For One Another Happenings

This week we worked in mobile medical clinics located in the 2 poorest regions of the country.  This type of work is really one of my favorites to participate in.  The first day we saw over 250 patients.  There were little itty bitty babies up to one lady who was 94 years old.  Stef and I greeted the people in line as they came to our tables to get their vital signs checked.  We took their blood pressure, heart rate and their temperature if they needed it.  All of the children from babies to 10 years old were weighed and children from age 2-8 automatically received parasite medication.

Many of the children had colds and coughs and stomach problems.  A lot of the adults complained of headaches.  I asked one lady about her headaches as I was taking her vitals.  I mentioned that it may be from dehydration.  She said that it was from stress, so much stress in her house.  She said killing after killing causes her to feel that way.  She lives in an area where gang violence is a huge problem.  Another elderly lady that I spoke to had a swollen ankle.  I told her she needed to elevate it when she could and put ice on it.  She said she works all day 7 days a week selling food on the street.  When she gets home she takes care of her household.  She usually gets to sleep around 10:30p.m. and wakes up at 4:00am to start her day.  She didn't know how she would manage it all with her injured ankle.  We saw so many people and did our best to kindly listen as well as get them quickly through the line to see the doctors.  We heard so many different stories and continue to be amazed by the beautiful lives that have touched ours here in El Salvador.

So happy to help us drill the hole for the filter.

The 2nd day of Clinics was at the church of the pastor that started the lunchroom food program for kids in his area. We were able to give him and his wife a water filter for their home to provide their family with clean, safe water.  Also we were able to set up another filter for Claudia's Family.  Claudia works in the lunchroom for the kids in the community and has a family of 3.  We were so happy to be able to help them by providing clean water for her and her kids.  They are so extremely grateful and the smiles really help say it all.  -Carrie