CAIMI, Mosh y Altiplano de Guate con El Tejon

The entry del dia is from the very nice badger man from the departmento del Wisconsin, Mike Waddick! Vaya los Tejønes!

Banner at the Infant and Maternal Hospital en Solama - La Verdad!

Parade of Tuk Tuk's

The group had a busy day Thursday.  We all woke up feeling fortunate to have survived last evening's Tuk Tuk rides from the restaurant.  After sampling more tipical comida for breakfast (mosh) (see below) ....

Bowl o' Mosh con Cafe

we went to the local health post and saw about 60 patients and ultrasounds prior to embarking on the winding mountain road back to Huehuetenango.

We saw a variety of patients and offered the best we could, certainly making a real difference in a small way for patients who have very little access to care and medicines.  The most difficult case for me was a roughly 9 year old boy who was essentially living on the streets who may have had spinal osteomyelitis.  His only real option for adequate care is at least 3 hours away, and has no money or ability to get care.

Before seeing patients, we got a tour of the health post which includes one room for deliveries, one sparse room with a blood stained sheet for c-sections.  They have one OB/Gyn doctor who was very overstretched.  Many sections are actually sent to Huehuetango 3 hours away.

Mama Chapina con su hija

Mali and our K'anjobal translator Reina

After seeing patients we had to race to beat the fog and clouds that descend on the altiplano like clockwork every afternoon.  With mountain passes and 500-1000 ft drop-offs, visibility is a sought-after commodity.  Fortunately, our drivers William and Henry from PCI were excellent and delivered us safely though the mist and clouds back to Huehuetenango.  We were greeted with an amazing meal of chile rellenos from Abesaida and her family.

Incredible Dinner with the beautiful familia Lopez Guevara de Arnoldo y Abesaida.

Tomorrow we leave Huehue after a good bye breakfast at Casa Materna we take the 5 hour bus ride of Los Halcones and hopefully see the chapina students from Landivar! Hasta pronto!