Ayacucho clinic days 1 & 2

We are officially done with day 2 of our MMI health clinic in Ayacuho! The entire group set up shop Monday morning with a place for PT, the MD, the dentist unit, a triage unit, a pharmacy unit, and a place called "integrated health". 4 of us students were split between the 2 PTs with remaining students helping with triage and pharmacy. The morning started off slow but very quickly picked up and was consistently busy until closing time around 4:30. God has already broken our heart towards these people, as we have found out that most of them don't have access to really anything, let alone healthcare. Some people came in with pain or other disabilities that they have been dealing with for years, and literally have to wait until a free clinic like this to be able to get what they need. Of all the units in our clinic, the most important may be the integrated health, where the patients got an explanation on how to properly take their new medication along with hearing the Gospel of our Savior! We got to laugh, cry, and pray with many patients and it was a great experience! We also got to do a little sightseeing in the plaza of Ayacucho and taste test the local ice cream!

Today, (Tuesday) 4 of us and the 2 PTs ventured to the local pediatric clinic to see the patients there, while the other 2 held down the fort at the clinic. It was an amazing day at the peds clinic as we got to fit and fix wheelchairs and orthotics and give many kids a new pair of shoes. The joy on their faces to receive these gifts was absolutely priceless! There are so many personal stories we could share from patient experiences, but just know that God is definitely moving and has big things in store here! As we close day 2 in the clinic, I (Shelly) would ask that you say a special prayer for a 3 year old girl named Yasensia. She has severe cerebral palsy and we were the first healthcare place she has been to. Her mother is a single mom who literally has to sling Yasensia to her back with a blanket while she works out in the fields with their 2 cows, which is their ONLY source of food. Yasensia desperately needs a wheelchair, and we think we may have the perfect one, but it was left behind in Miami. Please pray that our wheelchairs and other equipment make it to Ayacucho, pray that Yasensia gets the perfect wheelchair for her, and pray for Yasensia's mother who desperately needs hope and encouragement in this season of life. God is faithful and we know He will provide for His people! Thank you for your prayers! 

(Beautiful Yasensia and her mother Rayda)

(A serial casting of Olga to help correct her club feet)