Honduras Day 3

Day 3, June 3  

Today was our first journey to the village - Piedra de Afilar.  The village was founded in 1945 and has 145 families; they are working on getting electricity, but no success yet.  The closest water source is about 14km away, and the closest health center is 8 km away which is equivalent to 1 hour by foot.  60% of the teenagers are pregnant, one family seen today was a 23 year old mom with 5 children ages 1 ½, 3, 5, 7, and 9.  There only source of income is through agriculture-corn, coffee and beans.  To get there by bus from the Barnabas House took about an hour up winding roads.  As you could imagine, getting to the closest city - Las Vegas is quite difficult.  The mountain top where the village is located is simply majestic, above the clouds.  Unfortunately those clouds opened up and a rainstorm poured on us midday which made us close the clinic before every one was seen.  Our Honduran team did a great job keeping their eyes on the weather and holding out as long as possible, ensuring we were able to get home safely. 

Medical clinic saw a total of 178 patients at 4 stations.  Most families had at least 3 children with multiple ailments.  Cough, cold, and ear infections were the chief complaints.  We did refer 4 patients to Dra. Moncada for the extended care program.  Pharmacy did a great job keeping up with the flow and making sure our stations were fully stocked.  Our translator, Kindle, gave her cross to a 9 month old girl who stole her heart and ironically found the cross to be helpful as a teething ring!

The dental clinic saw 18 patients and extracted 33 teeth.  Everyone at the clinic, including the dentist, was out of their element.  Sasha helped administer anesthesia after a quick lessen and proved to be indispensable.  Marisa was cleaning instruments keeping everything going for work to be done.  Her personality and joy helped calm many patients who were afraid.  Nick, the dentist, gave his cross to two young children, both brothers.  Each brother was extraordinarily brave, but very fearful during treatment.  They showed true courage.

The deworming/fluoride station treated combined 130 patients.  Brandy gave her cross away today to an elderly woman-age 82- in the village who brought laughter and joy to our team as well as to the village.  

           

The eye clinic saw 17 patients and gave away 23 glasses (both reading and prescription).  They were recently seen 6 months prior, so not as many were in need today.  The elderly woman that received Brandy's cross was fitted for prescription glasses and no longer needed help to walk around; she refused to take them off!!

Although we left the village early, the village leader was very thankful and said prayers for our safe travel home.  Tomorrow we anticipate a special 'Foundation Breakfast' where we get to share a meal with the staff  of Fundaçion Amigos de Bernabe.  Then we will head off to El Gavilan. More to come!