Cow Intestines

Verse of the day: “You have been saved by grace through believing.  You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it. God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works.” Ephesians 2:8-10

Sameer evaluating patients

Susana preparing the pharmacy

Today was the first day setting up clinic. We traveled up to the village of Tolontag which about 12,500 feet.  The host location was a local evangelical church and we set up in their classrooms.  The first half hour we were busy cleaning, sweeping, mopping, and spraying air freshener—then we were ready to treat.  It is set up with a general registration, then a triage of vitals, then continue on to the doctor, for optometry, or to physical therapy.  After being treated they would receive their medicines and receive generalized health education in regards to disease prevention. 

Welcome to my PT clinic!

I had my own PT room set up in the back with 2 benches put together and an old mattress for padding to make a treatment table.  I had my trusty translator, Mr Google, and away I went stumbling phrase by phrase.  The patients were gracious and patient with me J  The span of what I saw today was mostly orthopedic and needed strengthening exercises and education on mechanics.  One of my favorites was getting to pass along lifting mechanics one farmer to another ;-)  It is difficult in this profession to evaluate and then provide a comprehensive treatment plan in 1 visit, especially with a language barrier.  Unfortunately most of what I was able to provide would just get them started but hopefully begin to reduce their pain in addition to the medicines they were provided.  Together our team saw around 80 patients today--not bad for our first day and a team of only 4!

Adventure of the day: eating cow intestine…the flavor was excellent, but the texture was a little too rubber tube-ish.  The docs on the team are convincing me they can medicate if I get parasites, haha.