Changing of the Guard (water guard)- Tiva Water Filters

On Wednesday of this week Manuel, Tomas, Enrique (Quique), Cesar and I (Kemmel) travelled to Xejox and Chuchuca about 2.5 hours from Chichi to change out some water filters for families in the ABC program.  About half of the families needed a replacement filter cartridge so we took advantage to switch the families to a new water filter.  In the past we have been using the HELPS water filter systems which is a ceramic, activated charcoal filter which works great.  We asked the families how they liked the current HELPS filter and the response was an overwhelming "Utz!" which means good or awesome.  We also asked if they have seen a decrease in gastrointestinal problems in the children and the response was the same - "Utz!"

So we are not changing filters due to not working well, but rather for longevity and convenience.  The TIVA water filter has been donated to TSI by some generous donors and has a lifespan of at least 5 years, so we have no revolving cost of changing out the water filter cartridges.  The TIVA water filter is a super-fine sand based water filter system.  Before placing anything in the field we try it ourselves first, so Enrique and the Dunham's have been trying and the results have been positive (or you could say negative as no new GI issues).  The TIVA Filter was Enrique's first filter and his family is more than happy with the outcome.  It is exciting to see him explain how well it works and he is no pushover.  He is a an army veteran who likes things in order and working well!

Manuel giving the first explanation of the filter

During the demonstation



Atentive crowd - 53 families! 53 water filters

Showing people the superfine sand - seeing is believing

More seeing is believing

Tomas answering questions

And the sand is added to the first filter!

Prepping 53 filters

The common stoic look...

Each family turned in the old so we can save for future use.  Many had changed from white to a light tan which is a result of the smoke from the kitchens impregnating the plastic.  Many still use open fires for cooking in this area, so unfortunately it gives us a reality check to understand what their lungs look like and why women have Chronic Pulmonary Disease as the get older and also why pneumonia continues to be the #1 reason for death in the area.

Checking the list to ensure we do not miss anyone..

We had each of the fathers or mothers (if they were able) put their own filters together in groups of 5 families to each of us.  Then many of the men stepped up and helped the rest.  Community in action!

Cesar in action

Local men taking over the job.


We also met with the parents and the ABC children regarding oral hygiene and talked about the importance of following the techniques given by the dentists to ensure long lasting teeth.  Even many of the parents asked when we would come back for dental cleanings as they wanted their name on the list. 

As talking is not enough, we also took action and had each child brush their teeth and then we gave them a couple drops of dye to see how they did.  Many had to go back and brush some more to get rid of food still remaining on the teeth, but overall they did well and some did very well the first time.  Most everyone cam back the second time with clean teeth with no dye, so we used the example to show the parents that it may be a good idea to send the children back to brush a second time at least one time per day.

Unfortunately, no photos of the dental practice - we get involved and forget about it.

All in a all a good day.

New Territory

We had clinic out in the town of Chicua II today.  Our new brother in Christ, Manuel is on the town counsel and has wanted us to come out and use the clinic/hospital facility that they have in their town, which has been sitting empty for several years.  After several dry runs due to competing activities we finally had a decent showing of patients.  We suspect there will be more in the future as there was a school meeting today and continued murmurings of unrest regarding the sacking of the mayor in Chichi.  Apparently people are leery of walking around town when manifestations are forming for fear of being forced into joining the crowd of protesters.  But we did have a nice group of patients including one of my regulars from Clinica Caris who lives out there.

 

We are praying for this clinic to grow and for our presence to be well accepted so that we will have more opportunities to visit and share the gospel with folks in the area. 

Lisa and Kemmel with long time Caris patient, Maria.  We are now in her town - nice..

Sandra and Maria setting up dental extraction area

Marcos and Martina ready for cleanings and dental restoration

Sheri in one of the equipped clinic rooms

Manuel, Ceci and Cesar prepping for vitals, lab and pharmacy.  Cesar was our radio announcement writer today..

Manuel, new brother in Christ and community leader.  We were also hosted by 2 ladies from the women's committee.  Very helpful and great hosts and extremely interested in what can happen in the future.

 

Roughing It

Well, we are half-way through our ABC communities with the sex education material (twelve total).  Whew!  It is getting easier as we go, and we really have to give a shout out to our health promoters for translating during the class.  This past Saturday we went to Las Cuevas and gave the classes to the kids from there and La Palma (about 35 total between the 3 age groups). It was a spectacular drive as the trees there are in autumn mode, which helped the 2 hour ride pass quickly.   The church building was certainly big enough for two simultaneous presentations (boys and girls), but they only had ten chairs and a dirt floor and no electricity.  The kids and parents were very accomodating and stood most of the time, sharing the chair space between kids.  We didn't get to use the projectors, but thankfully our computers had enough battery life to last, and we had the kids sit up close to us to see the screen.  The parents were very attentive and thankful for the presentation, which is always encouraging.  One of the men even spent some time after with the guys teaching and encouraging.  When we give this talk in some of the remote communities, we always wonder if it is going to well-received or even necessary.  But it seems like they are the most thankful and tell us of the concerns they have for their kids.   So, on we go.  We should be done by the end of March.

Class Act

Yesterday was our monthly class time for the volunteer health promoters and staff.  It was about the digestive system, touching on anatomy, physiology and common illnesses--we're tyring to build a good baseline knowledge of the body's different systems each month. One of the points that got some good discusion is that we have approximately 6 meters of small intestine.  Then we went on to wonder how many meters of small intestine (tripa) a cow has--they settled on 10-12 meters.  The guys from the Paxot II church have the most experience as they always kill a cow or two (and prepare the tripa) for their annual conferences.  We wrapped up the class meditating on the passage from I Corinthians 12 which talks about the different parts of the body all being necessary and important for the whole, and how likewise, each member in the church has an important role laid out by God.

Tomas and Juan demonstrating what 6 meters of gut would be.  Notice no one is seated in the shady section--it was pretty chilly yesterday.