ASELSI and Six Week Pics

Well, the last two days were our weekend, meaning that today was our Monday.

We had Diego and his family come by the house a few times on Wednesday to get some details worked out for his medical care. His family speaks Spanish well and really seems to be interested in getting treatment for him. He was seen in the hospital here in Quiche on Wednesday morning, has an appointment with some social workers today, then will head down to Guatemala City after that. We've made it clear to them that if they'll put in the time and effort, we'll help with the money. There's no reason for $1000 or so to stand between this sweet little baby and the medical help he needs.

Today was our weekly clinic at ASELSI. Sharon and John have headed to the US for some much needed vacation (their first real vacation in around ten years!!!!) but have left the mission in some very capable hands, including Virginia's (who just came back from her furlough in Canada). It was nice to see her again, as well as some pics of her first grandbaby - born just about the same time as Isaac.

We saw about 25 patients today, including some prenatal patients, a possible new seizure patient, a diabetic that we diagnosed a few months ago who may be able to control his diabetes with diet alone, a diabetic woman who travels 12 hours each way to see us, a pretty old woman who appears to have an inoperable stomach mass (she probably wouldn't survive the surgery - but she's in a church and is saved, so that's good news), and a variety of kids.

Isaac was, for the most part, a very well behaved little boy (in contrast with the last two days when he was the world's cutest little screaming monster). He only had to take a couple breaks, during one of which he practically got mobbed by the milk program families who have been anticipating his arrival almost as long as we have - they were very impressed by the pale Guatemalan.

Yesterday was his 6-week birthday. He weighed in at 8lbs 12oz. He's growing like a little weed! He ought to be, as often as he's eating!! Sometimes it seems as if Heidi has just gotten dressed again when he's screaming for more, but we've promised him that he'll never be short of food. He may be a Guatemalan, but we'll do our best to make sure he's the best fed Guatemalan for miles!

Well, we took about a zillion pictures today. He wasn't really in the best mood for it, but we got a few cute ones (thank God for digital!) Here are a few of our favorites...