Rollercoaster Days

Thursday was a rollercoaster kind of a day. We had some great laughs and some tougher moments. First, our morning started with the kids of St. Clare putting on a dance show for us. They were in beautiful ethnic costumes and danced to music that represented different areas of Peru. That ended with the team dancing with the kids and it was quickly obvious that we all could have used a lesson or two! We we're so grateful that they took the time to share their beautiful culture with us and they were so proud. It was a great way to start the day.

Friday was our busiest day of the week. We counted 140 patients between the two locations and saw patients for 12 hours. I honestly do not know how we were able to see so many.  After our first day, we tweaked some processes which made us more efficient but I also believe that God was there helping us. The thank you's, hugs, kisses and the kindness in their eyes really energized us.

Morning clinic brought Peggy a six month old baby girl. Mom brought her because "she wasn't gaining weight and something is wrong" but the doctors had told her she was fine.  Peggy called me over and it was obvious to the both of us that something was wrong. She was thin, no muscle tone, almost flaccid, protruding tongue, distended belly, a heart murmur and specific facial characteristics that told us the baby had Downs Syndrome. I think mom had always known something was wrong but when I told her what we thought was happening with her baby, she broke down. Having her fears confirmed was too much. Our hearts were broken for her as we saw the desperation in her eyes that any mother would recognize. She was a single mom with 4 other children at home and she wasn't working. We were overwhelmed for her. We did what we could for her at the time but she will  need lots of support. There are little to no resources here. The school sisters are going to try to get her some help. Keep her and her baby in your prayers.

The lighter moments came when when needed more light in our PRONOEI clinic. A man was able to find a replacement bulb and a home made ladder which didn't quite reach the ceiling. So part of the team held the ladder up while he climbed and changed the bulb. Thank goodness we had Iron Woman Peggy! The whole scene was hilarious. Shortly after, a man brought us a worm that he had just "evacuated" that day in a bottle to show us.  You can imaging our reaction. We identified it as a hook worm and you will be glad to know he was treated!

Today is our last day. What a blessing this experience been for us. We have a fantastic group of strong, caring and intelligent ladies that took the bulls by the horns and took care of business!  They worked hard and with a smile. A big thank you to our prayer sponsors. Your prayers were answered. We appreciate the support of our parish family.

The people of Peru have been welcoming and warm. They are kind and seem happy even with all the obstacles in their lives.  I'm convinced it is because of their faith and trust in our Lord that he will always provide. The church is filled everyday for evening mass. They are grateful and thankful for the smallest things in their lives. I think we can all learn a thing from them.

Personally, I am over the moon over the amount of people we were able to help and did it with the most amazing team and group of Franciscan Sisters, who worked just as hard as we did.

I am also grateful that I was able to share this experience with our daughter, Miranda.  She was given a lot of responsibility and handled it with a level of maturity beyond her years. This has taught her that there is a world far different from ours and it deepened her sense of service to others and her faith. We are so proud of her.

I will miss the Sisters and the people of Peru. It is a beautiful country with a rich culture. It was an honor for us to serve them. I hope to be back sometime.

Submitted by Charlie Spindt