Greetings from Sucre, Bolivia,
Well, after a day of intermittent internet connections we're finally back on line. The first piece to share was written by John Bendele, nurse anesthetist. He's working with the surgical staff and has provided an overview of their work so far.
Our first week of surgeries was very successful. With many gallbladders and hernia operations and one emergency appendectomy. I am always amazed by the smooth team work of surgical technician, nurses, and physicians from many locations, from Joliet to, California, Florida, and Kentucky. The added help from local nurses, surgeons, and medical students make these procedures possible for the poor.
Each day our recovery room nurse provides great care. She is sometimes assisted or relived by one of our anesthesia providers, taking turns staying with our last patient of the day.
All of our surgeries have been aided by our ability to overcome unfamiliar conditions and equipment and make safety our first priority. Our patients are our gift of mission service. They give themselves over to us with the same faith we have in our hope to cure and aid them.
Thanks John!
Our construction team continued the work on Martins banos. We're able to complete the footing just before the rain came. We also help get the roof project started on another home. As we finish the week we are starting to review the remaining projects:
1. Sealing the wall of a home to protect from Chagus disease
2. Painting on outside wall
3. Painting a large meeting room for the indigenous project we are sponsoring
4. Assist in finishing the banos construction.
Bruce
