The Saturday Advance Team

First thing on Saturday, a group of us visited potential sites for the clinics to work out some of the logistical issues.

One of the Community Leaders, Flora was going to graciously allow us to use her home for two clinic days when the local church was double booked.  It would have been tight! At the last minute, the local evangelical church custodian sought permission for us to use their space - that will be later in the week.  Tomorrow, we will work in Los Aburtos - again, a community member and her family are literally "moving out" to allow us space to do what's needed.  The local Health authorities are planning to hold HIV testing, PAP smears, and immunizations at the same time. 

We spent a great deal of time on Saturday making and building relationships.  Two Community leaders accompanied us to each of the sites.  We also met the medical director of the Nandaime Hospital, with whom Peter and Mark had been talking as far back as last year.  She was pleased to hear that when we finish our clinics, we will likely be able to bring a large amount of medication.  There are also a number of pieces of equipment and supplies that have been donated - that will likely be best used at the hospital itself.  We made a date for one of our last days; to bring all the dontations, meet, discuss, and help make plans for future years.

When we got back to the Casa, we were amazed at the organization and work that had happened while we were gone! The contents of  44 Hockey bags, emptied, organized and sorted.
We'll keep you updated!  A busy week ahead.....
Good night!  Kirsten