Una Historia Pasada

After the clinic closed on Saturday, a few of us headed out to do a little shopping and get some lunch.  Teresa and I ended up in the central plaza sitting on a bench to "people watch" and rest my blistered toes (cobble stone streets and sidewalks really took a toll on my toes).  Along came a group of women and children.  We knew them…it was Norma, her mom and several ladies with their babies.  It was fun…a reunion!  They were so excited to see us.

They wanted me to take photos.  One problem this week has been that I would show them their picture on my LED screen but they wanted to take a photo home (whatever happened to Polaroid?).  Teresa tried to explain that that wasn’t possible and like magic along came an entrepreneurial hombre with a small point and shoot camera and what looked like a bag that you would have to keep a six pack of beer cold.  In the bag was a 12-volt battery and a very small printer.  I thought that we could do a group photo and I would pay for a copy for each.  They didn’t want a group shot…they wanted individual photos with Teresa and me.  It was like we were “rock” stars.  Suddenly we had drawn a crowd.  Guatemalans were watching the crazy gringos and their Mayan amigos.

Dr. Jann Johnson and Norma at closing clinic

Norma and her mother are headed back to their village.  She is a happy little girl.  She will need more surgery but the worst is over.

Sofia before sugery

Sofia in surgery

Sofia in recovery room

Sofia grabbing my finger a day after surgery

Sofia is thriving and will go back to the orphanage.  She is beautiful and I hope she finds loving parents.

This is the farewell blog.  I hope you have enjoyed my experience at Faces of Hope.  If I had a chance to go again I would jump at the opportunity.

Adios amigos

Random Acts of Kindness and Closing Clinic

I really wanted to post everyday, but I missed yesterday.  So many things to do, so little time and I'm just plain pooped.  Over the past several days, we (Don, Teresa and I in the name of Cupertino Rotary) have given $250 to three worthy causes in the name of "Ramdom Act of Kindness".

Tessa Limited

Most cleft palate/lip babies are unable to nurse so their parents give them just water, coffee or soda because they can't afford to buy the milk.  The result is a very malnourished baby.  Tessa Limited provides milk to those who can't afford to buy it.  Malnourished babies are not good candidates for surgery.  Our contribution will help many babies recieve milk and in time be strong enough for the surgery to fix their lips or palates or both.

Casa de Fe

I spent a fair amount of time at Casa de Fe and saw first hand what a great job they do in providing support for the families of the surgery patients.

Partners in Surgery

Partners in Surgery is a rural outreach program.  They seek out kids that are miles away from any kind of help for their cleft palates/lips.  They make sure that they are able to get to Antigua to get help.  They provide ongoing health education to these families.

Today was closing clinic.  The kids and their families come see the surgeon and the peditricians and get their final checkout.  By now the kids are feeling better and you can begin to see the results of the surgeries.  It is a happy time.  We leave tomorrow morning and I'll be back home late tomorrow night.  This has been an unbelievable experience.  There wasn't a day that I didn't have to stop and compose myself.  Tears come easily when you see the pain or joy of these kids and their parents.  I'm grateful that I'm a Cupertino Rotarian.  It has given me a chance to get to know Teresa and Don on a whole different level.

Here are a few of my favorite photos.

before

after

Day 6: Casa de Fe

Today was OR in the early morning (7-10) and then off to Casa de Fe by tuctuc for the rest of the day.  Casa de Fe is like the Ronald McDonald house for Faces of Hope.  It's a place for families to stay when they travel to Antigua.  They have a bed and three meals a day before, during, and after their children have had surgery.  The men sleep up stairs and the women and children sleet downstairs.  We have a group of young adults (18-25) with us that run activities for the kids that are at Casa de Fe.  Today there was an educational program given by the kids about dental hygiene.  CJ, the dentist with us, came by in the afternoon to finish up the dental ed.  Thanks Leon for all the toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Casa de Fe men's dorm

casa de Fe women and children's dorm

Casa de Fe upstairs play area complete with drying clothes 

families being entertained by Dr. Oscar 

education can be fun 

this is how we brush...

toothpast distribution

Lots of kids are being discharged to go to Casa de Fe and one was Norma, my little friend.  I need to tell a little story about Norma's mother.  They live very far away.  There are 8 kids and the father has never claimed Norma as his.  This ugly child couldn't possibly be his...his words.  He told the mother that if she left to get help for Norma that when she returned that he would beat the c _ _ p out of her.  We have all struggled with ways that we could help...no solution has been found...cultures are different and ?????

Norma

Norma with a new nose, new lip and a new smile

Norma's mom feeding her liquid at Casa de Fe

my buddie Yenner getting discharge exam

my friend, Jose, waiting to be discharged

Faces:

this is grandpa