Los Mangos

Today, over winding roads full of switchbacks and beautiful views, passing cattle farms , crossing rivers and creeks, we went to the community of Los Mangos. We had to unload ourselves to facilitate the bus getting down the narrow road to the school to unload the equipment. Unlike most days, there was not a crowd waiting for us. We were greeted by the President of the community and buildings that had clearly been prepared for us. The building for today was a two room schoolhouse. Dental and Eyes shared a room. Registration, Vitals and Deworming station and Weights and Measures were all working outside. As we set up the stations folks began to arrive. We cared for 35 out of the 55 families in the community, we were able to see everyone who came for care.

Hypertension, Diabetes and Upper Respiratory Virus were the findings in the medical station today. Many people were healthy and doing well. Those that had ailments required referral to Doctor Moncada and the Ministry of Health to prevent serious consequences.

The group is energetic about connecting with the folks who came to the clinic. Hopscotch and nail painting relieve the boredom of waiting and the anxiety of dental visits. One little girl wanted all of the colors on her nails. She touched Linda's heart by asking if she would be back tomorrow. Linda explained she cannot come back tomorrow but she would be praying for her and gave her cross to the little girl. Later she discovered she is the president's daughter.

It was a joy to see the people in the community spending time together. Children were playing soccer using a flip flop as a ball. Team members waiting for the last stations to finish were treated to new fruits to try. Once it was recognized that we would try the fruit, one man climbed to the top of a tree to get fruit for us to bring back to the house. There was laughter and community. The rain began to pour as we began packing up to leave and stopped just in time to load up.

The trip home was rainy, you could see the fog rolling in over the mountains.

We were greeted with a yummy Italian dinner of spaghetti with meat sauce and eggplant lasagna.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity to serve.