Threads of Hope

 Today was our first day at clinic!  After passing the green, forested hills, I could see the large blue Ciudad de la Esperanza mural peeking out from behind the gate; I felt myself smile, wide. It was finally here, all the prepping, fundraising, packing, and traveling we had done had finally paid off. We made it! We had some loading troubles with the van and ended up parking outside the gates to unload. But as we walked into the city we were greeted by a chorus of little voices happily welcoming us. They’re little “Buenos Dias!” was so filled with joy that we couldn’t help but smile, wave, and laugh with them. 

After unpacking all of our supplies, I spent the morning with Dr. Lauri, in pediatrics. I met some of the most beautiful families and some of the cutest kids. One patient that I will remember forever was a little boy. He was eight years old but small for his age and he was carried in by his mom. One of the first things I noticed was that they both were wearing navy blue polka button up shirts. He was so curious about his environment, he wanted to play with the curtain and a little turtle toy that he likely got in the waiting room. After Dr. Lauri worked her magic, she diagnosed him with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen at birth. But what really stood out to me is that the little boy’s mother didn’t know he had cerebral palsy, she knew he was different, but she had simply been caring for him the best that she could, in the way that he needed. This year was the first time that they had been at the clinic. 

The little boy’s mother had heard from a friend that we would be here and decided to bring him in. Later that day, the boy and his mother were able to be seen by Dr. Deb in PT.  Thanks to project cure, this family was given a wheelchair that would help him move about more on his own and prevent his mother from needing to carry him everywhere.  Another amazing thing about this little guy is that he loves music. Ms. Marie gave him a speaker and his smile could not have been wider. 

I also spent the afternoon in the pharmacy with Dr. Eric. I learned how to count pills and write prescriptions. I also got to pray with every single patient that we gave medications to. My Spanish was subpar at best, but everyone was so patient and kind with me. When we all put our arms around each other, closed our eyes, and prayed, I felt so heart warmed and connected with them in such a profound way. 

One of the greatest things I learned today is that the Ciudad de Esperanza’s clinic is more than just a clinic, it represents hope. For many patients, the clinic is life changing, from finding a pair of glasses, to gaining access to life changing medicine they couldn’t otherwise afford, and for the little boy and his mother. Who had heard about our clinic from a friend and decided to travel half an hour to the clinic to see if we could help her son. All of that is impossible without hope. I feel so lucky to have been, in Dr Stephanie’s words, “a small thread” in such an amazing project and being able to meet such an amazing, resilient, joyful, and hopeful community here in Guatemala. 

Sam Matterson