But, we didn't finish. So on Saturday, November 26th we went back to finish the job. But the story begins before that...
In my last blog I wrote about my Thanksgiving Day and about the typhoon that was coming into the Visayas region where I am. We originally were supposed to go to Conception on Friday, Nov 25th and stay over until Saturday. However, with the weather so bad, the threat of flooding and the roughness of the river (part of the trip to Conception involves riding on a boat) the mayor of Conception and the Oikos Sisters decided that it was not a good idea to go at that time. However, Friday was an absolutely beautiful day, so we decided to go on Saturday, just for the day.
We left bright and early, around 3am...dark and early is more accurate!! Packing food for our volunteers and more medical and dental equipment (some we left in Conception as we knew we were coming back) we filled up the trucks and were on our way. I didn't think much of the walk to the river before going on the boat... it is about a 15 minute walk...it starts with a steep hill and ends with a steep hill, with a few twists in between. But I have boots and pants, a jacket...I was all ready with my little day pack that had a change of shorts, water bottle and a few other things.
But when we arrived at the unloading spot, I saw the results of the storm the previous night... wet, soupy, slippery mud and lots of puddles of standing water. We had some strong young men who were helping us down the first hill. I have to say that Filipinos are, generally, very graceful and have awesome balance. I feel like Bozo the Clown around them in situations like this!!! Trying to climb down a steep, muddy, slippery hill with nothing to hold on to, and everyone watching is no fun, let me tell you! But conquer the first hill, I did!! I was thinking as I approached the second hill, covered in water and mud from walking along the side of the muddy road in the high grass, that I looked like I fell in the mud...nope. I didn't at all. I realized that after I fell in the mud!! I was trying to get down the second hill and stepped on a place that wasn't firm...and down I went, like on a slide! I was mortally embarrassed...even more so after seeing that hardly anyone else had even as much mud on them as I had before I fell! On the boat, I watched the male volunteers on our team carry heavy boxes of medical equipment on their shoulders while easily climbing over the hills and the muck. Wow!! I mean WOW!!!!!
However, once we got to Conception, and I changed into my shorts...gratefully, we got all set up, had some breakfast and a beautiful praise and worship session, I was in the mode for working! I was on a team with Sister Aileen, who is a nurse. I learned how to take people's blood pressure, how to administer the nebulizer and how to test people's sugar. I had a good day, spending some of it with the kids, who are always so drawn to me...it's so cute! We sang a few songs and I spoke to them in my broken Waray Waray, which they understood, thank you very much!! It was a good day!! With three doctors, two dentists, a few pharmacists and nurses...we were very busy!!
At about 4pm, when I assumed we were leaving, I learned that the priest, Fr. Arci, was asking us to stay one more day to finish up with the people who weren't seen by the doctors yet. One doctor and one dentist could stay, so the Sisters said ok. However...I had just packed a day pack...no pjs, toothbrush or paste, soap, change of clothes for the morning...nothing! Actually, I thought I was so smart because we were going to our mission house in the mountains directly after Conception on Saturday, so I had my big bag sent there the night before so I wouldn't have to carry it all day. No, not so smart!! Although the plan was to stay just for one day, almost everyone else had back ups just in case we stayed. I was a little distraught at first, but I quickly brushed off that mood for one of a lesson learned and enjoying the adventure of it all...and I did!
Over the two days, the doctors and dentists helped over 600 people with health care and free medications from the Oikos Charity Pharmacy!!! All were so happy to be helped, so, so happy that we came back and so relieved to have had seen a doctor. The amount of money it takes to travel from Conception to the nearest city, Arteche, is just about equal to a day's food for a family. It is a dear cost and isn't made often. And of the 4 barrios we helped, Conception is the closest to Arteche, from the other barrios, it costs more. Also, there is not signal in Conception or the other barrios surrounding it...no phone or computers...no way to call or email a doctor for advice. It is a grim reality.
As we left Conception, me in my dried muddy pants (!), we were sent off with smiles and gratitude. Despite the troubles I had, it was a great trip and I am so, so grateful to have been a part of it. So grateful to have had another learning experience that helped me to grow as a person and as a missionary. Growth is often painful...whether physical, emotional or spiritual, there can be a lot of pain in growing. But always, I keep in mind what my brother-in-law, John, likes to say..."Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" So, there I was...dirty, smelly, a little embarrassed and a lot tired, but stronger...and more knowledgeable about being a good missionary. That's what it's all about, folks!! Living and growing, loving and giving, and most importantly, trusting in the Good Lord that He has me in His mighty Hands. xxoo
A few immersion pictures:
The steep and muddy hills:
Sister Michelle and, my partner, Sister Aileen working hard!
The doctors seeing their patients:
Some of my fans!!!
Some beautiful scenic views:
