Day One… Finally!

Well, now it is the morning of day two, and the internet finally seems to be working for a few moments again.  Hopefully long enough for me to get this written!  Last night I posted the pictures from the restaurant after gathering them from everyone's cameras and various smart devices.  (I know, I know… "first world problems!" We won't even get started about my scare with my iPad not working yesterday-- again, don't worry, honey! It's resolved now.)

I can really sum up the trip so far by saying how amazingly blessed I am, once again, to be here with another amazing team.  As we sat at breakfast before clinic yesterday sharing some goals for the week, I was amazed at how so many members of the team had already come so far in overcoming (perceived) obstacles to be here!  We were able to brainstorm ideas to make sure that every team member got the most out of the clinic experience which warmed my academic heart-- but most importantly, to be sure that each PATIENT got the most out of clinic, which was even more heartwarming to my believer's and missionary's heart.  What a great group.  I can't wait to see some great things come especially from these young medical students in the future!

Today we will start with a combined short case with Tom Hoak, the general surgeon who lives and works here full-time with his wife Jana.  Suffice it to say for our less gynecologically-minded readers that it is a more urologic problem that we can hopefully help her with today without too much detail to turn people off.  We will then follow up with two vaginal surgeries.  Those are the ones that we affectionately refer to as "vag-a-thons" for the length and number of procedures involved for prolapse of the uterus after having a lot of children with usually poor nutrition and older age.  They should be a great surgical experience for Tia, and hopefully life-changing procedures for Santa and Amalia, the two patients.

We will also be seeing patients again in the clinic today, so we will see what else God sends us!  It will be a busy day, but we will make it a good one.  Please pray that our surgeries go well and that we all continue to work well together.   Most of all, please pray that the people here will see God's love for them through us, and not just North American wealth or "stuff" or language or privilege or pity.

Also remember to pray for Ana Perez, the lady in the middle in the picture yesterday.  She came in sent from Tom because he saw her a few weeks ago and found a significant uterine prolapse.  When she came to see us, though, her main (and really only…) complaint was a headache.  In reviewing his notes, that was her complaint then, too!  He talked to her about the prolapse and kind of assumed she wanted it fixed so sent her to us (a valid assumption, really, if you know anything about this condition)  In talking to her about it, though, the only reason she wanted surgery was because she thought it would help with her headaches!  After long discussions (amongst ourselves and then with her and The Lord), we sent her away with Tylenol, two large bottles of water that Elliott went to the store to get, and instructions about treating headaches and getting a general doctor to see her if they don't go away.

Sometimes "first do no harm" is kind of hard.  It kind of looks like turning people away that need your help.  But operating on a uterus isn't going to fix a headache, so please keep praying for Ana with us.