FLYING TO GUATEMALA

Flying into Guatemala City through rain filled clouds reminded me of my previous visit almost three years ago.  Exciting things have happened since then including the building of a new school, two wells have been drilled and our Medical-Dental Team provided care to thousands.  Well, here we go again!

On November 6th our next Medical-Dental Team will leave Toronto for Guatemala City, Guatemala. Getting the 27 member team there along with what seems like “tons” of baggage is always interesting, but between the time we arrive at Toronto International (really early in the morning) and our arrival at Guatemala City, the bonding process will have begun.  When we come to end of this mission, we shall all be good friends (we hope!).

At the end of September, Dr. Anthony Brown (FTC Medical Advisor) and I spent 3 days visiting communities outside Guatemala City. We met with local community leaders, all of us enduring what seemed like constant rainfall.  Our capable Director for Central America, Efrain de los Rios, drove us up to the side of a volcano to a community where there had been major damage caused by a violent eruption last May.  Black ash still covered the roads and much of the landscape.  Our plan is to take the team into several communities in that mountainous area.

Palencia is a region of more than 55,000 people.  This is familiar territory for Dr. Brown and me. Mayor Beto,  always an enthusiastic host was once again gracious in his welcome.  He smiled broadly when we told him we planned to bring the medical team back into Palencia in November.

It was a very productive few days, traveling the deeply rutted, muddy roads of rural Guatemala.  Our goodbyes to Efrain and the amazing Central America Feed The Children staff were hopeful; it wouldn't be long until we were back together again.

At the upcoming team orientation on October 23, 2010, photos will be presented, highlighting the five communities chosen for the Medical-Dental clinics.  It won’t be long now and we will be off to Guatemala.  I’m excited.  I hope you are too!

Ken Dick, C.A.

President

PS You can follow the team here at this blog site as there will be daily updates (internet permitting)


PSS You can support the Medical-Dental program by clicking here.