June 2010 Work Trip
"Blog"
The fifth Amiguitos work team is in Veracruz June 5 - June 28, 2010 for
construction on the
Laguna center and 8 medical clinics. Below are
the brief
updates from the
team during the
work trip.
Please
scroll to the bottom to see the latest update
On Sunday May 23, 2010, at 9 PM, Curtis
Wait wrote:
The team of 38 people is gathering from the USA and Mexico
for construction and clinics.
Photos of
the team are posted. Over 30 volunteers started packing vitamins
today in Thornton, Colorado. Thank you
Pill
Packing Party!
Please keep the team in your prayers as we travel and prepare for
construction and the
clinics.
Click
here for more pictures from the June 2009 work trip
Click
here for more pictures from the Pill Packing Party!
Curtis
On Sunday June 6, 2010, at 9 PM,
Curtis
Wait wrote:
Yesterday the first wave from the USA arrived. Curtis,
Anne,
Alex, Dana, Vaughan, Riley, Lisa, Meg and Jerry. It is Goldi's
birthday and she was presented with a stuffed bear (a favorite
gift).
Unfortunately the medicine was once again detained by the customs
officials. Tomorrow (Monday), Bishop Benito wil work with
Customs to
liberate our medicine once again (repeat of December with some
variations).
Today, Sunday was a pill counting day and church in the local
school.
We handed out gifts and came back to enjoy pizza. Meg was a hit
has
the "balloon lady". Making shapes and dazzling children and
adults
alike.
Meg makes balloon
animals and attracts a long line of children
Oh, its hot (90 degree high and 80 degree low). However our
guest
house and rental house are well equipped with window air conditioners
(6 units total!!!!; ah yes).
Curtis
AND Meg wrote:
We made it safe and sound to Veracruz LATE last night. We've had
breakfast and now all are firing up
their computers to communicate. Thought I'd take a moment myself, to
let you all know I'm here. It's
already very color (HOT) and of course will be getting hotter. No
worries, I'm actually adapting pretty well. I opted for the one room in
the house that doesn't have an air conditioning unit in it, We have 2
fans for me and my roommate. I wanted this so that I could stay on a
more even keel and not be subject to too many extremes. I really think
this is going to be a good decision.
We are counting vitamins for future clinic times and just taking it
easy for now. We went to church this afternoon for service and
celebrations and dinner with our amigos aqui. Looking forward to it all!
We got in on time plane-wise at around 11pm Saturday night. We did not
leave the airport until about 1am due to problems with Aduana
(customs). Once again they were trying to give the group some trouble
with all the bags of medicine. They recently got a new director for
customs and he’s not familiar with the Amiguitos group. He stopped the
group in December for the first time. After a call to the bishop here,
who then called the governor, the medicine bags were finally cleared
after a couple of days. The Amiguitos organization were told that they
would not have any more problems with Aduana. Well, as we found out
last night, that isn’t true. So after calls to the bishop and all
again, we will have to wait a couple of days to get it all cleared.
Luckily, our clinics don’t begin until next week.
Because of our late arrival, we were able to sleep in a little and had
breakfast at 9 this morning. After cleaning up the dishes, there were
many little chores to keep our hands busy…stuffing treat bags for the
kids at church in the evening…counting some of the meds that are here
and putting them in smaller portions for the pharmacy….getting all
computers online.
Riley, Vaughan and
Dana get caught up on Facebook & email
Then it was time to eat again! Goldi is a wonderful hostess and a great
cook! She follows awesome hygeine for our eating, no one has ever
gotten sick on any of their previous missions, so you know she is doing
something right!
We we went to the local escuela (school) for church this evening. I'd
say there was about 15 adults and 30 kids there, not counting our group
which grew to 100 by the end of the service. Hearing an Episcopal
service in español wasn't too difficult manage. The community
was very
welcoming and when I brought out my balloons to do some twisting for
the kids, well let's just say I was the MOST welcomed! Balloon
animals
and flowers in any language will bring ALL kids and a few adults to at
least watch! I was in my element, had sweat running down my back and
face and....well, EVERWHERE! No problemo, I truly feel acclimated, even
if I went through about a gallon of water today.
Tomorrow will be a construction work day. We eat breakfast at 7am and
then a time of worship that I get to lead with one of the teenagers as
my assistant. (We all will have a chance to lead a worship on work days
(M-Th) I just get to start it off!) After worship, we head off to the
new community center that is in the process of being built to help
continue the building process.
Buenos noches!!
Click
here for more pictures
Love,
Meg
On Monday June 7, 2010, at 9:30 PM,
Alex
Wait wrote:
Today we started our construction. The first task was to
take down all that stood in our way.
Alex demolishes a
wall
Hammers and chisels took care of the building on our property. It
didn't take long for us to help it fall down all the way. In the
hight
of the Veracruz sun (which yes, is different than the sun that shines
in Colorado) swinging huge hammers made for a very stinky group.
Luckily it only took us a few hours to complete our task and we were
done before lunch. We had lunch in the center a few blocks away
then
came back to Goldi's house to join the rest of our group that stayed
behind to count the pills that we do have. A nice long cold
shower
later and that is my day till now. Tomorrow we start moving dirt
so we
can begin the construction of a second retaining wall (and by "we" I
mean the bulldozer, whoo hoo!).
The medicine was freed from the airport! Good job bishop!!
This message will self destruct in 5...4...3...2...1....[insert BOOM
here]
Click
here for more pictures
Alex
On Tuesday June 8, 2010, at 10:30 PM,
Riley Walker and Ali Lufkin are today's reporters:
Riley wrote:
No sooner had the sun's first rays peered over the horizon and
blanketed the lush Veracruz cityscape with it's burning embrace than
the Amiguitos Team (aka Team Edward) began its preperations for a day
of hard work, redemption, and honor. Team Edward had already proved
that concrete walls were no match for its crack team of demolition
experts, but even some obstacles (namely, a giant pile of dirt and
cement) are just too large for even the best to take down.
Dana "pumps up"
for some demolition work
Team Edward watched as a massive bulldozer tore into the hillside,
devouring houndreds of pounds of dirt in every bite. As they scraped
and shoveled gravel and other rubble from what was previously a wall,
the Team came across an interesting discovery. Among piles of old
decaying clothes and Spanish literature, the shovels collided with
porcelein. They had found a toilet. With one crash of the hammer, the
putrid potty was sent on to the next life, leaving only a smooth, white
stump and its foul stench behind. Before they knew it, the day was over
and Team Edward returned to their base - recharging and rejuvinating
for the next day's battle on the Amiguitos hill.
Riley
Ali wrote:
Yesterday was my first day on the worksite and my first day in the heat
here in Veracruz. I drove with Goldi in the truck (a gift from St
George's)to the worksite. All was going well through dirt roads, over
potholes, around corners, with Goldi guiding me "Derecho" for straight
ahead, "Esquierda" for left, and "derecha" for right (not to be
confused with "Derecho"). Then we came to a intersection. When I
finally got up the courage to cross the 4 lanes of traffic, I found
myself squeezing my eyes shut and going for the gas peddle. I managed
to open my eyes to see my way across the road. Goldi and I spoke the
few words, "Gracias a Dios!" and laughed. Goldi is generally serious
with all the work and dreams, so the laughter filled me with a sense of
connection. I realize I know little about this new friend,
Goldi. I
know she is a woman who is also a priest and who is, for some reason,
wanting to build a school and community center. We talk across
the
languages of our homes, and say little about the philosophies or
theologies of life. The language spoken here is mortar and brick
and
rebar... anti-parasite medications and hospitality to anyone who will
help her with her dream. That's more than enough.
I met a family today who showed us their home... kitchen the size of
our kitchen table, and one bedroom with only room for 2 beds, enough
for the whole family... over the beds hang clothes lines, but beautiful
fabric hanging as doors, bright paint visible where the weather has not
faded it, and tacos on the stove. The pride of the grandmothers
in
this home was clearly their 4 year old son, who is attending Goldi's
school. It occurred to me on the long, wordless walk home (100
degrees?) that this child's education is indeed a miracle in this
village. Even at 4 years, he is on his way to the gift of discovery.
Thank you Goldi. THanks Curtis. Thanks to everyone who moves dirt and
concrete and gravel to make this happen.
Click
here for more pictures
Ali
On Wednesday June 9, 2010, at 7:00 PM,
Jerry wrote:
We started out the day very hot. We finished the day even
hotter. But outside of that we went to the job site to do
the work
that is needed to build our new center. We weren't able to get
too
much done because the construction manager wasn't at the site
initially. After he got there it was decided that we need to move some
more dirt. This took until about 2 in the afternoon (with the
help of
our local earth mover).
More
earth is moved at the construction site
We were able to get some things completed. We cut the rebar and cut the
tie raps so we can start placing the rebar tomorrow.
We did get the dirt moved so we can start assembling the rebar.
Things are looking great for tomorrow.
Click
here for more pictures
Jerry
On Thursday June 10, 2010, at 7:00 PM,
Dana and George blogged.
Dana wrote:
Today was el ultimo (last) day of construction for our June 2010 trip.
Personally I would say we were VERY successful in our re-barring
skills. I would like to give a shout out to today's team for working so
incredibly hard. It's been a long time since I've seen so much sweat.
Our accomplishment for the past couple days has been cutting and
bending 120+ pieces of re-bar. (I represented the women and personally
cut 25 pieces). For those of you who haven't experienced construction
in general, I highly recommend participating at some point, because the
feeling of accomplishment after so much physical work is quite
rewarding.
Lisa, Vaughan and
Dana cut rebar baby!
While some of us were working in the land, others
(Hannah and Anne)
were teaching and supervising the pre-schoolers in the
center. Having
done this task twice in the last week, I can defend that their work was
just as strenuous as the land work. The language barrier, the
germs,
and controlling of the crayons are just a sample of the obstacles
faced. Again, working in the center is incredibly rewarding because you
get to experience the daily life of Goldi (my role model). It's also
interesting to see how the Mexican children are similar to those I work
with at home. Getting to know each individual is one of my favorite
things... all ranges of personalities create a high-energy work
environment. Others were counting pills in the guesthouse
(Meg and
Ali) and having counted millions of pills, that is a tough job as well.
It's sad to see that our physical labor for this
trip has to end,
but I am very proud of the amount of work completed. Thanks to all the
bodies used (Mexican and American)! Soon that well counted
set of
meds will be handed out to needy kids and families.
-Dana
George wrote:
This week has been a really fun and productive time. I was a big
hit
in the center with the eight year olds. I can now drive through
the
neighborhood and hear the really loud Hola from the different groups of
children. The construction team is getting really good at bending
rebar and preparing the physical site for the work.
George loves the
work site, even in the heat
The building designer has great plans for the site that were wonderful
to see. We are along way from completing the building but the
slow and
steady work is great to see and experience. Goldi is making
dinner for
us as usual. The team is blogging. I now have a new base ball
hero. He
is starting the game and he struck out 14 batters in seven innings, his
name is Stephen Stausburg. Tomorrow the world prepares for the
world
cup which is a big deal in Mexico. Hello Leadville be proud of
our
concrete wall. Our wall began this project and this week the second
wall will be finished. We are beginning to connect to the whole.
Click
here for more pictures
-George
On Friday June 11, 2010, at 9:00 PM,
Lisa and Riley blogged.
Lisa wrote:
After four days of laboring in the heat, we took the day off to
play touristas in downtown Veracruz. Our contingent (Ali, Jerry, Anne,
Hannah, Lara, Lisa) traveled by limousine (back of the Amiguitos pickup
truck), while most of the teens (Alex, Vaughn, Dana, Riley, Taylor)
headed for the beach (in taxis). Curtis and George went shopping for
supplies and Goldi continued to supervise construction and the center.
Lisa
and Anne enjoy a break for touring with lunch at Gran Cafe
Although Veracruz is a vacation destination for Mexicans, we were the
only Americans in sight. A flora festival occupied the downtown
Veracruz plaza, with lots of exotic plants and roses for sale. We were
treated to more glorious architecture—balconies, checkerboard marble
walkways, tropical colors and a peek inside the Catholic cathedral.
Many thanks to Anne for being our most excellent tour guide and
interpreter.
Today was wonderful, but what I believe we’ll remember most about our
visit to Veracruz are the new friends we’ve made at the construction
site and the community center: Lamberto (the hardest working man on the
planet); Poncha (with her constant smile and major muscles); Christine
(shade tarp master); the extended family who proudly welcomed us into
their simple home; the children at the center who taught us Spanish
while we tutored them in English; and non-stop Goldi who, after
supervising at the center and construction site all day (while were had
a free day), came home to cook dinner for a dozen or so sweaty
Americans.
Many, many thanks to our Latin American friends who have shared their
resilency, graciousness and open hearts with us.
Lisa
Riley wrote:
After four days of grueling bending, shoveling, and destroying
everything in its path, Team Edward took a much needed hiatus. Team
Edward Captain Goldi, however, was not about to let our freedom go to
our heads. After a 7 o'clock wakeup call (actually breakfast at 7), she
recruited several squad members to search for a new refrigerator in
downtown Veracruz. The remaining members of the Team were left to fend
for themselves and, after some delegation of duties, split into two
divisions. Division Alpha ventured bravely into town, finding
themselves in a colorful menagerie of fascinations and curios. Division
Epsilon, however, opted to stay at base camp and watch the much
anticipated World Cup (especially the match between Mexico and South
Africa), which proved to be most exciting and entertaining. Once the
Mexico vs South Africa game was finished, Epsilon followed in their
counterpart's footsteps and cautiously made their way deep into
Veracruz. Upon their arrival, they realized that they were far out of
their element. Two members of Division Epsilon, Privates Rubio and Bon
Bon, loomed conspicuously over the sea of bustling Mexicans. The stares
of spectators followed Epsilon along the colorful storefronts of the
seaside bazaar, across the glistening pier overlooking the Gulf of
Mexico, and through the bustling labyrinth of the Veracruz Mall,
eventually ending at the peaceful beach, where Division Epsilon
lingered (mostly) unmolested. In an unexpected turn of events, Epsilon
found itself face to face with Division Alpha, who had decided to visit
the exact same beach, purely by coincidence. But alas, the day was
coming to a close, and Team Edward made the long journey back to Base
Camp to prepare for the trials of the coming days.
Editor's Note: Private Rubio was later treated for severe sunburn.
Click
here for more pictures
-Riley
On Saturday June 12, 2010, at 9:00 PM,
Anne and David W blogged.
Dave Wait wrote:
It was a beautiful day today in Veracruz. My son Curtis and his
son
Alex, and by brother Jerry were all supporting me to learn the training
of young Mexican minds at the Tarimonya community center. There were
about 22 children available for the training. Goldie was in charge of
teaching. Subjects I saw being taught were English, computer, colors,
puzzles and dance.
David and Taylor
taste the tamales
My favorite activity was the food and it was fantastic. It appeared to
me that the kids favorite activity was receiving the gifts at the end
of the session.
I had a chance to take pictures until my camera battery was discharged.
There was great enthusiasm for all activities.
It was a fun day and it was hotter than my home town Boulder, CO.
This is Lisa and Bailey’s last day and clearly they are going to be
missed.
I am impressed with how much Mexico uses speed bumps to control
traffic. In contrast to the main roads, the back roads unpaved,
ungraded, and very bumpy and a puzzle to figure out how to get to where
you want to go.
Dave Wait
Anne Wait wrote:
Hi Friends!
Today we split up into two teams to work with children at the community
centers in La Laguna and Tarimoya. I was in Laguna where Riley
and I
taught a little English class and played games with the school age
kids. Riley's dance moves and skills in charades were very
entertaining for the kids.
Riley dances in
Laguna
I was impressed with the improvement in the children's English
knowledge and pronunciation. Most importantly, they are
much more
bold about speaking English than they were two years ago. Saul
and
Riley also taught a computer class during which the kids were learning
how to open Microsoft Word and Excel. Vaughan and Dana were
locked in
a small room with about twenty pre-schoolers for several hours. I
am
personally very grateful. They did an amazing job entertaining,
teaching, playing, and refereeing. The Hokey Pokey was a big hit
as
was the dancing. After the classes we all had lunch and said
adios to
our little friends. We are now relaxing a bit back at the house
where
several people are enjoying a bit of World Cup soccer action.
World
Cup is the talk of the town in Veracruz right now.
Cesar and Anne
chill in Laguna
Tonight we are looking forward to a fiesta here at the house. We
have
invited several of the teenagers from La Laguna to party with us.
I
hear there is going to be a dance performance - Riley dancing to
Beyonce! I am really looking forward to that. Thanks
to all of you
who take interest in reading our blog. I am personally enjoying
the
hiatus from my regular life that Veracruz offers me.
Hasta Luego!
Editors Note: Ali, Hannah and Lara left for Colorado early today
(George is staying until Wenesday). Maria Elena took her college
entrance exams today and felt good about her performance.
Vaughan's
17th birthday was celebrated. The St. Joe's group arrived
tonight:
Angel, Emma, Michele, Marlene, Paul, Dana S. Lisa and Riley
leave
tomorrow morning.
Click
here for more pictures
Click here for even more
pictures!!
~Anne
On Sunday June 13, 2010, at 9:00 PM,
Dana
Stallins and Vaughan Andrews blogged.
Dana S wrote:
Wow!!!! I woke up this morning and it was dry, well not really,
but it is a lot drier than Colorado right now, so I hear. The first day
has been a relaxing day. The only duties we had were here in the house,
so no different then at home, except I actually had to do the dishes,
blahhh. The weather has been a little cooler then it had been the last
few days, so it has been okay to walk down to the store and get the
essentials, you know, Coke-a-cola and Gatorade; seems just like home.
On a personal note I would like to believe that I am pretty good at
math, but I'm not sure I will ever get a hang of paying $18.50 for 4
sodas. I know it's just pesos, but it seems like so much and I get
brain lock and can't seem to process the change, ahhhhh. Maybe I should
start coming to Mexico more often so I can figure this out.
Dana Stallins
strikes out for Laguna from the guesthouse
We did go to Laguna for the first time and I was welcomed with open
arms by all the children and their families. It was really neat to see
how excited they were to have us here. Michele performed over 10
Baptisms and I think she might becoming home with a new way to perform
them at St Joseph's Lakewood, Colorado. We're back at the house now and
I need a shower something fierce, so good nite all as we have a big day
ahead of us tomorrow.
Dana Stallins
Vaughan wrote:
Sunday, today, was a fantastically relaxing day. The new arrivals from
St. Joseph's arrived late last night, to replace our Amiguitos Riley
and Lisa. After sleeping in until 8:30!!!!!, we had a great breakfast
and got to meet the new arrivals. We spent a lazy day watching movies
(Sherlock Holmes), socializing, and watching Germany whoop up on
Australia in the world cup.
Children perform
dances to welcome the workers from the USA
After another great meal we got ready to leave for a church service in
Laguna. At the location, there was a ballin' baptism, and afterwards
all the children put on a great performance. The highlight definitely
being Curtis getting out-danced by the Mexican chicas! All-in-all, it
was great preparation for an upcoming week of clinics and fun!
Click
here for more pictures
--Vaughan Andrews
On Monday June 14, 2010, at 7:00 PM,
Marlene Logan:
Today began with breakfast and worship. We were then off
to the
Profesor Manuel Medina Miranda La Leguna School for our first
clinic.
We had a late start and a bit of confusion but soon functioned as
pros. The veterans on our team did a great job at leading the set
up
and training of our team. We saw 177 patients--they still came
even
after the skies opened up and poured rain down on all of us. The
Anglican bishop of the diocese of southeast Mexico in the province of
Mexico, Benito Juarez Martinez, joined us for part of the day.
Marlene hands out
medicine to Rumulda for Anett Noeli
It was amazing to see so many people --and to see how grateful they
were for the attention and the medical care they are given. Lunch
was
superb and was prepared by one of the women in the neighborhood.
We
are ready to return tomorrow where we plan to have over 500 children
from the school come through the clinic. The numbers seem
overwhelming--but we are up to the challenge!
Click
here for more pictures
Marlene Logan
On Tuesday June 15, 2010, at 7:00 PM,
Paul Clark and Angel Jung blogged today.
Paul wrote:
Today was a long and amazing day for me. The
sheer number of kids living in this situation boggles my mind. Its
amazing to see all these kids lining up for seemingly miles to get
something us Americans take for granted; medicine and clean water.
Seeing these people, these caring and loving people, completely changes
my view on the country of Mexico. I used to be the person who wondered
why people cross the border into our country, but living four days with
these people, I see why they would want to find a better life for
themselves and their families. But out of all the things I learned, the
thing that hit closest to home was what I learned about myself and the
people around me. I learned a lot about not only the residents of
Veracurz, but about myself as well. I learned that I can survive for
about two hours without sitting before my back hurts and my neck begins
to sizzle in the bright sun of Mexico. I also learned that (Despite
what I tell myself) not everyone is out to get me. I had a nice
conversation with one of the other members of the mission about how I
felt about myself and I gained a whole new view on the topic. I am so
grateful that God brought us fifteen people together this fine week so
we can help the people of Veracruz with medicine and learn about
ourselves along the way.
-Paul Clark
Angel wrote:
So we woke up this morning to overcast and much cooler temps. It was a
very nice change. Dana Stallins was our very prompt alarm clock and we
got to breakfast on time. This morning we had eggs and BACON. My
favorite. As usual it was good. But lunch YUMMMM! Ok After breakfast I
was able to hide by the sink during worship. And for the first time
this trip we said the Our Father in spanish which was pretty
cool. It
is amazing how much I have taken a dishwasher and running water for
granted. Here there is a lot involved in keeping healthy. After another
taxi ride we made it back to the school. We got there with enough time
to get everything set up. It was especially nice that we were
able to
leave everything at the work site overnight.
I've been working with Anne, Emma and Marlene in the pharmacy. We also
worked with some kids from the center Raul, Rosa and Cesar. They were
so much fun and have forgiven my rusyt spanish. We were super busy in
the morning and everything flowed nicely. It rained but luckily being
on the phamacy team I get to be inside with the air conditioner.
So
now I'm spoiled and will expect my husband to be updating the air
conditioning in our house now.
Lunch was fabulous I am so lucky!!!! They served empenadas with
chicken and beef. Then we drizzled them with chile and cream.
Yummo.
The food was so good. I am in love with the food here. The rest of the
afternoon flew by. Cesar drew me a penguin that you have to check it
out.
Finally, I walked home about 2.5 miles. The distance was not too long
just from my house to the church, but the neighborhood and conditions
seemed a world apart. We stared off and passed a retention wall
made
out of tires. The smell from some of the puddles made my eyes water and
I didn't want to know what was in the water. There were mangy
dogs
everywhere and children playing in the dirt with no shoes. What tugged
on my heart was a little voice screaming for his Mama. He must have
been a baby and he cried the whole time it took me to get within
earshot and after. I just think about how much I take for granted
and
blessed I am. My children go to school and have the toys and clothes
they could ask for. I have never had to wonder where a meal came from
and even though my children cry when they are sent to time out, I never
wonder if they are hungry.
This has been one of the hardest days emotionally here. I hope that my
children never have to live this way but can understand that others do.
I miss you my kiddos and love you more than life.
Click
here for more pictures
-Angel
On Wednsday June 16, 2010, at
7:00 PM, Michele Quinn and Emma
Clark blogged today.
Michele wrote:
Today we went to a different school in a different neighborhood - same
barrio different part. Tomorrow we will be in yet another
part. We
saw far more folks in the medical clinic than in the past days - 386 to
be exact. Another day where gratitude pours out. This
school was
bigger than the one for Monday and Tuesday. My favorite little
guy -
Christian - came for the day to help. He really was a big help
and
spent a lot of time running RXs from the doctors to the pharmacy.
I
was just delighted that he came again. I am hoping and praying
that he
will find his way to Goldie's center and maybe, just maybe avoid a
Mexican gang in a few years. Every stereotype I have ever had
about
the Mexican people has been completely shattered. This
nationality is
warm and generous and friendly, gracious, hospitable and overall
delightful from the youngest to the oldest. Once again we had a
marvelous lunch - the treat at lunch was fried plantains.The treat at
breakfast was liches. They are a wonderful fruit that look like a
spiked ball.
Michele eats the
fruit that looks like a human eyeball
One peels that off and the inside looks like a firm white
grape. They
were delicious but Emma would have no part of them. She said
there was
no way she was going to eat a hairy fruit. (I don't know what her
excuse at lunch was over the plantains). My jobs have been mostly
spending time with folks, either playing with the kids while they wait
or keeping crowd control while they stand in line. Both are quite
similar. Thankfully I love being with kids - any and all
kids. I have
handed out coloring sheets and crayon, read stories (well actually told
stories in English with pictures), made bubbles, played ball (all
sizes), and "taught" English. Never boring. Every night we
are really
tired and more than ready to go to bed. Morning comes quickly and
a
new adventure begins. These few days here have changed my
being. The
person who will return to the states on Sunday is different than the
person who arrived last Saturday. Hopefully I will not forget the
lessons learned this week. The cup is full, no matter what.
Life is
full of unexpected grace filled moments. I live in a world so full of
riches and others live with almost nothing. Yet the folks here
seemed
rich in so many other ways that I am poor. The greatest joy has
been
Christian - how appropriate his name is. He is an 11 year old who
has
captured my heart.
His friendship means a great deal to me in a
short
time.
Michele
Emma wrote:
Today we woke up to yet again another overcast day . Thanks to my ever
so prompt alarm clock , thanks again anne, i was able to wake up
and
get down stairs in time for breakfast . We once again loaded up the
taxi's and the truck to go off to another clinic, but sadly this time
we were a few people short , George and Taylor had gone to the airport
to return home and Marlene stayed at the guesthouse all day due to not
feeling well . We got there and ran around like crazy trying to set up
everything before clinic opened at nine. We started right on time and
were kept very busy, at least till lunch . Raul was a great help in the
pharmacy . After a very delicious lunch and a well deserved break , we
set back to work. But this time instead of continuing my work in the
pharmacy ,i switched places with Mother Michelle so she could escape
the hot sun. I conversed with the people waiting to see the
doctors ,
and i was asked many questions by many of the school children about
Colorado and my name , and my spanish of course . I saw some families
in this line , and conversed with many of the children's from these
families. As the lines dispersed and grew i noticed some unquine
features of these children such as a a flat nose , cleft lip ,
birthmarks in strange places and port wine stains . Marks and features
that we as a society consider ugly , but here these features and these
marks are so beautiful. I saw a girl with a deformity on her lips and
her foot , missing 2 toes , and yet when she smiled back at me, my
heart broke . Her smile was so beautiful and it brought out a tinkle in
her eyes , that made me realize the true beauty in this place . Each
and every child had a sense of beauty about them , with their smiles ,
their eyes , their marks and their features . These things changed me
today , and contiune to change me as i write to you . I will leave Vera
Cruz as a changed person , no longer the incompent american who doesnt
open their eyes so to speak. I have opened my eyes and seen that people
have less than I , but have a greater happiness than i ever could have
gained before this trip . As we ended out the clinic , it started
to
pour , the rain fell down from the sky eventually soaking everyone
outside within seconds . I watched the children run for cover as i ran
across the courtyard to see how everyone was doing in pharmacy since i
left. We ended out the day on a great note and I can't wait to start
yet again another day and meet more people . And continue to spread
this love that God has most graciously given me to spread at my will.
As I once heard , Love with all your heart and spread your love as you
spread money that you spend .
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here for more pictures
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here for even more pictures!!
Emma (note Vaughan hangs too)
On Thursday June 17, 2010, at 7:00 PM,
Paul
Clark wrote:
Today was another long and rather outstanding day. Each school we visit
blows me away even more than the last. The school today was in an even
worse part of town than the previous ones. the perimiter walls are
covered in graffiti and the interior is in disrepair. Inside the school
though, was a sea of smiling faces, all waiting for the medicines that
us Americans take for granted. I was on the task of gretting people
outside the school and inviting them in to see the doctors and when I
saw their faces going in, there was an expression of stress and
concern. Maybe they were concened about where their next meal was going
to come from or that one of their kids was sick. Being on door duty, I
saw most of the patients twice. Going in and coming out. When I saw
their faces on their way out, it just made me feel so good to see smile
after smile, ocasionally acompanied by a "Muchas gracias." It gave me a
strong sense of acomplishment that I helped make these people's day if
not week or even year by playing a role in the distribution of
important medicines.
Paul is our "human
sign" to attract people to the clinic
During the time while we weren't greeting people, I had plenty of time
to reflect on the week and thought about some things I think are
important that I will share with y'all. First, not everyone in the
world is as fortunate as us. There are people who live in a crowded
patch of mud in a crumbling concrete house in a part of town that the
government has all but forgotten. Secondly, no one is evil. I had an
open and half consumed bottle of water taken from me today while on
door duty and I was about to persue the man, but then I remembered that
he needed it much more than I did. Instead, I just got another one from
Curtis, telling him that it had fallen into a puddle and I had to throw
it away. And finally, no matter what color, gender, or culture a person
is, they are still people. When I looked at the people who came to the
clinic today, I noticed something; they were so similar to us in so
many ways. Despite the cultural barrier between us, I was still able to
communicate efectively and have a really great time with these kids. I
was just blown away by the creativity and energy that was botteled up
and overflowing from them. I expected to feel out of place, not
speaking much Spanish at all and thus not understand anything, but then
I realized that the people understood the language of kindness and
generosity and spoke it fluently.
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Paul Clark
On Friday June 18, 2010, at 10:00 PM,
Dana Wait wrote:
Dearest Friends and frequent blog checkers (thanks grandmas):
Today was quite eventful. For I, who chose to sleep in, the morning was
relaxing. Most everyone else went to the center in La Laguna to teach
english classes and run around with the pre-schoolers. From experience
I know that both tasks always involve high energy, yet are imensly
worth while. Seeing and playing with the ninos is probably the reason I
return to Mexico year after year. The sense of appriceation and knowing
that your presence means something is a unique feeling, and one that as
an American is not often felt.
After visiting the center and sharing a meal with the kids, three
groups toured different homes from the Laguna community to gain some
perspective on the living conditions in the area. Having attended a
couple home visits, I was better prepared for the sights of the scene.
The home we visited today consisted of two “bedrooms” and a kitchen
area for a family of five. The four roosters, being the only pets (who
were chained to the “Lawn”) reminded me that I was no longer in the
states. Hospitality shown by the mother opened my eyes to see that
there is generosity in poverty. Generosity is not a demonstration of
wealth but instead a demonstration of how money and kindness are not at
all connected. The evening was spent being tourists
downtown Veracruz
(even some walks on the beach) and a trip to Costco to prepare for
tomorrow's excursion.
Dana makes a
Costco run (more Coca-Cola please !!!)
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here for more pictures
- Dana (With expert advice from Vaughan)
On Saturday June 19, 2010, at 10:00
PM, Curtis
Wait wrote:
We had a great time on our excursion today. 14 teens from the
Laguna
center joined all those from the USA for an African Safari (near
Puebla, Mexico) and tour of
aztec pyramids. It was 8 hours in the bus, but worth it. All had
a
great time. David Penner arrived in time to join us and it
was the
last day for Michele, Dana S, Marlene, Angel, Paul and Emma.
Curtis
& Alejandra on African Safari with Saul (background) and all the
rest of the Amiguitos
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here for more pictures
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here for even more pictures!!
Curtis
On Sunday June 20, 2010, at 10:00 PM,
Anne
Wait wrote:
Today was a quiet day for the Amiguitos here in Veracruz. We had
breakfast with our friends from St. Joseph's and then had to say
adios. They went to the airport for their return flight to the
USA.
We will surely miss them at clinic tomorrow. The main work of the
day
was to begin helping Goldi with her move to the new house. She is
going to be moving into the house that we have been using as our rental
for this month. It is conveniently locate just across the
street. A
lot of furniture and all of the pharmacy supplies were moved in a short
amount of time. The old refrigerator was taken to the community
center, which should be a big help to Goldi on a daily basis. We
plan
to move a little bit each day this week. This evening Curtis
hosted a
movie night for the Laguna teenagers. "Avatar" was enjoyed by all
as
was the pizza that followed. Yum!
Teens watch
"Avatar" on Dana and Vaughan's last night
As you can see, it was a very low key day. Now we are rested and
ready
to go in to high gear for the final four medical clinics this
week.
Click
here for more pictures
~Anne
Here is a recap of the first week of
clinics:
The patients, perscriptions:
Profesor
Manuel Medina Miranda Esquela - Colonia La Laguna
Monday 14 June 2010
177 Patients (121 children, 56 adults)
472 perscriptions (303 children, 169 adults) given.
3 Doctors; 25 on Work Team
Profesor Manuel Medina Miranda Esquela - Colonia La Laguna
Tuesday 15 June 2010
311 Patients (240 children, 71 adults)
832 perscriptions (622 children, 210 adults) given.
4 Doctors; 25 on Work Team
Vincente Lombardo Toledano - Colonia Las Lomas
Wednesday 16 June 2010
339 Patients (258 children, 81 adults)
1236 perscriptions (985 children, 251 adults) given.
4 Doctors; 19 on Work Team
Emma Goday - Colonia Dos Caminos
Thursday 17 June 2010
314 Patients (163 children, 51 adults)
691 perscriptions (530 children, 161 adults) given.
4 Doctors; 19 on Work Team
Week totals:
1041 Patients ( 782 children, 259
adults)
3231 perscriptions (2440
children, 791 adults) given.
On Monday June 21, 2010, at 7:00 PM,
Curtis
Wait wrote:
Today was a great work day. We were at Tarimoya, which is the
poorest
area that we work in and the school agreed at the last moment to allow
us to have clinic there. We were short a doctor and still
delivered a
great clinic (201 patients seen; 608 perscriptions filled).
We miss
all our friends from last week who returned to the USA and enjoyed
having David Penner at his first clinic.
Maria Elena runs
triage at Tarimoya school
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here for more pictures
Curtis
On Tuesday June 22, 2010, at 6:00 PM, David
Penner wrote:
Today we held a clinic at Hermenigildo Galena, at a school Amiguitos
had never been to before. It was the biggest day for the June trip so
far- We had 372 People (908 perscriptions filled), the vast majority
were students at the school. I was helping with triage and doing blood
pressure, which wasn’t bad at all- the kids don’t need to have their
blood pressure checked. We were busy, but it all moved efficiently and
the doctors worked fast. For lunch we had Gordas and empenadas and of
course, Coca cola.
David leads the
triage team - here taking a blood pressure
The kids seemed to think I was strange, all white and tall and blue
eyed- but we all had fun. One highlight was the students dance classes
in the courtyard where we worked- then a group of young girls being
coached to dance to lady gaga.
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here for more pictures
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here for even more pictures!!
David Penner
On Wednesday June 23, 2010, at
6:00 PM, Curtis Wait wrote:
We visited a new school today and saw over 200 patients before
lunch.
Unfortunately the teachers had cancelled the afternoon classes and so
we had very few patients after lunch. The patients had many
more
perscriptions and were happy that we came with medicines. The
team is
doing well and able to see every patient that wants to see a doctor.
Anne and Curtis
work in pharmacy
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here for more pictures
Curtis
On Thursday June 24, 2010, at 10:00
PM, Alex Wait wrote:
Last day of clinic. Started off strong with over 60
children passing
through the gates before we had been at work more than an hour.
The
one child per minute pace did not last all day however. After
seeing
the children from the school in the morning, the teacher of the only
afternoon class decided not to show, rendering the children wild and
scattered. The final count was 230, with 58 adults wandering
in. 621
total prescriptions on the day. Decent numbers for a team of our
size,
but we spent most of the day standing around waiting for a rush that
came and went with the school children. In the afternoon there
was
more smoke from the neighbor’s trash burning ritual entering the
pharmacy than there were prescriptions.
The day did not end so anti-climatic however. After clinic we
made a
stop at the construction site to view the newly finished concrete wall
segment that was now standing on its own. We then had to move all
of
the wood and extra rebar that was leftover off of the site. After
my
life (as well as the lives of David and our strong-young-chamacos) was
in minor peril on a few truck rides the day wound down.
New school work
site and more retaining wall!
Looking back on the week, and two previous, I am very proud of
us.
This has been a very successful trip once again and I would like to
thank each and every one of you who have been a part of it, as well as
those who have been following. You have made this another amazing
experience for me (those reading on the internet didn’t make a whole
lot of difference to me if we’re going to be completely honest but you
deserve credit for such dedication ;] )
From the Hot and Sweaty, This is Alex Wait signing
off-- ¡Viva México! And U-S-A-U-S-A!
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here for more pictures
Alex
Here is a recap of the second
week of
clinics:
The patients, perscriptions:
Jose Maria
Morelos y Poavon Esquela- Colonia Lomas de Terimoya
Monday 21 June 2010
201 Patients (96 children, 105)
608 perscriptions (267 children, 341 adults) given.
3 Doctors; 17 on Work Team
Hermengildo Galena Escuela (nueva) - Colonia El Coyol
Tuesday 22 June 2010
372 Patients (342 children, 30 adults)
908 perscriptions (806 children, 102 adults) given.
4 Doctors; 15.5 on Work Team
Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Esquela (nueva)- Colonia Predio 4
Wednesday 23 June 2010
260 Patients (177 children, 83 adults)
728 perscriptions (432 children, 296 adults) given.
4 Doctors; 16 on Work Team
Jose Maria
Morelos y Poavon Esquela- Colonia Lomas de Terimoya
Thursday 24 June
2010
230 Patients (172 children, 58 adults)
621 perscriptions (435 children, 186 adults) given.
4 Doctors; 15 on Work Team
Week totals:
1063Patients ( 787 children, 276
adults)
2865 perscriptions (1940
children, 925 adults) given.
GRAND TOTALS FOR THE TWO WEEKS:
2104 Patients ( 1569 children, 535
adults)
6096 perscriptions (4380
children, 1716 adults) given.
On Friday June 25, 2010, at 10:00 PM, Anne Wait wrote:
Hola Amiguitos,
First of all, I would like to especially thank all of our friends who
support us by reading the blog. I personally appreciate the
support.
(Sorry about my ungrateful son.) You're the best!
Today was a catch up day. I spent most of the day doing pharmacy
inventory and then packing up supplies with a lot of help from
Jerry.
Alex, David, Jerry, and Curtis began the moving process of Goldi's
house. She is moving out of her current house to the house that
our
guests have been using for the past three weeks. Luckily it is
just
across the street. Today the boys moved a couch, a washing
machine,
two beds, an evaporative cooler, lots of huge water jugs, and about 500
big bottles of Coke - remember the last trip to Costco?!
2010
"Spoons" Champions: Alex, Mauricio and Curtis
This evening we had yet another party with all the Laguna teens.
We
had a computer lab set up, so everyone could play around with the
computers for awhile. I have several new facebook friends after
this
evening. Then we ate some delicious chicken from Feliz
Pollo. It was
yummy, but Omar didn't think the chicken was feliz anymore. After
dinner we had a very lively game of spoons. Curtis, Mauricio and
Alex
were the proud champions. That's it from Veracruz. Buenas
noches.
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here for more pictures
~Anne
On Saturday June 26, 2010, at 2:00 PM,
Curtis Wait wrote:
Hi everyone - My day started (like many) with a 5:45am drive to the
airport (or 11:00pm arrivals is also typical). Today, David
Penner
left for the USA. My tenth and final airport run. Only
Curtis, Anne,
Alex and Jerry remain and we all leave Monday very early (5:45am ....
the usual ... but we'll take a cab). Returning to the house at
6:45am
,I noticed a horse drawn cart and recognized the people in it. I
stopped and talked to Ignatico and Marta plus waved to their children
Jesus and Andres. Iganacio asked why I was up early and how much
longer I was in town. It feels good to just stop in the middle of
the
road and talk to friends. The chickens, donkeys, horses and all
kinds
of bicyles, working carts, pickups, buses and even the motorcycles
selling tortillas seem normal now. Monday I will be back in the
USA
and obeying all the traffic signals and staying in my own lane. I
suspect that will feel strange for a while.
The rest of our day was spent giving a program in Amiguitos new center
in the very poor Lomas de Tarimoya center (an every Saturday
program).
First we all packed up for English classes and computer classes at the
Lomas de Terimoya Amiguitos Center.
Maria Elena and
Curtis help with computer classes in Tarimoya
The teens from Laguna also came and we had a good day with the children
of Tarimoya. Now we rest. Of course there is a meeting with
the
architect (construction on the new Laguna school never stops) and
tomorrow move Goldi into her new house, a meeting with the teens and
closing Eucharist in the evening. Then pack for the trip
home. The
strong sun and bouncing around primative roads in the back of a pickup
truck takes its toll. Up early, up late the "surprise of the day"
which is a Mexican tradition (too many to list on this trip) have taken
their toll. I have a small cold & cough, a sprained toe and
patches of sun burn. All in all I feel great, just a little
nicked
up. However I am thinking more and more about my own bed in
Colorado
these days.
Now Alex has dashed off to watch the USA vs Ghana world cup soccer
match. The rest of us are resting. We look forward to
coming home and
telling you all about the beautiful children here and how much they
mean to us and how meaningful your help is in their lives. Of
course
Maria Elena (assistant teacher in Laguna & hopefully a student at
the University of Veracruz, Veracruz in the spring) is getting sad for
our pending departure (an often repeated step since we trickle back in
small groups). Fortunately, Alex will be returning to
Mexico in two
months to start a semester at the University of Veracruz, Xalapa.
So
he plans to be in Veracruz every weekend and see the chamacos
then.
This brings a smile to Maria Elena's face .... together they will both
be alumni of the University of Veracruz if all goes well!
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here for more pictures
Curtis
On Sunday June 27, 2010, at 9:00 PM,
Curtis Wait wrote:
We are finished! Saturday night was a visit to the malicon in
downtown
Veracruz to see the sailing ships from the Navies of the world who came
to celebrate 200 years of the Veracruz naval station. The group
boarded the Ecuadorian ship which had the nicest band and got everyone
dancing.
Saul, Goldi &
Alex enjoy the ships of the world
Sunday was moving Goldi (while seeing Mexico also leave the world cup
playoffs as did the USA). We had a great time at the center with
Eucharist and goodbyes to all the people in Mexico who worked with us
on the land and in the clinics. We miss them already. Next
time, join
us in Mexico in December !!!
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here for more pictures
Curtis