Both the internet and electricity have been unreliable, so I’ll take a moment when both are working to post some photos from our clinic at El Limon (a small settlement at the top of a mountain outside Cotui) yesterday.

We were supposed to be at the clinic for two hours; we were there for four. The doctors (Justin, Jennifer) and nurses (Rita, Chris, Kathy, Raeann) saw over 30 patients. We gave away many dental care kits and bags of vitamins, made some new friends, and saw two legitimate emergencies: a young man who had fallen off a motorcycle and had seriously abraded his leg (he needed further treatment in Cotui), and another young man who had an allergic reaction to a bee sting.

The clinical folks were energized by the opportunity to work. Lots of excited chatter in the minivan on the way back to Cotui. As we jounced along over speed bumps and stones in the moonlight, I thought that such a road may be more intimidating for a group from, say, New Jersey. But the road wasn’t much rougher from some of the roads we drive on in the Upper Valley.

I’ll try to write more when we get the time, and the next time the power is up. Today will be busy, with at least one clinic, and maybe two. It’s fun to hear the clinicians discuss their game plans. We’re really working now.

Rita, Justin, and Chris prepare for Wednesday afternoon's clinic in El Limon.

Raeann and Rita training nursing staff at El Limon to perform hand-washing training. Raeann is checking for "bacteria" using ultraviolet light.

Raeann performing fluoride varnishes in El Limon.

Dwayna and a young friend at El Limon.