Today we went and bought 35 water filters from an organization based here in Guatemala called Ecofiltro. Christina and I (Elise) were fortunate enough to have a tour of the production of the filters. It was amazing to see the time invested in making a product that is changing the health of thousands of people worldwide. You can find out more about this organization online if you are interested.
Later that day we took the filters to a garbage dump in Sumpango - a community just outside of Antigua. We spent time teaching them how to use the filters and the importance of using clean water. Yet again, all of us were blown away by the living conditions of these people. We were invited to the home of one of these families that lived about 2 miles from our meeting. The group volunteered to carry the water filters to the homes of these women. Wow, we were exhausted by the time we traversed the rocky and torturous terrain - then we remembered that these people have to walk this distance with heavy loads multiple times every day. I was reminded yet again of how blessed I am to not have to carry such burdens. We were shocked by the living conditions yet again - dirt floors, a lack of water, etc. We shared an emotional connection with these individuals that continues to move all of us in ways we did not expect.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Day 6 - Antigua
Today we left Chiquimulilla and traveled to Antigua. Shortly after arriving to the hotel, we took a tour of a coffee farm and got to see firsthand all of the steps involved in coffee production. The instructors had a previous connection here with a corporation called "As Green As It Gets" - a nonprofit organization that basically functions as a fair trade organization. We hiked up the side of one of the volcanoes with two small coffee plants. Suzanne was bold enough to plant one of them herself and later joking noted that perhaps she had missed her calling in life... after all, it was quite an exhilarating experience. We got to enter two different homes of coffee farming families and view the entire coffee making experience from planting a seed to planting the tree in the ground to grinding and sorting the coffee beans. All of us were blown away by the time that is invested in making a single pound of coffee. If anyone is interested in buying from this corporation and its farmers (the coffee is AMAZING!!!), you should check out their website. They can ship to the States.
Day 5 - Chiquimulilla
Today we spent the morning teaching kids about basic sanitation - brushing their teeth, washing their hands, looking at bacteria under a microscope, etc. The community, San Antonio, was full of families displaced by the civil war. We were overwhelmed with how we were instantly loved and embraced by the children of this community. As soon as we climbed out of the van the children swarmed us and gave all of us hugs and kisses. Even though we gave these kids small gifts such as toothbrushes, it wouldn't have mattered. They loved being held and taking pictures with us, playing as children for once. I was moved by the spirit of the community despite their lack of basic necessities such as clean water and food. These families have nothing - no doctor or nurses within an hour or two of driving, one bathroom for the entire community and sleep on dirt floors. Yet in spite of their needs, these children have a passion for life, a deep passion and find joy in the simple things in life. We all felt a deep connection with these children and probably learned more from them than we probably taught them.
That evening our host family made a special dinner for us. They decorated the dining room with candles, flowers and streamers. All of us were in awe by the sight of the room... it was clear they were trying to demonstrate their appreciation and love for us. Not only were we moved by their sincere kindness, but two of our hosts thanked us for our passion to serve the Guatemalan people. We videotaped this portion of the evening and hope to better summarize this later on with a short video clip when we return home. Simply, there are no words to describe how deeply their words and actions touched our hearts. There was not a dry eye in the room that evening. Dinner that night was simply amazing and will be something none of us will forget.
That evening our host family made a special dinner for us. They decorated the dining room with candles, flowers and streamers. All of us were in awe by the sight of the room... it was clear they were trying to demonstrate their appreciation and love for us. Not only were we moved by their sincere kindness, but two of our hosts thanked us for our passion to serve the Guatemalan people. We videotaped this portion of the evening and hope to better summarize this later on with a short video clip when we return home. Simply, there are no words to describe how deeply their words and actions touched our hearts. There was not a dry eye in the room that evening. Dinner that night was simply amazing and will be something none of us will forget.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 4 - Chiquimulilla
Today we went back to teach the midwives about various OB topics such as nutrition, the labor process and complications. The electricity had gone out the night before and we began our presentations without our powerpoint presentations or fans = a mess. There was no air conditioning in the places we were visiting/sleeping and therefore the small room in the clinic filled with 30 midwives and 11 of us suddenly seemed quite small and incredibly hot. Overall, the women were very receptive to the presentations and asked lots of questions. Eventually the power did come back on and we were extremely grateful, especially for the fans. We also revisited the skills of taking a blood pressure and pulse with the women. Each student was assigned to work with 3 midwives and ensure that they knew how to perform these skills. This was obviously much easier said than done. Between arthritis in their hands, poor vision, or their hands being so small it couldn't fit around the pump, it was difficult to get any of them to get an accurate pressure. After diligently working with each of them and allowing our arms to become numb and somewhat bruised from the cuffs being blown up to 260 mmHg at times, we realized that the women could not read the numbers. While their mechanical skills and knowledge proved to be quick, once again the lack of education was their downfall. Many of the women were determined to master this skill and one of them even said - "I really want to learn blood pressure. I will practice really hard at home until I get it." Their persistence and lots of prayer will hopefully allow them to one day master this skill.
In the afternoon we visited the ocean. I can't wait to post pictures on the blog from this day because no words can do it justice. The waves were unbelievable... the tide would literally pull your feet out from underneath you if you were not careful and at most we were only in knee deep. The real adventure was getting to the beach itself. We had to get into a boat to transport us down a canal to a small island where the black sand beach was located. Now, when I say boat its not the typical boat you're thinking of... I'm talking about a bunch of wood nailed together haphazardly, a bunch of tin nailed to some rusted posts for a cover and a small motor. Picture National Geographic or Crocodile Hunter at its best and you'll be somewhat close to what we were traveling in. As I can say, it was an experience. It was a great afternoon to relax and spend some time together playing in the sun... just what we needed to be rejuvenated in this busy time in Guatemala.
In the afternoon we visited the ocean. I can't wait to post pictures on the blog from this day because no words can do it justice. The waves were unbelievable... the tide would literally pull your feet out from underneath you if you were not careful and at most we were only in knee deep. The real adventure was getting to the beach itself. We had to get into a boat to transport us down a canal to a small island where the black sand beach was located. Now, when I say boat its not the typical boat you're thinking of... I'm talking about a bunch of wood nailed together haphazardly, a bunch of tin nailed to some rusted posts for a cover and a small motor. Picture National Geographic or Crocodile Hunter at its best and you'll be somewhat close to what we were traveling in. As I can say, it was an experience. It was a great afternoon to relax and spend some time together playing in the sun... just what we needed to be rejuvenated in this busy time in Guatemala.
Day 3 - Chiquimulilla
Today we traveled to a nearby community, Tecuaco, to teach Guatemalan midwives how to take a blood pressure and pulse, as well as basic techniques in infant CPR. Although all of us knew that these were going to be a difficult skills to teach in Spanish, what we were not prepared for was the educational level of our audience. None of us expected to teach the women how to read a clock or how to count past 45. Basic knowledge we learned in grade school in the States was something we took for granted. We quickly realized that perhaps anything was possible and we needed to be prepared for anything... let's just say that you can never know what to expect in Guatemala. After many hours of powerpoint presentations and student demonstrations, we still felt like we had not made any progress in helping these women to learn these skills. Despite our frustration, there were many moments throughout the day that kept our spirits lifted. Many of the midwives were able to share detailed stories regarding complicated births or how they had been called by God into this line of work. Regardless of their skill level, it was evident each one of the women was passionate about being a midwife and all that the job entailed. It was a privilege to learn from these women through their stories and various experiences. I can only hope that I will continue to be as passionate and knowledgeable about nursing as they are about being midwives thirty or forty years from now.
A free clinic for pregnant mothers was being held simultaneously with the teaching sessions today, as well. Each one of us was rotated into one of two exam rooms to help with the expecting mothers. We were able to take their blood pressure, pulse, listen to fetal heart sounds and monitor for proper growth. From all of the donations we were given, we were able to supply the women with vitamins, a toothbrush & paste, and a hat for their baby. This was an amazing experience for all of us to not only practice our Spanish, but to connect with the women of this community in a unique way. I will never forget the countless expressions of pure excitement and awe when the mothers would hear their baby's heart for the first time. This was truly a priceless experience. For many of these women, this was probably their only wellness visit they will receive from a nurse/doctor since a majority of births in Guatemala take place in the home with midwives. Considering the heat and lack of transportation in the area, we were blown away by the number of women that came to the clinic. In approximately 4 hours, we saw about 60 women and ran out of all of our supplies. This was an awesome opportunity to serve the community and were blessed to have experienced it!
A free clinic for pregnant mothers was being held simultaneously with the teaching sessions today, as well. Each one of us was rotated into one of two exam rooms to help with the expecting mothers. We were able to take their blood pressure, pulse, listen to fetal heart sounds and monitor for proper growth. From all of the donations we were given, we were able to supply the women with vitamins, a toothbrush & paste, and a hat for their baby. This was an amazing experience for all of us to not only practice our Spanish, but to connect with the women of this community in a unique way. I will never forget the countless expressions of pure excitement and awe when the mothers would hear their baby's heart for the first time. This was truly a priceless experience. For many of these women, this was probably their only wellness visit they will receive from a nurse/doctor since a majority of births in Guatemala take place in the home with midwives. Considering the heat and lack of transportation in the area, we were blown away by the number of women that came to the clinic. In approximately 4 hours, we saw about 60 women and ran out of all of our supplies. This was an awesome opportunity to serve the community and were blessed to have experienced it!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 2 - Chiquimulilla
Today we went to El Centro de Salud, the local public clinic, to teach the nurses & doctors there about different OB topics. To help them better understand these topics, Karen had a friend of hers make us a uterus. The uterus has straps that wrap around the abdomen and expands to 10 cm to allow a baby to be born. Karen graciously wore this and allowed all of the participants to practice various birthing maneuvers on the uterus. Although this was quite amusing, and yes we did take TONS of pictures and videotaped it as well, it proved to be a crucial learning tool. We also reviewed concepts on infant CPR. The doctor who ran the local clinic gave us a tour and allowed us into the maternity ward to see the new moms & babies. We learned that these moms are only allowed to stay for 24 hours post-birth, no families are allowed in to support the women, and if any complications arise they are sent to a nearby hospital. Often the transportation needed to take them there is not available - a common theme in the Guatemala system is its inability to meet the needs of its people. A nurse from a nearby community said that she is responsible for caring for its 2,000 inhabitants. All of us have and continue to be blown away by the vast medical needs of this country.
We discovered the swimming pool at the hotel next door today, as well. This easily has become our favorite activity to escape the heat and humidity of Chiquimulilla. Last night Suzanne said that the thermometer read 86 degrees at 11 pm at night... the typical day is over 100 degrees and the humidity is almost unbearable. Thankfully the beauty of the landscape and its people have more than made up for the weather conditions.
We discovered the swimming pool at the hotel next door today, as well. This easily has become our favorite activity to escape the heat and humidity of Chiquimulilla. Last night Suzanne said that the thermometer read 86 degrees at 11 pm at night... the typical day is over 100 degrees and the humidity is almost unbearable. Thankfully the beauty of the landscape and its people have more than made up for the weather conditions.
Day 1 - Chiquimulilla
Since it has been quite some time since we were able to update the blog and there has been an enormous amount of things I want to share, I have decided to split this time into various entries and comment on highlights from each day.
On our first day, we traveled from Guatemala City to Chiquimulilia to stay at the home of Dennis & Elvira. They took us into the heart of the city to see a local grocery store and explore the local market. Many of the girls commented feeling like we were a parade as we walked through the vendors. It was quite obvious that a bunch of "gringas" were in town - this is slang in Guatemala for white people. Our translator Jeanette bought us an unusual fruit in the market called licha for us to try. The covering of the fruit had to be popped off to be edible, but the fruit has a large seed in the middle of it, as well. Suzanne bit into the fruit and caught a good portion of the seed... quite the memorable moment.
The evening was an eventful one for myself (Elise). I ended up getting extremely sick later that evening and needed to be rehydrated. Nancy, Jeanette, and Dennis (our host) ended up taking me to the local public clinic for help... this was quite the experience. Although I was shocked by the lack of basic supplies the clinic had (it did not have an IV), I was more overwhelmed by the experience of being a patient in a foreign clinic. Since they were unable to rehydrate me at the clinic, they took me to a private hospital in the city. Here they started an IV and gave me other medication. While in the moment this was a terrifying experience and I do not wish this upon anyone, looking back I am grateful for what it has taught me. I have learned firsthand the importance of helping patients to feel safe and cared for, despite their level of understanding our language. I know that this experience my career as a nurse, especially with non-English speaking patients. I returned home a few hours later and since then I have been feeling much better!!! Suedo viva (rehydration salts) have become my new best friend.
On our first day, we traveled from Guatemala City to Chiquimulilia to stay at the home of Dennis & Elvira. They took us into the heart of the city to see a local grocery store and explore the local market. Many of the girls commented feeling like we were a parade as we walked through the vendors. It was quite obvious that a bunch of "gringas" were in town - this is slang in Guatemala for white people. Our translator Jeanette bought us an unusual fruit in the market called licha for us to try. The covering of the fruit had to be popped off to be edible, but the fruit has a large seed in the middle of it, as well. Suzanne bit into the fruit and caught a good portion of the seed... quite the memorable moment.
The evening was an eventful one for myself (Elise). I ended up getting extremely sick later that evening and needed to be rehydrated. Nancy, Jeanette, and Dennis (our host) ended up taking me to the local public clinic for help... this was quite the experience. Although I was shocked by the lack of basic supplies the clinic had (it did not have an IV), I was more overwhelmed by the experience of being a patient in a foreign clinic. Since they were unable to rehydrate me at the clinic, they took me to a private hospital in the city. Here they started an IV and gave me other medication. While in the moment this was a terrifying experience and I do not wish this upon anyone, looking back I am grateful for what it has taught me. I have learned firsthand the importance of helping patients to feel safe and cared for, despite their level of understanding our language. I know that this experience my career as a nurse, especially with non-English speaking patients. I returned home a few hours later and since then I have been feeling much better!!! Suedo viva (rehydration salts) have become my new best friend.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Safe Arrival
We arrived safely in Guatemala about 9:30 last night (mountain time). Passing through customs went smoothly, although instead of a typical greeting with "holas" and smiles, we were greeted by individuals wearing masks who thought that perhaps we were bringing in swine flu. Yet, overall I was surprised with what ease we passed through our security checkpoint. When they asked us if we had medication in our luggage they only seemed concerned about vitamins... interesting.
Our driver Eric picked us up at the airport in a rather interesting van - the back flew open on our way to our destination for the evening. I think all of us were glad he was the one driving considering that there are no driving lanes here in Guatemala City. Another driver, Byron, drove all of our checked luggage - this was quite the sight to see as the weight of our bags literally bottomed out the van in the driveway of the retreat center we stayed at last night.
Showering this morning was another adventure. I (Elise) woke up this morning before the rest of the group and decided to shower with the soap that was in the bathroom. About halfway through my shower I realized that the "soap" wasn't lathering... turns out I was washing with antibacterial hand gel. Well, I figure the bugs won't get to me today.
Although we initially were exposed to a little of Guatemala last night, we could not experience the beauty of the landscape that surrounds us due to our late flight. At breakfast this morning, quite a few of the girls kept saying... "Wow, we're in Guatemala!!!" It's been quite the culture shock and we are already blown away by the beauty of the country and its people. Already this morning we've been busy taking pictures of the exotic flowers and the volcanoes in the distance... and this is just the beginning of our time here in Guatemala.
We will be leaving Guatemala City shortly to travel to Chiquimuilia for our first teaching session with some Guatemalan midwives. I am unsure of how much Internet access we will have in this area, but I will be sure to update all of you as soon as I can. Much love from Guatemala!
Our driver Eric picked us up at the airport in a rather interesting van - the back flew open on our way to our destination for the evening. I think all of us were glad he was the one driving considering that there are no driving lanes here in Guatemala City. Another driver, Byron, drove all of our checked luggage - this was quite the sight to see as the weight of our bags literally bottomed out the van in the driveway of the retreat center we stayed at last night.
Showering this morning was another adventure. I (Elise) woke up this morning before the rest of the group and decided to shower with the soap that was in the bathroom. About halfway through my shower I realized that the "soap" wasn't lathering... turns out I was washing with antibacterial hand gel. Well, I figure the bugs won't get to me today.
Although we initially were exposed to a little of Guatemala last night, we could not experience the beauty of the landscape that surrounds us due to our late flight. At breakfast this morning, quite a few of the girls kept saying... "Wow, we're in Guatemala!!!" It's been quite the culture shock and we are already blown away by the beauty of the country and its people. Already this morning we've been busy taking pictures of the exotic flowers and the volcanoes in the distance... and this is just the beginning of our time here in Guatemala.
We will be leaving Guatemala City shortly to travel to Chiquimuilia for our first teaching session with some Guatemalan midwives. I am unsure of how much Internet access we will have in this area, but I will be sure to update all of you as soon as I can. Much love from Guatemala!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Photos of the finished project
Suzanne, Jessica and I wearing the army bags. You should have been there to see us trying to put them on - let's just say we almost fell over...
Laura, Christina and I amidst the army bags, proud of all our hard work.
A few of the "army bags" we are bringing to Guatemala... 
Karen wearing the "uterus" - this is going to be an amazing teaching tool.
Busy working...Monday, May 18, 2009
Additional photos from packing day
Just a small portion of all of the school supplies donated. 
I am basically not trying to freak out about organizing all of the medication... this wasn't even 1/3 of what we got. It was pretty amazing!
Suzanne still smiling amidst the chaos of packing.
Melissa and Shauna playing around with the baby hats.
Christina and Elise unpacking hundreds of bottles of Tylenol.
Laura and Jessica organizing and packing 75 donated glucometers
Suzanne busy packing school supplies - gotta love Crayola.Packing Day
Today was packing day :)
We started sorting supplies around 9 am and finished around 4:30 this afternoon after hours of organization and packing our massive "army" bags. It is difficult for me to even begin to describe what a huge undertaking the packing was.
All of us were blown away by the generosity of those who donated supplies. There were so many donations that some of them will be taken to a donation center in Madison to be eventually used overseas. The pictures posted are just a small snapshot of the endless piles of toothpaste, medications, dressings, gloves, etc. that were collected. Thank you to everyone who donated! The countdown to our departure is t-minus 2 days!!! I will post additional photos and update the blog with information after I get some of my initial packing done :)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
La Pluma
This is an awesome video shot at Safe Passage, the garbage dump in Guatemala City. We will be visiting this area during our trip.
T-minus 1 Week
It is t-minus 1 week until our departure for Guatemala and all of the adventures this trip will bring us. I have to admit it has been quite difficult to prepare for final exams with all of time I have spent anticipating and preparing to leave. I will be making additional postings as the week progresses. If anyone wants to still donate supplies/money for our trip it'd be great if they could be put in the Nursing Lab by Monday, May 18th.
We will start packing at 9 am in the Nursing Lab in Sonderegger on the 18th if anyone would like to join us!
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