The new school at Jasmin is amazing! I don't think it will be completed in March as currently predicted, but it will be worth the wait. St. Joseph's now has 420 students enrolled in its temporary school under tarps at the top of the hill behind the church. So, that's 100 more students than last school year! Wow!
We visited the school when we arrived, then the head master dismissed the youngest kids so that we could use their desks in our clinic. Then, the work began. We worked steadily all day. I think we saw about 220 patients. I still don't know how many we saw yesterday, more, I think. I'm not sure how many the dentists saw today. I know that they had more extractions and surgeries and less restoration than yesterday.
In keeping with our Haiti experience, the set up was a little different than in the past. The church was empty since the school is meeting up the hill, so that meant we had more room inside, and no barriers to keep our patients from wandering into the pharmacy. A little girl about age 4 or 5 ran up to me when we arrived and did not leave my side most of the day. She spoke very little, but was very smart and had great small motor skills. She helped fill bags, label meds, and even mark med cups. She was a joy!
Another change was that Peterson translated for Dianne today. Dianne's usual translator, Watson, had to accompany our guesthouse manager Bob to court to translate Bob's testimony in an investigation into a theft he had. Peterson told me that he felt bad and did not think he could manage the pharmacy pace, so I took the new guy, Sammy, who did a good job for a first timer.
As in the past, we saw less malaria and diabetes than in Gressier, but more respiratory issues. The high blood pressure seems to be rampant in both communities. As in Gressier, the incidence of STD's is almost non-existant, which is a huge difference from when we began the clinics 4 years ago. Weirdly, liquid tears are a huge "seller" in Jasmin. The eyeglasses continue to be a necessity. People bring their old glasses to trade for a stronger pair. The expression on their faces when they can see clearly is priceless!
One thing that has not changed is the road to Jasmin. It still makes any thrill ride seem tame in comparison. The most "thrilling" part for me is the descent, when we have to get on one side of the truck or the other to balance the load as we maneuver the turns. Yikes!
I presented our lay leader Maxo with the photos of the children which we had taken last year. He and his wife Elise were thrilled. I also gave Maxo an Episcopal flag which they were excited to see and will fly proudly in front of the church. A few parents were still at the clinic when I gave Maxo the photos and they proudly showed their children's photos to our doctors. We take so much for granted in our lives. The smallest thing, a photo of their children, which is something that they have never had before, means so much.
I shared pictures and a letter from the Christ Church Daughters of the King with Elise and Maxo. There are 17 St. Joseph's women who are studying to become Daughters. Elise was very touched by the prayers and connection with these women in Atlanta.
We're finishing up our daily med preparation and everyone is trying to get to bed a little earlier than we did last night. We anticipate another long day tomorrow at Jasmin. Our patients will be walking 4 hours one way from Nicholas, another of Kerwin's parishes, to see the doctors and dentists. Until tomorrow..... Terry
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