Today's Ride                  

30 Enero 2016

Santa Lucia, Honduras

Hello to all.  Well, it was an interesting morning.  I know Marta has sent some photos of the morning and how we spent it.  Let me high-lite some of the events:

The Honduran Military is going to provide the Gehlen team with a truck and logistical personnel in Nueva Capital as part their annual mission trip.  Today, the Honduran Military conducted a huge medical/dental team effort in the town of Los Pinas.  As part of this, Marta took me to the brigade to meet the Colonel in charge.  A little PR.

Los Pinas is on the road to Danli going to the east from the ring road,  The exit is south of the Basilica Suyapa.  It's reminds me a little of Nueva Capital, but the roads are smoother. 

What I found out is this:

1.  Each Battalion of Honduran Military is required to provide 2 brigades

     of medical/dental and other services during each year in Honduras.

2.  Each year they provide 131 brigades throughout Honduras

3.  Annually these teams see about 900,000-1,000,000 people

Today was one of those brigades.  I met with Colonel Chicas, the ranking officer today.  I think Marta has a photo.  Here are some stats:

1.  Today 300 doctors, both Military and civilian volunteers

2.  Many other support personnel

3.  43 triage stations

4.  Consulting care followed triage.  All disciplines.  I do not know the depth of

     the consult, but probably really basic

5.  They even provided free haircuts.

6.  Pharmacy was large.  MHL had previously donated some medicines

7.  Expected patients today:  10,000 per Colonel Chicas

Prior to this, the Military had helped fix the school, paint etc.  This is also from Col. Chicas.  I met many officers and rank and file soldiers, both men and women.  I was surprised at the number of women soldiers.

Interesting day, but also confusing.  With so little meds at Hospital Esquela at times, and then these brigades handing out medicines!  I did not see all the meds being given, but I do not think any vitamins (especially kids) nor parasite treatments.  Now that could have been done elsewhere in the area.  This was a big area, and a huge celebration for the people.  Of course, free! 

So in the end, I'm sure many people were helped but if only in a small way.  Maybe their learned a little different appreciation for the Honduran military, but I'm do not know.

I enjoyed the day, and want to talk with Colonel Chicas at a later date.

So, there you have it.  Julio returns on Monday with the truck.  Then we begin the work on getting some remaining things in place for Gehlen.  Much yet to do.  Wood will be bought this week and so forth.  We go to NC on Wednesday.  We plan to talk with the school about the Suresight unit and the other eye units sent from Mission Honduras LeMars.

Have a wonderful day.  I was so happy to get into the shower this morning, (I take only so many during the week to conserve water) and get under the "Vulcan Head" (which I call it) to feel warmth.  It's been cool at night.

Mr. Francis