Day 3: July 9th by Jenna

We woke up already at the first community on the list to visit. Everyone got off the boat to head up the banks to do a medical clinic and a small VBS for the children of the area.

Dr. Sunny working with some patients

The medical clinics are often small, but the people definitely appreciate the service. We have those who desire medical attention line up. We take their name and ask a general overview of what’s wrong and then hand them a number to be called when the doctors are ready to see them. Medical problems ranged from the simple cough/sniffles, aches and pains to minor surgery (i.e. ingrown toe-nails). We also had a portable pharmacy that went along to the clinic where patients could receive free medication, although often its only Tylenol and Ibuprofen that are given.

Jesse manning the pharmacy

As we were waiting with people in line at the first community we also happened to notice growing not very far away- cranberry hibiscus!! Jason and I asked the group if they knew what the plant was but nobody knew what it was or what it was for! Jason (and me too) felt the need to educate all- far and near of the benefits and edibility of the plant. He even went dispersing samples among the crowd waiting for the medical clinic. I think the people really enjoyed finding out the nutritional benefits of the plant and after trying some I have hope that they will actually implement it in their cooking.

Noah was really fun to have with us as well. He is a great ice-breaker. He immediately was passed around all the ladies of the community. He even ended up taking a short nap on someone’s bed! Everyone loves his big smiles and his blue eyes- even if they think his mother should keep his feet covered in 95 degree weather.

A pregnant lady practicing with Noah

By the time VBS and the medical clinic were over the last 3 people of our group joined us (after an adventure with car break-downs and multiple forms of transportation to get there). We ate lunch on the boat and headed on down the river. That afternoon we briefly stopped in 2 small communities where several people came to the boat to receive medical care.

Singing some songs with the kids for VBS