Today is the long day, with most of the volunteers working for more than 12 hours. Hundreds of Guatemalan natives line the walls of the Obras, dressed in their Sunday best, waiting for the chance to meet the American doctors. No surgeries or miracles will be performed today, but most patients will be diagnosed in preparation for the rest of the week.
After a 6 am breakfast, the mission team shuffled over to the hospital, medical equipment in hand. After a few group photos under the cloudy Antigua skies, the mass of volunteers was brought inside for a tour of the facility, led by Odra, the OR director, and Anabela, the administrative assistant. The tour brought the team through the different sections of the Obras, including the acute and chronic care facilities, where many patients who are not able to care for themselves are given shelter, food, and medical care.
Today also marks the inauguration of the hospital's brand-new audiology clinic. In the past, audiologists had to compete with the sounds of noisy celebrations and church services being broadcast over the PA system while attempting to perform hearing tests on their patients. But now, hearing specialists have a quiet spot in the Obras, nestled in the higher reaches of the hospital away from other patients and sonic distractions. The audiology department, constructed just last week, produces some of the more fairytale-like miracles— granting the gift of sound to grandparents who haven't heard in thirty years, or allowing children to hear their mothers' voices for the first time.
The inaugural clinic's inaugural patient was a young one named Diana, whose hearing seems to come and go. Her parents cannot tell whether or not she has a legitimate hearing problem, or is at times simply choosing to ignore them. The doctors performed several hearing tests in their new premises, including one in which Diana was asked to don a pair of earphones and raise her hand each time she heard a sound. Such tests are used by the audiologists to determine the sensitivity of each patient's hearing, and in certain cases whether or not to grant the patient a hearing aid.
Meanwhile, as Diana was being tested, another part of the team was hard at work. For the patients, waiting can be a dull, miserable, or even frightening experience. A hospital can be an uncomfortable environment, especially for young children, and many patients are nervous to meet the doctors and be diagnosed. Here to combat this anxious environment is the art team, also known as the Student Ambassadors.
This year, composed mainly of teenage volunteers, the Student Ambassadors spend their time by handing out crayons, paper, art supplies and puzzles, and encouraging the children to engage in games to help lessen their boredom or fear.
Usually at the end of a long day, the team will meet up at the Cafe Sky, a restaurant known for the beautiful views on its rooftop bar. But not today, as grey clouds and constant drizzle stop the plans for relaxation after a days work. Once again, small groups disperse throughout the town, rushing to find a meal in the downpour.
Wishing the team a successful mission. Your posts are great and give us a real feeling for what is happening. Thanks, Sharon B.
Posted by: SharonB | June 27, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Nathan and Andrew,
Good job on the posts! I feel like I know you as Deb has mentioned you to me on more than one occasion. Thanks for keeping us up to date. It's exciting and engaging for us folks on the sidelines.
Posted by: Barbara Bailey | June 27, 2011 at 02:54 PM