Mexico 2008, Day 5

The beginning of another day!

Setting up.

We worked at the governmental building of each town, which functions similar to a commissary. Every one of them was painted a characteristic aqua green as in the picture above.

A long line...There was a jail cell there, but thankfully it was not occupied at the time!

The medical team sets up shop
We were surprised at how many people, mainly the older generation, spoke Mayan. In this case, we had several people who volunteered to help translate. The picture above represents a typical "translating chain." The Mayan patient's words would be translated by a Mayan/Spanish translator who in turn would translate it into Spanish for a Spanish/English translator to relate in English to the American doctor. Pretty amazing!?
The pharmacy crew
Steve translating

I attempt to translate...
This elderly woman came in complaining of pain. She told us she had been clearing brush near her house with a machete! That said it all!

Handing out gifts to the little girls
Taking a break with Kelly and Mel
The children loved to color!
What beautiful tissue paper flowers! I wished Bethany could have been there to see these! I talked a little with the chilrden, and they said they were going to have a fiesta at 5:30 that evening and dance! They and their teachers were setting up a stage and setting up decorations behind the building where we worked at. They were so excited!
Dad and I took a walk around the town, and these two little girls followed us on their bikes, giggling. I wonder why?
Some of the surrounding homes
On the bus ride back to Valladolid in the late afternoon, I sat next to this man who struck up a lively conversation with me in Spanish. What fun! It was neat to listen to him talk and I did my best to understand. I learned that he has a daughter with my name (which is Kristina in Spanish, although I do not know if it is spelled the same). One of the things he asked was what denomination I was. As I tried to explain, he basically just said, "Do you belive in Christ?" and I said, "Yes." That was all that mattered.

Check it out!

http://www.missionarytalks.com/2008/05/15/missionary-talks-51-medical-mission-trip/

This website is by Mr. Peach, one of the missionaries from Mexico who served with us during our week in Valladolid. On the way back from Valladolid he interviewed Pastor Allred and Phillip, also missionaries in Mexico, as well as Armando, who was part of the evangelism ministry. I thought they summarized the trip to Valladolid very well. Here is the link so that you can listen to it too!

Steve and I listened to part of this broadcast this morning. As a result, I found out something that I hadn't known. Apparently, on one of the last days of our mission, Candi, one of the DIF governmental workers who helped with triage, came to know the Lord. It is so exciting to know that the Lord was present and worked in hearts during that time! As I have been praying for Candi recently, this was a huge encouragement to me!

The Mariachi Band!

Mexico 2008, Day 4: A Special Evening

On Wednesday evening, the mayor treated our team to dinner in appreciation for all of the teams who had served in Valladolid. Since our group was the last of the season, we got to enjoy this time of celebration.
It was such a gorgeous evening; the moon was out and we enjoyed the cool breeze outside!

The mayor's wife

After dinner, we were surprised by the appearance of a mariachi band who came to seranade us! What fun!

They sang the traditional quiñcinera song for me in honor of my birthday that week!

Mrs. Thomas (our translator) and the president of DIF

Mexcio 2008, Day 4

Más fotos:

The pharmacy occupied a small hut. Here we are setting up the shelves and medications to begin work for the day.

Steve and Phillip

This is where the medical team had their station for the day

This elderly gentleman has been selling gum to earn a living ever since he was a boy!

Also on this day the dental team was able to minister to the inmates at the local jail. They provided dental treatment, and the gospel was shared to those present. What a wonderful opportunity!

Before the patients had their medical consults, they would participate in an evangelism session led by a Mexican pastor and deacon.
The market was situated right next to where we worked.
Tres niñitas
Lunch break! Did you know that there are quite a variety of Dorito chips in Mexico? Mr. Peach, with his famous hat, deciphers the messages printed on the chips.

Dad and a physician from the area

Of course, the balloons were a hit once again! I love the expression on Anna's face (far left)!

Trying out my balloon making skills...

Steve was posted at the entrance of the clinics and handed people worm pills as they entered. What an experience! Later on, he handed off this glorious vocation to me, and I learned the word for worm in Mayan: bicho ("beacho"). It was also fun talking to the DIF (a government health organization) workers, and laughing at their funny comments. Steve and I made good friends with a lovely lady named Candi as we worked together throughout the week.

I got sunburned that day...not bad, but my ears just got really red. The reason why I remember is because at the end of the afternoon, one of the DIF workers pointed at me and laughed saying, "¡Sus orejas son rojas!" ("Her ears are red!") In response, I grinned and shyly covered my ears. It was fun to be able to catch little things like that--I knew my little bit of Spanish had payed off.

More happened on this day, but I'll will have to post about that at another time!

Mexico 2008, Day 3

This was our hotel's water heater -- just a continual fire in an open furnace behind the hotel!

Tropical flowers
Dad with some of the children from the village that we went to on Tuesday Michelle made coloring so fun!
Bright, smiiling faces...

Precious moments....

"Stebe" translating for dental