A Meal and Some Medicine

The work moves on here in Lima. Just this last weekend we ventured to Huaycan to help out with a free medical clinic. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Huaycan, it is an extremely impoverished area with nearly 150,000 inhabitants. The dusty hills are covered with humble homes and elaborate stairways to help the dwellers reach their destinations.

As I was still in the process of calculating how many times I would have to stop and rest before I actually made it to the top, we pulled into the school where the clinic was going to take place. There in the open plaza many children and their parents had already gathered with hopes to receive medical help from some of the local doctors. Prior to meeting with doctor, the local police department put on a presentation teaching the local kids to be healthy and stay away from drugs. There were police officers in big costumes, somewhat reminiscent of Barney, dancing and passing out prizes for those who participated.

A small breakfast was served as the volunteer doctors got to work. Taylor and I helped serve the food as Blake and Diana helped fill prescriptions to the patients. Slowly the massive lines of needy people diminished as both young and old received a meal and the medicine they needed. Many adults wrote letters and the children drew pictures to express their appreciation for the medical aid.

We’re looking forward to our next trip to Huaycan this weekend where we will be helping out at the hospital

On a seperate note, we have some unfortunate news to report. We are no longer having our much anticipated baile due to some complications with the club we were working with. Instead of donating it for the night, they decided they wanted to charge us. It definatlely was a downer but we're keeping our spirits high. But I am beginning to wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to learn to Salsa…