cool....
As much as we tried to work quickly, people arrived early in the am, and some waited almost the entire day to be seen. No one complained. No one gave us dirty looks. Everyone was gracious. Tomorrow we will buy bananas at the local market and make sure that we distribute those at strategic moments, and make more of an effort to make sure everyone is drinking enough water.
I hadn't finished speaking about our translators, who are all "pequenos" - ie the "little brothers and sisters" who have grown up here at the Casa. Yuridia, Stephany, Nestor, Jeffry, Balthazar, Yomara, Jimmy, Yader, Marbely and Iris have all done outstanding jobs - I hope they forgive me if I mispell their names. We are so impressed by their compassion and hard work. They are truly remarkable young people, and will do great things for Nicaragua.
We had a moving and informative presentation tonight about NPH and how the sponsorship program
works. Two students who are off to university presented their life stories, and how they came to NPH. Clearly they are part of a loving and supportive family, even into adulthood.
These are the thoughts that immediately come to mind tonight. We're going to bed.
Another community (Los Jirones) for clinic tomorrow.
Kirsten and Shannon Blaine
Janna in the morning.... and in the afternoon.
We had to make a trip to two local pharmacies at the end of our day to stock up on some items for Thursday and Friday. At the first pharmacy, we were helped efficiently, and had the sense we were given very fair prices. At the second, while the assistant at the counter was finding the items we had requested, the pharmacist from the back came forward with an armful of medications. She asked if we were the team doing clinics in the communities, then asked "can you use these"? That was cool. I'm starting to sound like Peter King!! Cool....
Waiting at the pharmacy
As much as we tried to work quickly, people arrived early in the am, and some waited almost the entire day to be seen. No one complained. No one gave us dirty looks. Everyone was gracious. Tomorrow we will buy bananas at the local market and make sure that we distribute those at strategic moments, and make more of an effort to make sure everyone is drinking enough water.
\Stephany (interpretor) and a child at the clinic
We had a moving and informative presentation tonight about NPH and how the sponsorship program
works. Two students who are off to university presented their life stories, and how they came to NPH. Clearly they are part of a loving and supportive family, even into adulthood.
These are the thoughts that immediately come to mind tonight. We're going to bed.
Another community (Los Jirones) for clinic tomorrow.
Kirsten and Shannon Blaine
Cathy and Ruth
Heading out on the bus
Joanne and a Yomara taking a break
John entertaining childen
the girls and Baltizar
Dr. Pedro Brooks, Dr. Vega, Dr. Kirsten Blaine
Keagan, Gillian and Jess
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
What a difference a day makes
And we thought yesterday was amazing! Today's clinics were in La Brena - a community of 1200, where we will be spending two days. We've been graciously given the use of the local evangelical church; so it was key to string up ropes, etc - and we were so much better organized today!!!
We were able to set up private areas for the 3 MINSA nurses (HIV testing, immunications and Paps - in this community the incidence of cervical cancer is high, and takeup is low), our 3 triage areas, and the space for two consultations rooms for Dr Vega and Dr Brooks. I got to do something I've always been fascinated by - triage!!! I would introduce myself as a "good paediatric doctor", an "okay triage nurse", but not an "adult doctora" - dealt with many issues myself, but referred the adults who had more complex needs and need for ongoing follow up to Dr Vega. Saw many babies and children! Dr Vega tells us that the care of children 0-4 has been a real priority for this government - and it shows. The vast majority of them are immunized, and growing well. Many, because of a diet low in meat and green vegetables, are iron deficient. As this can affect development and contribute to recurrent infections in children, it was an honour to be able to provide these children with at least a month of iron treatment!! More is needed. Saw some children with complex medical histories - a babe with repaired myelomenigocele, hydrocephalous and a shunt, a child with surgically repaired bowel obstruction (and a colostomy for 18 months, that was reversed successfully). From what I saw yesterday and today - the hospital care for these children is quite good - if they can get there. These communities do have a local doctor and nurse (Dr Vega cares for over 5000 people) - but often can't afford the medications needed.
Dr Vega was saying that one of her biggest concerns is the care of pregnant women - too many have complicated pregnancies, and the infant and mother mortality rate is far too high. As an example, today we saw a young woman with diabetes type1 on insulin, who is 15 weeks pregnant. It was an honour to provide her with a glucometer, and strips for glucose testing, and teach her how to use it (no problem - she caught on beautifully). Keeping her sugar normal this pregnancy will mean having a baby who hopefully avoids all the complications of the infant of a diabetic mother.
Toyin the pharmacist is busily preparing and instructing folks about all kinds of medications. He has excellent helpers - Kate, Janna and Maggie have all been learning and helping him. Dr Vega has worked side by side with us - reviewing the medications available here in Nicaragua (ie what is useful and what is NOT!!), and I get the sense she is truly enjoying being able to provide her people with medications they normally couldn't afford.
I can't say enough about the quality of our translators. We have Colin, the Director here at the orphanage (who has many other jobs) helping us at the begining and end of each day. He clearly has positive relationships with the local folks and the MINSA professionals.
We were able to set up private areas for the 3 MINSA nurses (HIV testing, immunications and Paps - in this community the incidence of cervical cancer is high, and takeup is low), our 3 triage areas, and the space for two consultations rooms for Dr Vega and Dr Brooks. I got to do something I've always been fascinated by - triage!!! I would introduce myself as a "good paediatric doctor", an "okay triage nurse", but not an "adult doctora" - dealt with many issues myself, but referred the adults who had more complex needs and need for ongoing follow up to Dr Vega. Saw many babies and children! Dr Vega tells us that the care of children 0-4 has been a real priority for this government - and it shows. The vast majority of them are immunized, and growing well. Many, because of a diet low in meat and green vegetables, are iron deficient. As this can affect development and contribute to recurrent infections in children, it was an honour to be able to provide these children with at least a month of iron treatment!! More is needed. Saw some children with complex medical histories - a babe with repaired myelomenigocele, hydrocephalous and a shunt, a child with surgically repaired bowel obstruction (and a colostomy for 18 months, that was reversed successfully). From what I saw yesterday and today - the hospital care for these children is quite good - if they can get there. These communities do have a local doctor and nurse (Dr Vega cares for over 5000 people) - but often can't afford the medications needed.
Dr Vega was saying that one of her biggest concerns is the care of pregnant women - too many have complicated pregnancies, and the infant and mother mortality rate is far too high. As an example, today we saw a young woman with diabetes type1 on insulin, who is 15 weeks pregnant. It was an honour to provide her with a glucometer, and strips for glucose testing, and teach her how to use it (no problem - she caught on beautifully). Keeping her sugar normal this pregnancy will mean having a baby who hopefully avoids all the complications of the infant of a diabetic mother.
Toyin the pharmacist is busily preparing and instructing folks about all kinds of medications. He has excellent helpers - Kate, Janna and Maggie have all been learning and helping him. Dr Vega has worked side by side with us - reviewing the medications available here in Nicaragua (ie what is useful and what is NOT!!), and I get the sense she is truly enjoying being able to provide her people with medications they normally couldn't afford.
I can't say enough about the quality of our translators. We have Colin, the Director here at the orphanage (who has many other jobs) helping us at the begining and end of each day. He clearly has positive relationships with the local folks and the MINSA professionals.
Nurses Station
Peter loading the truck
Nestor, our translator, and the most cheerful baby EVER!
"George" the pig
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)