Making Santa Eulalia Great Again

Last October when Team Suzy Happ were here in Santa Eulalia, she was so impressed with the dedicated young nurses who work at the CAP (Centro de Atención Personal) in Santa Eulalia that she really wanted to find out what we could do for them in our next trips. They modestly asked for supplies including fetal dopplers, bandages, suture, sterile drapes and medicines so they could continue to serve the people.

Many of the nurses visit their patients in even more remote areas in the mountains above Santa Eulalia at even 9000 feet elevation. When Suzy returned to the US she organized a fundraising effort and in the spirit of the taking a poke at the candidate who is now president and shall not be named...opined his trademark in a sign above the donation box at various events, hence "Make Santa Eulalia Great Again!".

Jasmin Emfra PCI y Phamacista La Maxima

People responded generously and the supplies purchased were hand delivered in 4 large duffles by our crew! The faces and appreciation of the staff was heartfelt, beautiful and touching. Santa Susana is so appreciated and loved in this very poor yet proud community,

Our trip from Huehuetenango began at 4:45 am in the pitch dark and through the winding route up the mountains. By the time we arrived in the nearby Soloma, we took a stroll in the streets around the cathedral.

It was market day and Dana, the animal lover and also now known at La Cabra Huera (White Goat) befriended several baskets of live chickens. Once we arrived in Santa Eulalia the waiting room was full and after delivering the aformentioned supplies, we went right to work. Dana saw over 30 woman and children with a variety of complaints. Lisa (hence named Colibri Brilliante) saw about the same numero of pregnant women and did quite a few 1st trimester dating scans. Drs Suzana also worked hard alongside in her own consultorio.

Nurse "Fredy" helper & Q'anjobal' translater with two of our patients

The little old Providence Milwaukie US Machine performed like a champ, we did over 30 US including checking for a hemoperitoneum on a patient who had been battered by her partner. She has no signs of injury, was the last patient of our day and reminded us of how domestic violence affects every community.

Dana also found time to write down several words in Q'anjobal' Above is a picture of her dictionary and two Ultrasound images from the dat...can you tell which is "Ish" (Girl) and Wei' nach (Boy)?

We had a restful night in a odd but comfortable hotel with a great view of Santa Eulalia and had rested well for the next busy day of workshops and teaching. We were so impressed with the valor, intelligence, dedication and kindness of the staff of this "Health Post" and they were so very much appreciative of the supplies and help we provided. They do so much for there people with so little. We hope we can continue to help support their work!



Hasta Manana
Loro Verde.