OK followers here is the update for our first REAL day of work in San Juan:
Dr. Triggs and Dr. Cato along with Dr. and Dr. Ragle went out to a barrio about 45 minutes away and saw around 160 patients. I will let Dr. Cato expand on any details there. One thing for sure, they beat me today. I was still finishing up clinic when they came back to the guesthouse. In fact, Dr. Cato joined me in the ENT clinic and helped me finish up. A big thanks to him.
I saw a dozens of patients and was able to complete 5 tonsillectomies which is a major success given today was our first clinic day. The patients were seen and examined by an internist prior to my arrival, so some came expecting surgery today or tomorrow. I was glad to get the 5 on the schedule today. All did well, and with God's grace will heal uneventfully too.
The food is great and we are all in good health. We are having a blast, and look forward to another productive day tomorrow.
The weather is great, mild during the day, and even cool enough to need a blanket at night which is very surprising.
Better yet, the rooster is keeping quiet or at least not crowing until 5 am or so.............
Matt Speyer
The day started with Matt rousting me out of bed at 630am. The earplugs to dampen out the rooster crowing next to the guest house certainly did the job on keeping me asleep. Great breakfast as usual. Juanita and Frank are filling in admirably for Joe and Shannon though we miss then both.
Met with our friends and interpreters Olvis and Johnny from last year as well as new guys Juan Carlos, Marino, Naftily, and Richard. The ever present Juan Erstesto the local minister( or San Juan as I call him) accompanied us on the barrio trip. He was very appreciative of the pamphlets in Spanish about Christ provided by First Pres and handed them out enthusiastically at the barrio. He told me on the way home that 4 people had found Jesus today!
The trip to La Jugare was west from San Juan for 20 minutes then north into the foothills on a pockmarked road another 30 minutes. Incredibly beautiful scenery on the way with green fields and mountains in the background. We set up in the local school in one room with people watching through the windows. Betsy as usual saw a gaggle of kids and Amanda, Stephen, and I saw adults. Never know what you are treating just all seat of the pants medicine Lisa Robertson and Rebecca Rollins worked tirelessly as our pharmacists. We walked down to the river at lunch to watch the women washing and boys swimming. Several commented they will not complain of laundry again.
The drive home through the mountain foothills was relaxing and inspiring. The patients we saw were gentle and appreciative. We all feel honored to be here and supported by the people back home. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Until tomorrow. Hasta manana
Jim Cato
Updates from Solid Rock Missions teams as they serve in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic
Sounds like you guys hit the ground running! I think you all were the group we shared the guesthouse with last year at this time. I am enjoying your updates. Keep up the great work! Keep those roosters in line :) We'll be there next week!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the updates! We love reading about what you guys are doing and how things are going. We are sad we can't be there and miss you all! Tell everyone hello for us and we're praying for you!
ReplyDeleteHey my mission tripsters, Praise be to God for getting you to San Juan safely. This is a special treat to read of your work. We know you are tired, but so very much appreciate these posts. Please keep them coming. Benediciones a todos. Patricia
ReplyDeleteWe are keeping a watchful eye here at GH HMA so keep the blogs coming. We miss you guys and are keeping you all in our prayers. Dr. Cato no mention of Ang, How is she doing?
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