Randoms From Vicki

Yesterday was an adventure of a life time for me!  I was able to go with a patient into two different hospitals in Antigua.  This patient is Marcus, he is 16  years old and has been dealing with a sever infection in his left thigh.  Marcus and his family came buy about 2 weeks ago and showed us his infection.  We were working on our next step of action when he showed back up at our clinic with some changes in his symptoms.  We immediatly made a different plan; to head to the hospital.

We left the base at 6 am, picked up our patient and his mom along the road and drove to the hospital. When we got to the hospital we had to weave our way through all of the other patients and families to get a number.  The number allowed us to be registered.  We had a bit of special treatment because Yojana, the Guatemalan nurse, had called her boyfriend to pick up a number.  Keep this in mind, she called at 4 am to get a number and we were number 10, #10, people had been waiting before 4am to get a number!  Wow, what a system.  We then had to go pay for our visit and get our paper stamped.  Then to see a crabby doctor who would only let 2 people in the room.  Then go pay again for x -rays and lab work.  Then upstairs to go make an appointment to see the orthopedic doctor.  That appointment was not available until August 20.  One month away.  This teenager will not be well if we wait a month.  So, we called Dan, after having to buy more phone minutes and then get a hold of Dan.  After realying what we saw in the x ray and the late Doctors apointment we decided to take marcus to the private hospital.  So, how do you get there?  We had to take a tuk -tuk.  Which is a little 3 wheeler with a small motor cycle engin.  Needless to say I hung on. We got to the private hospital and what a stark difference.  No long lines, no plastic chairs with rows of short Guatemalans, no crazy numbers.  We got to go see the Emergency room Doctor, who buy the way is a beautifully tall asian women.  This Dr made Marcus a priority and wants him to come back in tomorrow morning ASAP to see her husband, another Dr.  He will treat Marcus with antibiotics to his bone in order to save his leg.  I was happy with this plan of action.  So we called for our ride to pick us up and he said he would be there in one hour.  Okay, this plan was a bit challenging for a girl that likes to keep moving.  But, I did really well, I think I am learning to sit tight and enjoy each minute of the day.
Then we drove to get some oil and filter for the van, picked up 2 kids from school and back home.  How long do you think our trip took?  We left and 6 am and returned at 1:15.  Not bad for a day of adventure.

Please pray for Marcus as he is at the hospital now, making a plan of action.  Please pray for the finances to come for Marcus's treatment as this will be covered by Paradise bound.  God will be blessed through this whole process, I jsut know it.

On another note; our Kitten in Iowa had her babies last night, 2 little black kittens have joined our family. Ella decided to have these kittens in the middle of a tornado that went through town. Caleb wants to name them Tornado and Cyclozee  We have been told that our trees are down, but the house is okay at this time.  Thanks Lord.!

Today is dedication day of 4 homes here in Guatemala.  Pray for these families to have their names written in the book of Life today.  Justin's parents are here enjoying their trip.  Pray that a passion for the Guatemalan's is born.  We are enjoying Grandpa and Grandma here!

I am almost done with a major Landscape project here at the base.  I will hopefully upload pictures soon.!
God Bless
vicki