Tuesday, October 16, 2012

And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:2

The Medical team that spent time serving with us earlier this month  saw around 200 patients in two days.  The count is not exact, because we had ran out of papers to check people in with at one point!  Also, we believe some of the kiddo's ran off with them. ;) A group with Calvary Industries comes down every October to provide medical care to two impoverished communities that Back2Back works with. The medical team this year consisted of a doctor, two nurse practitioners, a few nurses, a couple nursing student's, a PT student, translators, & a dentist.  The two communities they serve are called Rio 3 and Cadereyta.  Rio 3 is a community that is located along a river. *Rio means river in Spanish.  Most of the homes are like the one seen below, and are made of scraps/whatever can be found. There are hundred's of homes along the river such as this.  Some of these homes receive government assistance, but there is a distinct line between those who get help and those who do not.  Cadereyta consists of mostly government homes made of concrete.        
Rio 3
Cadereyta


This medical group was special to me because it was the same group I traveled with last October that inspired me to work with Back2Back Ministries.  It was neat to be on the other side of it this year to help plan and make sure things such as medications and supplies were ready for them when they arrived.

All of the staff worked hard together to make sure everyone who arrived was seen. My main job was to help where ever was needed.  I assisted with deciding where to set up,  helped with vitals when needed, checked blood sugars, helped find the right medication's needed, etc.  We saw everything from a child with a runny nose, to an adult living with complications from a life threatening illness.  It was amazing to see people so appreciative for something so simple as a bag of vitamins.  



I will never forget one woman specifically.  At Caderyta the room is fairly small and it feels like it becomes packed with people.  This makes things feel louder, hotter, and a little more crazy.  After seeing the doctor, this blind elderly woman walks over to the pharmacy table to receive her medications.  Myself and another back2back staff member (Amy) attempted to explain to her how to take her medications daily.  Sweet Amy took the woman's hand to let her feel the tablets she would be taking.  The woman then took Amy's hand into her own and brought Amy close to hug and kiss her on the cheek.  She then turned to me and did the same.  In that moment the loud, hot room seemed to be quiet and peaceful.  The woman thanked us and said "Bless you." Amy was able to pray over her, and I was thankful for this experience once more.    




Pulling out teeth right there. Ouch! 


Lisa,Amazing Dr.




Getting all checked



Sophie the dentist 


Some people waiting

I think he wanted to be seen by the Dr. too? 

Some awesome RN's

Jenn doing a great job translating for Laura the NP(the one holding the baby)

One of the cutest, and littlest, patients 

Counting some medications

The pharmacy table all ready to go

 If you, or anyone you might know, would like to come on a medical trip or help with medical donations please let me know!  My Akron City Hospital friends might have some ideas!! ; )  I have so many visions and dream's for the clinic this year, and I hope you all would like to help make them come true!  More on the clinic (which I call my second home) next time.....

Monday, October 8, 2012

Home Sweet Home...in Mexico?

It is hard to believe that I have been all settled into my apartment in Monterrey for a week already!  I am living with 3 other girls...their names are Jenn, Jennifer, and Jenna.  I know, it gets confusing sometimes!  Thankfully, each one is so different, but equally great. :) I arrived last Saturday tired, anxious, and excited.  It started with an early morning of traveling from San Miguel, and while I talked to Tim quickly before I boarded the plane, it was weird to think that I was flying "home."  But my home would be in Mexico & not Ohio!  I didn't have to worry about crazy,big centipedes coming out from under my stove OR scorpion's in Tallmade,Ohio.  

Anyway, my good friend Courtney picked me up at the airport, and once again I was comforted by her smiles.  As I walked up the stairs to my new apartment I was nervous about what God had in store for me, meeting my roommates, and trying to get everything unpacked & put together with such a busy week ahead of me.  My roommates were GREAT and greeted me with flowers, cards, and a nice clean room.  It was such a relief when I had arrived!      
A quick look @ our kitchen
Courtney helped me decorate my room & made it feel like home! 

Made sure I hung lots of pictures in my room to remind me of home.  Look at the awesome flowers my roommates got! 
Me, Jenn, Amy, & Jenna after church.  Missing my roommate Jennifer.  Have I mentioned how much I love the mountains here?  Everyday I am amazed by them

I just wanted to give you all a quick glimpse of my home!! I was welcomed this week with a lot of preparations for the medical team.  They arrived on Thursday the 4th & it was great to have them. Although it was crazy, I loved EVERY moment!  I will be posting about it soon!