Here we are, having said, "Adios" to our familia at the Hogar - it feels strange that our time in Yuri is over...at least we think so! The strike continues to cause issues for us and at this point we are not sure how we will be leaving Yuri tomorrow, if at all. We are on call to leave at a moment's notice, depending on what plan evolves with the police escort. Susan, Flor and Yoly have been working so hard at the details - they must be completely exhausted.
....My laundry is still hanging all around the room! Nothing dries quickly here!!! Even paper is flimsy and moist feeling (including this journal). My 'quick dry' towel isn't so quick to dry in this kind of humidity!"
Highlights of the day:
- Clinic at the Hogar - we saw 197 people today. "Clean up on aisle 4" (Jim's funny line) was a rather humorous part of the very busy, hot and exhausting day! Twice in Dr. Sam's room, children decided to relieve themselves on the floor...some urine, some diarrhea. Why use a bathroom?!
- having the chance to triage...so many interesting descriptions of ailments, such as "she sees dark". Always trying to decipher certain descriptions of symptoms...challenging.
- Health teaching...how to use those inhalers!...Jim (translator) and I have that one down to a tee...he doesn't even need me anymore!
- Gift time with the Hogar children! It was so wonderful to watch them all in awe at the gifts that we left behind for them. They were completely ecstatic! Also, the gifts for the women who work at the Hogar...a simple bottle of shampoo is so, so appreciated.
- learning more about the "Machista" mind set in some families, with very controlling and abusive fathers. During triage, Levi (translator) and I were able to tap into a family of 8 (mother and children) living such a life, where her husband basically just comes in and has sex with her and outside of that is a very abusive man. We were able to link her up with support from the Hogar for counseling and assistance. Very sad exisitence that some of these people are living in the midst of.
- walking back to the Hostel and passing the crowd of men with their machetes (protestors). Increasing amount of roadblocks.
- saying "goodbye"...such beautiful words from the women who work at the Hogar. These are dear friends I have made and I cherish.
Flor and I, saying goodbye with moist eyes. Flor worked remarkably hard at so many details of the trip, including getting us out of Yurimaguas safely. She is a gentle, kind and remarkably loving woman. She was a huge help with the clinic in Yuri too! Flor is actually Tito's wife!
Some of the women and children staying at the Hogar. "Abuela", holding baby Roy, came out to give us hugs as we left and say goodbye...such love.
I think this is Patti, so excited about her gifts she climbed right in the bag! The gifts were inside the bag which is actually a laundry bag for them to use afterwards! Smart shoppers those Hogar team girls are!!
Elton John, always the poser! The kid has a dynamic personality!
Janeen and Willie with the t-shirt that Janeen's son designed and Janeen gave to Willie.
The Hogar team with Jim and Ginny Street, missionaries who were currently working at the Hogar. Jim came with us to the jungle to translate while Ginny stayed back with Martha to translate for the girls there.
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