Day 7

Today Eric and I had the opportunity to go out into the field with Dr. Paul and a few others to meet the health promoters and see some cases. Health promoters are members of the community that are nominated to attend a three year class where they are trained to diagnose and treat basic aliments, continue thorough checkups, and dispense necessary treatments. Dr. Paul visits a few times a year to monitor patients that are high risk or have chronic conditions. The people we saw lived in communities with few resources. These communities requested to be a part of the program that Dr. Paul and his colleagues created, which provides free care for the communities that participate. So the patients receive checkups and medication. We were very thankful to be welcomed into these patients homes, and we learned a lot about health conditions in this area.

We saw cases that include malnourished children, adults with severe arthritis, and maternal health issues. We felt this was a very rewarding experience and were deeply grateful that we were able to be a part of the day. We admire these people because of their continued optimism and great pride. We are also very sympathetic of their health conditions, but with the program Dr. Paul has created these patients are in great hands. Being able to observe today and work with Dr. Paul, it really has shed light on our dream to continue this type of work in the future and possibly come back to join Dr. Paul.

-Alyssa and Eric

Today the group went on a tour of some of the projects that the mission is involved in here in San Lucas. We visited a women’s center that provides a place for the local women to learn sewing, weaving, and cooking. A playground for their children was also being constructed while the women could learn the different crafts. The next stop was to the local clinic, which was impressive to say the least. The final stop was to the farm where coffee and various vegetables are grown. After the tour concluded we ended the day by preparing a field for planting by weeding the area and sifting a large pile of soil for spreading. It was nice to get our hands dirty, and I’m sure there will be plenty more opportunities to do the same during the rest of the week.

-Tim