Rural Guatemala

Our last 2 clinics were held in the rural areas. Saturday we traveled dirt one lane roads which at times the brush and trees thru the jungle areas to El Copado came right up to the sides of the bus. We had 2 armed state police agents travel with us to prevent bus from being robbed - even by the cartel. The ride there was about an hour. A lady from the church opened up her home and that is where we had the clinic - in her yard. As usual, people were already standing in line. The men drew water from the well for the women to cook us a delicious chicken vegetable soup over a large wood fire along with tortillas. I had never seen an pan that big - I bet it was 3 feet wide.
The children were so happy to receive the beanie babies and match box cars - to see the smiles. All received a beaded salvation bracket. It warmed my heart to see the mothers smile when seeing their children smile and laugh. On this journey we say palm tree plantations and sugar cane fields.
The second day we traveled some 2 hours to a small rural church. It had been 14 years since missionaries had. Even there. This was by far the hottest day - exceeding 100 degrees. The pastor of the church came into town to travel with us on the bus. A local surgeon from the church joined us - we saw some 165 people that day. We left the majority medications and medical supplies with the surgeon to use for care. Several patients throughout the week were given his number to call for the care they required - of course he would provide it for free.
The women cooked us a delicious steak lunch. Gene blessed the pastor with his guitar. All the remains glasses (some 4000 pair) and eye testing equipment were left.