Monday, August 9

In the morning, we were all picked up from our homes and gathered together in the back yard of a local Christian who had volunteered to cook for us for our stay in El Cercado. Our meeting place was an outdoor cabana equipped with a leaky palm frond roof and a plethora of outdoor animals, including, but not limited to: chickens, the stray dog or two, parakeets, cats, and goats. Once everyone had finished their delicious Dominican breakfast, our whole group of 25 packed into our pick-up truck and van and we headed out on the mountain roads for a scenic ride (on dirt roads) to our first outreach medical clinic. As we traveled, Travis commented, "I'll bet 2 pesos that this truck won't make it up the mountain." We found out the next day we found out that it does help to have more than one drop of oil in the truck. Thankfully, Travis lost his bet.

We operated our clinic in a small school building located in the village of Carmonial. As the patients came, they first went to triage, or an assessment that included name, weight, blood pressure, and history of present illness. Then they were directed to the consults with one of three doctors: Grecia, a local Dominican doctor, Cora, our co-leader, and Mike, an emergency RN on the team. Once the doctor had diagnosed the patients, they handed their script to the pharmaceutical station and proceeded to the waiting room where a brief gospel presentation was given. Afterward, some of our team members distributed hygiene items, much needed shoes, and toys to the people.

"It was crazy!" Sam said. "As soon as I said, 'Quieres zapatos' (Do you want shoes?), I knew it was a mistake. I've never felt more threatened by 70-year-old women! Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful helping people and getting the shoes where they needed to go. You could see the gratitude on their faces, but that initial shock of everyone rushing you was intense." Sam was in charge of helping to give away shoes. Later, we found out that if children don't have shoes, they can't go to school. Pastor Morales said that we helped a lot of children be able to go to school.

Then the patient was given their medicine after it brought over from the pharmacy. We were able to see over 100 Dominicans. All throughout the day Tammy was busy with the kids while they waited their turn with general health lessons and the gospel message. She has been blessed with a wonderful gift of being able to show love and enthusiasm for children for an entire day! It was truly a blessing to be a part of God's mission work at the clinic. Everyone on the team worked really hard and it was really cool to see each person finding the part that God had for them. We truly became the body of Christ, each with his or her own part to do.

"I have a better appreciation for patients who come into the hospital who speak a different language and challenges that come with it," says Cindy, our neonatal ICU nurse from CA. She worked in the mobile pharmacy filling scripts for the clinics.

We went back to El Cercado for dinner. After dinner, we were supposed to present the dramas at a local church. However, since El Cercado is located in the mountains and it is currently monsoon season, a monstrous storm came upon us and we were trapped under the leaking cabana. We proceded to have a dance party, which included the merengue, purple stew, the mango, and swing dancing. Even our translators, Amaury, Olvis, and Richard entered into the fun. It was a great time of bonding and fellowship.

"More hips, less shoulder," says Tammy to Travis as he practices the merengue for the Everything skit.

After the rain finally let up, we packed up and headed off to the school building were we were to present our dramas. A team of Dominican guys were in front of the building trying to clear away mud and debris from the flood waters that had rushed down the hillside during the storm.

God gave us extra strength because we were all wiped out from the long day at the clinic. The dramas went well and God was pleased. "We are evil twins for God's glory!" says Stephanie to Hallie as they walked out of the school. Stephanie plays the part "Muerte" (Death, in English) during the "Strings" drama, and Hallie plays Muerte in the "Everything" skit. They are both doing a great job representing the character of death.

After the dramas, we headed back to our homes for the night. Somehow, Peter and Travis were unsure of where their home was. Finally, we found it in the dark on a narrow street. Peter and Travis were still complaining that they were "forgotten" to be picked up in the morning.

PQs:
- that the truck keeps running
- continued health and safety for the team
- that we would be able to show the shoeshine boys love and compassion and have a great time with them on Friday

praises:
- the clinics went really well
- the home stays were a great experience
- we are all in good health
- God is being glorified through the dramas

Hallie and Peter (for the team)