Mission Day 5, Empalme

On Tuesday we ministered in one of the poorer sections of the city of Empalme. We were able to use a large covered courtyard area in the middle of a local church. This provided a number of advantages: electricity and plumbed restrooms were readily available, doctors' offices and the pharmacy were situated in Sunday School rooms, so there was no need to set up all the tents, many chairs were available from the church so our patients could rest as they waited, and the entire are was covered by a large shade. Luxury all the way around!!

Our guests were already walking down the street toward our clinic when we arrived:

And many more were waiting in line:

Members of the church had already swept the area clean and set up many chairs in advance of our arrival:

And once our setup was complete, we began with our usual prayer circle, asking for God's wisdom and insight for our team members, and for His healing and comfort and eternal presence with our patients and their families.

As I sorted through and edited the photos for today's blog post, I was moved to tears several times as I saw the faces and interactions between our team members and the Mexican people. I hope you'll see the careful listening, compassion, caring, humor, and dignity expressed by nurses, doctors, triage team, evangelism team, interpreters and helpers as you look at these photos. And our visitors respond with warmth, gratitude and blessing as they give back to us more than we are able to give to them. Look at each picture carefully and peer into the background as well, to see several interactions happening at once. 

After being greeted warmly by Helmut and Anna, a fabulous couple from Canada, parents of eight delightful children (and I'm embarrassed that I don't have a photo of them,,,but I WILL get one of their whole amazing crew!), each patient goes directly to Triage.

 Even if someone has only come for sunglasses or vitamins, the Triage crew (Mike, Kaitlin, Danielle, and Jessica as Interpreter) will check vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, and weight when needed.). This gives them an opportunity to recommend a visit to a doctor or nurse if the patient has high blood pressure and doesn't realize it.

From there, those who need to see a nurse are escorted to the nurses' station, where concerns are explored in greater detail. Each nurse has an interpreter who plays a vital part in making sure that the patients' concerns are heard and understood.

Then they are escorted to the doctors' offices ("Consultarios"). The volunteers from the local San Carlos Community Church help every step of the process go more smoothly. With big smiles, they help each person find their way through the maze of medical stations and waiting areas to make sure they are where they need to be.

After seeing nurses and/or doctors, those who have prescriptions to be filled are taken to the Pharmacy. Our diligent Pharmacy crew carefully fills prescriptions. 

Ricardo is our pharmacist/interpreter extraordinaire. For years, with his excellent Spanish speaking skills, he has made sure that each patient understands just what they are to do with each medication and packet of vitamins.

Almost every adult visits the Eyeglasses table to receive a pair of sunglasses and/or reading glasses if needed.

Children and adults receive toothbrushes, toothpaste, and instruction in oral hygiene from the ever-smiling Hannah:

And before they leave, they pass by the Evangelism table where they have an opportunity to hear about God's love, to pray with someone about any concerns they may have, and to receive a Spanish Bible or New Testament. This day in Empalme, the church pastor, his wife, and several other church leaders joined us in praying with members of their community.

I'm sure you've noticed the balloons in many of the photos. That's probably the favorite activity of the children's ministry! The little ones hold onto those balloons for all they're worth, and proudly show them to their parents and grandparents.

 What a joy it is to minister to people of all ages!