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.