Tuesday: La Escalera...

La Escalera, The Ladder...  That's where Tuesday's clinic was.  Like Monday, we were working with the other missionary couple, helping them learn how we do clinics.  What works and what doesn't.  Of course, what works mostly is flexibility, the ability to change things on the fly.

Since we were going to La Escalera, it would be another chicken truck day.  But this time we wouldn't need to take the chicken truck all the way.  We'd be able to go by bus for quite a while before transferring over to the big truck.  Once again, Zair was called to be our bus transportation.  To the surprise of all of us, Zair got us quite a ways up the mountain, much further than any of us thought he'd be able to go in the bus.  And, apparently, much higher than the people in the area though we could (or should) go.  But then we all switched over to the waiting chicken truck.  Me?  I got to ride in the cab of a pick-up truck that the Honduran doctors were using.

Another day, another chicken truck ride

It was only about 10 or 15 more minutes before we arrived in La Escalera.  Many people were already in line and waiting for us.  One pick-up truck of supplies was already there and they were in the process of setting up, which always makes the opening minutes much easier.

Many people were already waiting as we arrived.

We had a great group of students with us as translators.  For several of them, it was their first time to translate. I know that many of their parents were so proud of their children being able to use the English skills they are learning.  I also know that several of the students are very interested in going into medicine and I watched several doctors quickly form teaching bonds with their young helpers during the week.

In La Escalera, our quarters were a bit more cramped, but once we got things going, it all flowed quite well.  Traffic flow and control is actually pretty critical to these clinics, as it helps establish order.  This week, that was my primary responsibility on sight, which also meant that I was standing all day.  I'm thankfully for my nice, comfy Keen sandals!

Everyone was kept busy all day, and it seemed that we had to keep one person doing various lab tests almost the whole time.  Sometimes we don't need that many labs; it just depends on the community and their needs.

Dr. Josh examining a patient.

Kelsey taking a blood sample for a sugar check.

It was another long day, but there are never any complaints.  Everyone pitches in to break down and pack up clinic.  It's amazing how quickly it gets done, but the group is usually motivated to go outside and give away sweaters, balls, and other gifts to the children.

Tomorrow? Clinic at Carboneras.