Surgery Day 3

Surgery, Day 3
I found a way in my busy day to blog. I use my laptop on the bus on the way to and the way home from the hospital, save to a word document then copy and paste.

Last night (Tuesday), we had a storm and the lights went out while we were eating. I was out with Marian (Former foreign exchange student that stayed with us & now Operation Smile Coordinator), Within 5 minutes, Marian’s phone was ringing, the hospital was calling. The power was off, they were calling to assure Marian that everything was fine. They were off for about 45 minutes, the storm continued all night and was pouring buckets when we left at 06:40 the next morning. The hotel security guard escorted everyone to the bus with an umbrella (except me and a few other guys). He was drenched; I sat in the front of the bus today and before the bus pulled away I gave him a $3.00 tip, that’s all I had except for a $20 bill. The water lays mostly in the streets due to the limited number of storm drains, as we drove through the streets to the hospital, multiple Paraguayan’s are trying to huddle under the limited number of bus shelters. Some were standing on the seats of the shelter so they did not have to stand in the water and sometimes mud. In some areas the water was several inches high.

It’s now 7pm and we are on the bus back to the hotel. As soon as I open my room door, I’m going to the fridge for a cold one. Can’t beat the price for the convenience, it’s only a buck a beer. I was so busy today I didn’t get time to take many pictures. The good news is there is a professional photographer on this trip; Bert is a great guy and taking lots of good shots which I will be able to share. Today he took a picture of me, Anne & Marian, Operation Smile may do a story on our family, we’ll see. Sorry to say we had to cancel 3 or 4 surgeries today due to medical conditions the patients presented with today. We may try to do one on Friday, from what I heard tomorrow (day 4) will be very busy.
The family of the one of the patient's was keeping a diary for her son. She asked me to sign the diary, what I do and what country I’m from. In return she gave me a small hand crocheted white hat with a purple ribbon. The photographer was making his rounds and got some good pictures of the gift. Her gift to me ment more than words can express. The afternoon was very busy for me; I only took a few minutes to eat lunch. A student Volunteer, Analia Ruiz was huge help for me today. She translated for me with the patients and their families which made me a lot more efficient.
I had a great day today, I really feel good inside, we are making a difference. I am so glad I’m here. I am totally exhausted but it’s a good type of exhaustion. My goal is to be in bed sleeping by 9:30. Life is good.








This is Heimi, the OR tech from Peru. What a great guy, he is the one who used the machine to shock your heart by testing it with a fluorscent bulb



Diana, RN. I worked with her, she calls me "Daddy", she is a friend of Marian's. Super to work with




This is the great student volunteer that helped me today. I have to buy her a nice gift, I asked Marian to help with pick something out.



This is the famlily that took my picture yesterday after surgery. I gave them some Hershey kisses, everyone is fine




Some of the volunteers taking a lunch break





This is our kitchen staff, both volunteers, the daughter is an accountant, not sure what her mother does. Both are great. Today they sent a few people looking for me, the coffee machine broke and they saved me a cup. I was asked by some, "How do you rate", it's the Hershey Kisses!!




Typical breakfast at our hotel