Amalia & Albert's newest addition, together with Big Sister Priscila! Baby Sofia joined us on Sunday, April 22nd. Welcome, Sofi!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Baby Sofia!
Amalia & Albert's newest addition, together with Big Sister Priscila! Baby Sofia joined us on Sunday, April 22nd. Welcome, Sofi!
Monday, April 23, 2007
March/April '07 Update
These have been months filled with highs and lows, and now the hottest months of the year (April & May) are upon us! Together with you, our Partners in Missions, we’ve been busy!
General Mission Update:
- Helped coordinate & provide hospitality for a Perspectives training event at the Bible School here in Ocosingo, sponsored by the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. Over 60 participants from Mexico and Latin America came together to experience this renowned missions training course (http://www.perspectives.org/)
- Facilitated a mission group of 14 from Westover Hills Presbyterian in
- Provided hospitality and meals for bible school students and workers who stayed on campus during the 2-week Easter Break
- Joined Pablo & members of the Maya Synod to present our organization's model for cross-cultural missions at the Mexico Missions Network Conference
- Received an important acknowledgment of our work here from PCUSA and offers of assistance with visas, insurance coverage, and other practical matters. Truly a case of "build it and they will come!"
- Conducted site visits and meetings with churches that will receive mission teams this summer, helping them to maximize the benefit of having a mission team, prepare sleeping, eating and bathroom facilities to for the teams, etc. And coordinating with the leaders of
- Organized prayer chains & financial support for Santiago Feliciano Cruz, as he was treated for a ruptured appendix. Although tragic, the experience helped many of us better understand the medical care often provided to indigenous people here and how important it is to complete the medical clinic (see details in other blog entries).
- Regrettably, our grant proposal for the prison chapel construction and prison ministry was not funded. But Rotary International has notified clubs in
Manos de Cristo Update (Medical Clinic):
- As is often the case, architects, visionaries and builders don’t always see eye-to-eye! We're working hard to get past some differences of opinion related to roof construction. With God’s help and lots of cooperation, we should be moving forward soon and getting the trusses in place!
- The basement area has been completed now, along with the foundation. All the structural beams have been completed as well, hence the need to move forward with getting the roof trusses up.
- Relationships are being established with Mexican pharmaceutical distributors to provide medications for the upcoming medical mission teams and for the pharmacy on-site at the clinic when it’s completed.
Family Update:
- We finally got our house rented! Last weekend a family from
- We enjoyed the classic Mexican hospitality of our long-time friend, Francisco “Pancho” Jimenez, and his family in
- We are grateful for the internet since it helps us stay connected to happenings in the
- We know that you join us in celebrating the birth on Sunday, April 22nd of Sofia Machelle, daughter #2 to proud parents, Amalia and Albert, and proud grandparents, Pablo & Jan. Big sister, Priscila, and all those living in the Feliciano household will welcome mom and baby home tomorrow!! Watch the blog for updates & pics soon!
- Special
Prayers
- For God to continue opening doors of opportunity for us to serve
- Of gratitude for the continued recovery of Santiago Feliciano Cruz and for all those around the
- For the continued work of Hermana Luisa, Hermana Antonia and Jan in the prison ministry
- Of support and encouragement for those coping with illness, including Tenney Dean, Nancy Lingenfelser, Jim Scott, Peggy Skrynski, Mary Wynne Perryman, Bonnie Bode, Tom Edwards, Katie Yarbrough, Hal Newell, Dick Dye, Marshall Hollingsworth, Louise Holshouser, and all of those affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy. As always, please let us know of your prayer needs and whether it's ok to share them with others.
- Of support and encouragement for fellow missionaries and their families around the world, including Pablo & Jan Feliciano, all the Dye Family Missionaries around the world, David Meacham, John and Sandra Wimbish, future missionaries Julie Alexander and her husband, John, and Jim & Sharon Heneveld.
Opportunities
- Coordinate collections of
- Donate to
- Donate to First Presbyterian Church in
- Mission Tip of the Month: Many people question the choice to participate in mission trips to foreign countries when we have so much need in our own communities and our own country. There’s no question that there are lots of needs. If you have a chance, ask someone who’s been on a foreign mission trip how their level of involvement in local and regional missions has changed since their first foreign mission trip. For many, once the “mission bug” has bitten, the call to serve close to home can be heard (and answered) loud & clear.
Ginny, John, Holly & Maggie Mills
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Learning about Feeding Mexicans!
As I've mentioned, Holy Week and the week after are vacations for Mexican students, hence the Bible School where we live is officially closed. There are, however, a few students and a couple of staff who are working this week and thus needing to be fed since the school kitchen is closed. John and Pablo have been in and out, so much of this has been a solo adventure for me and the girls. For the first time, I am charged with preparing 3 meals a day for Mexicans who are eating in our home for 2 weeks, and I thought I'd share some observations.
- Mealtimes traditionally follow the work cycle, which is driven by the weather. Folks go to work early in the morning, break for breakfast about 9AM as the sun is starting to get hot. After breakfast, they return to work until 2PM when they stop for their biggest meal of the day and get a break from the sun. By 4PM, they are back at work and usually work until dark, just in time to get washed up and to dinner by 8PM.
- The need for hot, fresh corn tortillas, black beans, rice and chilés at every lunch and dinner is far more important than variety.
- Rice must be started at least an hour before and is to be fried with oil before adding water and salt.
- Fruit is okay, an occasional vegetable is fine too, but if all you have is rice, beans, tortillas and chilés, that's great.
- Flavored water is expected at lunch, and coffee is expected at both breakfast and dinner - coffee with lots and lots of sugar!
- For many Mexicans, meat may only be served on Sundays, and even for those who have more funds, meat is rarely served at both lunch and dinner. Eggs are a fine substitute and may be served for any meal.
- Corn tortillas must be served hot and fresh. Most Mexicans who can afford to buy them (instead of making them from scratch every day) buy at least 1-2 kilos (2.2 - 4.4 lbs.) per day every day. I was delighted to learn that I could buy fresh tortillas from a guy on a motorcycle with a cooler strapped on the back, if I happen to look up when he drives by. (which I did today....yeah!)
- With the rising prices of corn, the cost of 1 kilo of freshly-made corn tortillas has risen to an all-time high of 8 pesos per kilo here in Ocosingo (about 73 cents). This amount is beyond the reach of many Mexicans, and there is much concern about the 14% increase in tortilla prices over this past year. See http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/164391
- The men are very cordial and respectful but are accustomed to being waited on, even the teenagers. They expect to be able to sit down and have everything brought to them. If you want something, you must ask for it to be passed to you, because the family style model of "have some and pass it," really must not be practiced here at all. I've fought the temptation to follow Jan's model (just not eating until later so she can be available to walk around to hand things to people instead of expecting them to pass things to each other around the table). When they are done, the guys rise from the table, express their gratitude and leave.
- Women are accustomed to doing the waiting on the guys. Even with their peers, young Mexican women will attend to the need for a coffee cup to be refilled or some other request. When the meal is over, they very willingly (and without a hint of resentment as the guys walk away) begin cleaning and washing until every pots, plate, cup and spoon is washed, dried and put away, the floor swept, and every morsel of food that can be served tomorrow, wrapped up and in the fridge.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
All for the sake of potable water!
With the school kitchen closed and a few students and workers hanging around this week, we have extra guests at our table each day -- thus an increased need for food and water. After bemoaning the discovery that our precious water heater had burned itself out, John had broken down to take a cold shower on Monday afternoon. Dressed only in his boxers, he recognized the distinctive sound of the Miramar water truck speakers outside. Since we were almost out of water and the truck was driving away, John rushed to the door in hopes of calling the water truck back and having time to run back inside to grab a pair of jeans. And of course, the door closed behind him! So with much chagrin, John ran up the outside stairs to the girls' rooms, passing the 20 y/o female student on the front porch, in hopes of getting Holly or Maggie to run down and unlock the door for him (which they did, of course, snickering all the while). On the way back down, he had to walk past the lady waiting patiently in the Miramar truck before retrieving his jeans and his money. Just one example of how much we take for granted the potable water that comes out fresh and clean from our faucets in the US (and why you should NEVER run outside in your underwear!).
Easter Disappointment in Mexico
Over the years, Easter has slowly assumed its permanent place in my hierarchy of holidays as my very favorite. As my dad said, "It should be the happiest day of the year!" I couldn't agree more. Over the last several years, our church in Mt. Airy, NC has established some important rituals that have made Easter even more special to our family, but since we're currently living in Mexico, we were obviously not able to participate this year.
We've come to appreciate the Holy Week activities that include a powerful Maundy Thursday service, sometimes a Good Friday service, but always a Easter-eve all night vigil and a grand celebration on Easter Morning.
The all night vigil offers a time for individuals to be in the sanctuary alone to pray, meditate, cry, sing and reflect on the significance of the sacrifice on the cross and the amazing promise of the resurrection. Some of my most meaningful spiritual experiences have occurred during the all-night vigils between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
As the Easter morning services begin, the lights are down, there is silence in the air, the sanctuary is bare, and the cross, with its crown of thorns, captivates every eye. As the service begins, slowly "new life" emerges. The lights slowly rise. The vestments are brought forth and the altar area is dressed and adorned for the day. Music progresses from peaceful to joyful, and soon members of the congregation come forward to "flower the cross" with beautiful fresh flowers! Sometimes there has been extra-special music, and of course, everyone has dressed their best in cheerful outfits that complement the beauty of the flowers. By mid-service, the mood is jubilant, the celebration is in full force as we celebrate "He is Risen Indeed!"
But not for Presbyterians in Mexico. Holy Week is a week of vacations for virtually all people in Mexico. Schools are out for 2 weeks. Adults are often granted the whole week off. The streets are FULL of families shopping for fish (the only acceptable meat to be consumed during Holy Week), children enjoying the time off from school, and vendors GALORE! Until Good Friday when everything shuts down --- for the day. I've heard that in some cities, on Good Friday night, all night long (literally) there are speakers that amplify a recording of "Mary, mother of Jesus," as she sobs and wails in response to the crucifixion of Jesus. All night long, Mary cries. Fiestas are everywhere, and for some, it is an occasion to be celebrated with much drink, fireworks, and song...again, all night long. By Saturday, and ironically Easter Sunday, except for seeing more kids out, it's back to business as usual. Stores are open. Gas and water trucks with their loud speakers and clanging chains are back out on the road.
Our Easter morning Presbyterian worship service did begin at 7AM instead of 10, but there weren't many people there because many were vacationing in their home villages with extended family. There was no extra effort to dress extra nice or to collect our fresh flowers for flowering the cross because the cross is conspicuously absent. There was no special music and no celebration. It seemed sad to me that the need for Presbyterians here to distinguish themselves from the Catholics couldn't translate into seeing the opportunity to shift the focus from obsessing about death and the mourning, to proclaiming loud and joyfully, "He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!"
I love being here, and I love our brothers and sisters in Christ here. Part of the "new" model of missions is to be partners in missions, not patriarchs. We are hear to partners with our brothers & sisters in Christ and to respect the culture here - not try to change it. It never occurred to me that the joy of Easter would be lost here. Pray with me that we can find some way that does respect the culture to share of our experiences of celebrating the resurrection and invite our Presbyterian brothers & sisters to join in that celebration so that they too may revel in the promise of new life, hope and love that Easter symbolizes for so many.
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Amen.
We've come to appreciate the Holy Week activities that include a powerful Maundy Thursday service, sometimes a Good Friday service, but always a Easter-eve all night vigil and a grand celebration on Easter Morning.
The all night vigil offers a time for individuals to be in the sanctuary alone to pray, meditate, cry, sing and reflect on the significance of the sacrifice on the cross and the amazing promise of the resurrection. Some of my most meaningful spiritual experiences have occurred during the all-night vigils between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
As the Easter morning services begin, the lights are down, there is silence in the air, the sanctuary is bare, and the cross, with its crown of thorns, captivates every eye. As the service begins, slowly "new life" emerges. The lights slowly rise. The vestments are brought forth and the altar area is dressed and adorned for the day. Music progresses from peaceful to joyful, and soon members of the congregation come forward to "flower the cross" with beautiful fresh flowers! Sometimes there has been extra-special music, and of course, everyone has dressed their best in cheerful outfits that complement the beauty of the flowers. By mid-service, the mood is jubilant, the celebration is in full force as we celebrate "He is Risen Indeed!"
But not for Presbyterians in Mexico. Holy Week is a week of vacations for virtually all people in Mexico. Schools are out for 2 weeks. Adults are often granted the whole week off. The streets are FULL of families shopping for fish (the only acceptable meat to be consumed during Holy Week), children enjoying the time off from school, and vendors GALORE! Until Good Friday when everything shuts down --- for the day. I've heard that in some cities, on Good Friday night, all night long (literally) there are speakers that amplify a recording of "Mary, mother of Jesus," as she sobs and wails in response to the crucifixion of Jesus. All night long, Mary cries. Fiestas are everywhere, and for some, it is an occasion to be celebrated with much drink, fireworks, and song...again, all night long. By Saturday, and ironically Easter Sunday, except for seeing more kids out, it's back to business as usual. Stores are open. Gas and water trucks with their loud speakers and clanging chains are back out on the road.
Our Easter morning Presbyterian worship service did begin at 7AM instead of 10, but there weren't many people there because many were vacationing in their home villages with extended family. There was no extra effort to dress extra nice or to collect our fresh flowers for flowering the cross because the cross is conspicuously absent. There was no special music and no celebration. It seemed sad to me that the need for Presbyterians here to distinguish themselves from the Catholics couldn't translate into seeing the opportunity to shift the focus from obsessing about death and the mourning, to proclaiming loud and joyfully, "He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!"
I love being here, and I love our brothers and sisters in Christ here. Part of the "new" model of missions is to be partners in missions, not patriarchs. We are hear to partners with our brothers & sisters in Christ and to respect the culture here - not try to change it. It never occurred to me that the joy of Easter would be lost here. Pray with me that we can find some way that does respect the culture to share of our experiences of celebrating the resurrection and invite our Presbyterian brothers & sisters to join in that celebration so that they too may revel in the promise of new life, hope and love that Easter symbolizes for so many.
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Amen.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Santiago & Mexican Healthcare (Part V)
Saturday PM Update
It appears that Santiago has been cleared for discharge! Alleluia! There was a little concern about his glucose level, but I think they must have gotten that under control. The only question at this point is whether or not they can cover the bill since it has to be paid in full at the time of discharge.
Santiago's story will continue to represent a strong illustration of the need for a good medical clinic in Ocosingo, particularly one that is dedicated to serving indigenous people conscientiously and respectfully. It has also reminded us as mission planners about the importance of having clearly defined medical emergency plans. We have been blessed to have no major episodes in our 10+ years of travel here. We've had a few cases of viruses and such, and only one medical emergency that was handled professionally and successfully. Nevertheless, part of our mission is to be sure that every person who comes down on a mission trip has a successful and positively memorable experience, and this experience causes us to take much more seriously the need to be planful for medical emergencies.
For all your prayers, love, kind words and financial support, we thank you. Probably no more periodic updates will be needed, but feel free to email me if you just want to know for sure that he's doing well.
It appears that Santiago has been cleared for discharge! Alleluia! There was a little concern about his glucose level, but I think they must have gotten that under control. The only question at this point is whether or not they can cover the bill since it has to be paid in full at the time of discharge.
Santiago's story will continue to represent a strong illustration of the need for a good medical clinic in Ocosingo, particularly one that is dedicated to serving indigenous people conscientiously and respectfully. It has also reminded us as mission planners about the importance of having clearly defined medical emergency plans. We have been blessed to have no major episodes in our 10+ years of travel here. We've had a few cases of viruses and such, and only one medical emergency that was handled professionally and successfully. Nevertheless, part of our mission is to be sure that every person who comes down on a mission trip has a successful and positively memorable experience, and this experience causes us to take much more seriously the need to be planful for medical emergencies.
For all your prayers, love, kind words and financial support, we thank you. Probably no more periodic updates will be needed, but feel free to email me if you just want to know for sure that he's doing well.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Santiago & Mexican Healthcare (Part IV)
Thursday PM Update
You can always tell someone is feeling better and getting well when they start acting like themselves again. Such is the case with our dear friend, Santiago! He started eating a little bit today and started saying that he wants to go home. Talk about music to our ears!!! Overall, San is doing much better today and will be discharged from the hospital within the next few days. We still don't know what the final bill will be. It appears, for now at least, that "San - The Man" is on the mend and getting back to his usual self! I have and will continue to share with him your kind words, prayers and love. With the various prayer chains and prayer groups that have joined in this effort, there have probably been literally thousands of people praying for Santiago, his family and his doctors. God is indeed good and amazing in how God brings us together to rally around and to lift up one of God's children. Gloria de Dios!
You can always tell someone is feeling better and getting well when they start acting like themselves again. Such is the case with our dear friend, Santiago! He started eating a little bit today and started saying that he wants to go home. Talk about music to our ears!!! Overall, San is doing much better today and will be discharged from the hospital within the next few days. We still don't know what the final bill will be. It appears, for now at least, that "San - The Man" is on the mend and getting back to his usual self! I have and will continue to share with him your kind words, prayers and love. With the various prayer chains and prayer groups that have joined in this effort, there have probably been literally thousands of people praying for Santiago, his family and his doctors. God is indeed good and amazing in how God brings us together to rally around and to lift up one of God's children. Gloria de Dios!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Santiago & Mexican Healthcare (Part III)
Wednesday PM Update
Well, I suppose there's good news and bad news, but let's start with the bad. This morning, Pablo called to say that Santiago endured another very lengthy surgery (9PM - 2AM) last night. You recall that they were trying to determine if some areas had not been sutured well, etc. WELL...(you're not gonna BELIEVE this.) when they got in there, they learned that the first surgeon had not removed his appendix! He only sewed it up, but left it in there! I was so outraged this morning that I could hardly see straight! Anyway, we waited to see how things progressed through the day, which brings me to the good news. Overall, San seems to be doing much better, and they may allow him to begin taking fluids by mouth tomorrow. We take that as a good sign that he's on the road to recovery and that all will be well.
Ironically, we spoke with someone else today who knew of a man who had an identical situation! His appendix had not been removed on the first surgery but was removed on the second. He was hospitalized for 15 days, but after that he went home and has recovered well since his own experience in December or January.
Please let me know if you'd like to help contribute towards San's medical bills. Thanks so much for your prayers and for sharing Santiago's story with your own prayer circles. For those of you who are just now reading all these updates at one time, please try to take time to read them all. The insight into the Mexican medical system is shocking and insightful. It also reminds us of the little things that we often take for granted. I have and will continue to share your kind wishes with Santiago and his family.
Well, I suppose there's good news and bad news, but let's start with the bad. This morning, Pablo called to say that Santiago endured another very lengthy surgery (9PM - 2AM) last night. You recall that they were trying to determine if some areas had not been sutured well, etc. WELL...(you're not gonna BELIEVE this.) when they got in there, they learned that the first surgeon had not removed his appendix! He only sewed it up, but left it in there! I was so outraged this morning that I could hardly see straight! Anyway, we waited to see how things progressed through the day, which brings me to the good news. Overall, San seems to be doing much better, and they may allow him to begin taking fluids by mouth tomorrow. We take that as a good sign that he's on the road to recovery and that all will be well.
Ironically, we spoke with someone else today who knew of a man who had an identical situation! His appendix had not been removed on the first surgery but was removed on the second. He was hospitalized for 15 days, but after that he went home and has recovered well since his own experience in December or January.
Please let me know if you'd like to help contribute towards San's medical bills. Thanks so much for your prayers and for sharing Santiago's story with your own prayer circles. For those of you who are just now reading all these updates at one time, please try to take time to read them all. The insight into the Mexican medical system is shocking and insightful. It also reminds us of the little things that we often take for granted. I have and will continue to share your kind wishes with Santiago and his family.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Santiago & Mexican Healthcare (Part II)
Tuesday PM Update
Our family visited Santiago at the hospital in San Cristobal this afternoon. He is in intensive care but conscious and able to talk with visitors. Ultrasound results earlier today suggested that he has fluid in his abdominal cavity, and as of about 8PM, they had decided to do another surgery. They don't know if all the internal wounds from the ruptured appendix were sutured, if the internal incisions from the surgery were not completely sutured, or what. They elected to proceed with the 2nd surgery immediately. As of this writing, we do not know the outcome of the surgery or have a more current update.
The visit to the hospital gave us further insight into the Mexican medical system. He shares a semi-private room with 3 other intensive care patients, separated by a curtain. His area has about 2 feet on either side of the bed and at the end. Pablo & San's wife, Maria, were there along with the other brothers and brothers-in-law. They will take turns...1 stays awake and in his room from 6PM until morning and another stays in the hallway to be ready to respond to an order for more medicine, bandages, etc. and must go shopping and return ASAP. Then tomorrow, 2 more will relieve those 2 for another 12 hour shift. The one in the room is expected to perform all functions of a nurse's aide and cannot sleep, eat or leave, even to go to the bathroom during his/her shift! Pablo took a turn doing the "in-room duty" today, and trust me, it was NOT a pretty sight! He was pretty overwhelmed by the experience and must have used a full bottle of anti-bacterial gel (AKA 1 Dollar!). Questions about the bill for surgery and the hospital stay cannot be answered by the hospital staff, yet when it comes time for him to be discharged, payment in full will be expected.
I have shared with Santiago, Maria and the family about your love and prayers, and all your kind words. He laughed when I told him how many people I'd ask to pray for him, saying that he didn't know how I could even KNOW that many people! It was great to see him smile a bit and joke, but it was very clear that he continues to be in pain and in medical danger. Please continue to pray for Santiago, his family and his doctors, and we will continue to keep you informed.
Our family visited Santiago at the hospital in San Cristobal this afternoon. He is in intensive care but conscious and able to talk with visitors. Ultrasound results earlier today suggested that he has fluid in his abdominal cavity, and as of about 8PM, they had decided to do another surgery. They don't know if all the internal wounds from the ruptured appendix were sutured, if the internal incisions from the surgery were not completely sutured, or what. They elected to proceed with the 2nd surgery immediately. As of this writing, we do not know the outcome of the surgery or have a more current update.
The visit to the hospital gave us further insight into the Mexican medical system. He shares a semi-private room with 3 other intensive care patients, separated by a curtain. His area has about 2 feet on either side of the bed and at the end. Pablo & San's wife, Maria, were there along with the other brothers and brothers-in-law. They will take turns...1 stays awake and in his room from 6PM until morning and another stays in the hallway to be ready to respond to an order for more medicine, bandages, etc. and must go shopping and return ASAP. Then tomorrow, 2 more will relieve those 2 for another 12 hour shift. The one in the room is expected to perform all functions of a nurse's aide and cannot sleep, eat or leave, even to go to the bathroom during his/her shift! Pablo took a turn doing the "in-room duty" today, and trust me, it was NOT a pretty sight! He was pretty overwhelmed by the experience and must have used a full bottle of anti-bacterial gel (AKA 1 Dollar!). Questions about the bill for surgery and the hospital stay cannot be answered by the hospital staff, yet when it comes time for him to be discharged, payment in full will be expected.
I have shared with Santiago, Maria and the family about your love and prayers, and all your kind words. He laughed when I told him how many people I'd ask to pray for him, saying that he didn't know how I could even KNOW that many people! It was great to see him smile a bit and joke, but it was very clear that he continues to be in pain and in medical danger. Please continue to pray for Santiago, his family and his doctors, and we will continue to keep you informed.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Santiago & Mexican Healthcare (Part I)
Monday PM Update
Well, Santiago is hanging in there but has some fairly seriously complications from his appendix having ruptured. He endured a lengthy surgery last night and is expected to be in the hospital in San Cristobal for up to 1 week. There are several holes in his stomach and other damage that resulted from the ruptured appendix, and he has some fluid in his lungs. I am encouraged by my knowledge of Santiago as a person....strong, determined and courageous. I also know that he is surrounded by lots of family who love him.
Which brings me to other discoveries about the Mexican medical system. It's a good thing Santiago has family and some resources! We have learned these fascinating but discouraging tidbits about how hospitals work in this area. In a US hospital, hospital staff decides what a patient needs (from bedpans and bandages to IV fluids and other medications), provides it for the patient, then expects them to pay for it. On one hand, the patient/consumer is not in control of what is ordered for them but is responsible for the bill. On the other hand, in a time of need/crisis, the patient and the family don't have to worry about those things because they know the hospital has everything that could be needed and will provide it (even if they have to pay for it later). In the hospitals in Chiapas, the hospital staff decides what a patient needs (again, from bedpans and bandages to food and water), gives the family a list of those items, and then the family goes out to buy them (or not). The patient's family has much more control but the mammoth responsibility for finding and paying for all these items. They DO have to worry about those things AND they have to pay for it NOW! Furthermore, nurses only provide true nursing care, not those things that are typically done by nurse's aides in the US (changing bedpans, giving baths, helping patients regain mobility, etc.). Instead, the family is responsible for having someone there 24/7 to help with those (theoretically) unskilled but incredibly important tasks. This is why Pablo says "if you're in the hospital in Mexico and you're all alone, you will die."
So, just stop and consider this for a moment. Your loved one has experienced a major medical crisis and has endured 4 hours of emergency surgery. You're exhausted with worry, lack of sleep, and trying to keep others informed about how he/she is doing. You may or may not be surrounded by others who are just as distressed. As if that isn' t enough, you're given a list of dozens of items to find and pay for in order to be sure that your loved one gets the best care. And you have to make sure that there's someone with him/her 24/7 to help with basic care (while you're out looking for all these things). You have to make sure that he/she has enough of the right kinds of food, plenty of water, and other basic provisions. Got the picture?! Ugh!!!
Our family will be traveling to San Cristobal tomorrow to visit Santiago, and we'll be sure to send out an update again tomorrow night. Thanks for your prayers and your kind words for him. Several folks have asked about ways that they can help financially (knowing that he'll go without income for several weeks and will have large medical bills). We'll keep you posted on his condition, his needs, and how you can help. For now, though, just keep him, his family and his doctors in your prayers. I'll know more tomorrow!
Well, Santiago is hanging in there but has some fairly seriously complications from his appendix having ruptured. He endured a lengthy surgery last night and is expected to be in the hospital in San Cristobal for up to 1 week. There are several holes in his stomach and other damage that resulted from the ruptured appendix, and he has some fluid in his lungs. I am encouraged by my knowledge of Santiago as a person....strong, determined and courageous. I also know that he is surrounded by lots of family who love him.
Which brings me to other discoveries about the Mexican medical system. It's a good thing Santiago has family and some resources! We have learned these fascinating but discouraging tidbits about how hospitals work in this area. In a US hospital, hospital staff decides what a patient needs (from bedpans and bandages to IV fluids and other medications), provides it for the patient, then expects them to pay for it. On one hand, the patient/consumer is not in control of what is ordered for them but is responsible for the bill. On the other hand, in a time of need/crisis, the patient and the family don't have to worry about those things because they know the hospital has everything that could be needed and will provide it (even if they have to pay for it later). In the hospitals in Chiapas, the hospital staff decides what a patient needs (again, from bedpans and bandages to food and water), gives the family a list of those items, and then the family goes out to buy them (or not). The patient's family has much more control but the mammoth responsibility for finding and paying for all these items. They DO have to worry about those things AND they have to pay for it NOW! Furthermore, nurses only provide true nursing care, not those things that are typically done by nurse's aides in the US (changing bedpans, giving baths, helping patients regain mobility, etc.). Instead, the family is responsible for having someone there 24/7 to help with those (theoretically) unskilled but incredibly important tasks. This is why Pablo says "if you're in the hospital in Mexico and you're all alone, you will die."
So, just stop and consider this for a moment. Your loved one has experienced a major medical crisis and has endured 4 hours of emergency surgery. You're exhausted with worry, lack of sleep, and trying to keep others informed about how he/she is doing. You may or may not be surrounded by others who are just as distressed. As if that isn' t enough, you're given a list of dozens of items to find and pay for in order to be sure that your loved one gets the best care. And you have to make sure that there's someone with him/her 24/7 to help with basic care (while you're out looking for all these things). You have to make sure that he/she has enough of the right kinds of food, plenty of water, and other basic provisions. Got the picture?! Ugh!!!
Our family will be traveling to San Cristobal tomorrow to visit Santiago, and we'll be sure to send out an update again tomorrow night. Thanks for your prayers and your kind words for him. Several folks have asked about ways that they can help financially (knowing that he'll go without income for several weeks and will have large medical bills). We'll keep you posted on his condition, his needs, and how you can help. For now, though, just keep him, his family and his doctors in your prayers. I'll know more tomorrow!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Our Friend Santiago
More details later, but for now, suffice it to say that our friend, Santiago Feliciano, needs our prayers. He had emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix, something that NEVER should have happened.
Anyway, I wanted to share some pictures to help remind folks who may not have been to Mexico for a while. He's truly one of a kind, and his need for medical assistance just reminds us all that we're vulnerable to all the same things and all need each other. His story is one that is common among the Tzeltal people....waiting until the pain is extreme before accessing institutional medical care, given a brief exam, then to be sent home with a prescription. Santiago is on the left in the picture. Even though he often jokes and smiles, catching a smile on camera is rare, so I had to post this one! That's Ezras, the caretaker of the Hebron Foundation House in Villahermosa on the right.
More details to follow, but for now, please keep Santiago, his family and his doctors in your prayers.
Paz,
Ginny
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