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| Maria, Barbara, and Juana |
Juana, Maria, and Barbara are the backbone of the BCI clinic in Bolivia. Each of these dear ladies are perfectly suited to the ministry and run the office with a compassion and gentleness that calms many a terrified child and parent.
By the time a patient has survived their injury, endured the hospitalization for weeks away from their family, suffered from the pain of the treatments and are ready to begin the rehabilitation part, many are traumatized and just the sight of the doorway into any medical office is enough to put fear in their hearts. Juana, Maria, and Barbara are professionals at gently walking them through the measuring and fitting process and gaining trust. Over the next year or so, they become like family with the patient and work hard with the parents for the best possible outcome.
Barbara, our dear friend and neighbor from living in Cochabamba moved to South America straight out of college with her husband and has lived there since. She and Deane raised two kids and are now enjoying their grandchildren. Barbara was a part of my life when I was burned myself and so she really understands the process of the rehab part of treating a burn and works hard to keep the finances on track and the bills paid so that the work can continue.
Juana is like a sister to me and in fact, she and her daughter Sandra lived with us for almost six years while we were in Bolivia. Sandra and Maggie grew up together almost as twins and share a close bond with each other. Juana was also around when I was burned and was the one to take up my suits on the sewing machine as they stretched out and clearly saw first hand the role of pressure garments as the skin heals. During the time that Juana lived with us she was able to return to school (had only gone through elementary school) and actually has now finished her high school degree as well as a nursing LPN degree. She is wonderful with the patients and is an expert on fitting the patients properly.
Maria was a gift from God to us. Six years ago when we were opening the doors to BCI the only thing that was missing was someone to sew!! A very important part !! Juana told me of her friend Maria who was a seamstress from her church. We called Maria to meet with us, she listened to my plan and looked at the pressure garments and after I practically begged her on my hands and knees to at least give it a try, she tentatively said yes (later admitting that she was terrified).......Six years later she is one of the most skilled and capable seamstresses for sewing pressure garments that fit like a glove and we could not operate without her.
When you pray for the ministry of BCI, please remember to pray for these three ladies!!!
Kourtney and Savannah have just completed their first year of medical school at the University of South Carolina and are participating in the BCI Summer Medical Internship. The administration of the Viedma Hospital in Cochabamba, Bolivia is very generous and graciously allow my students to work alongside their staff watching, and learning, and assisting. This summer we have two sessions, one month each, with a total of five students participating. This program is in its 5th year and it has been exciting to meet these young potential doctors and watch them learn about medicine in a non-American hospital where they see that even with the lack of funds, medicine, and equipment, the doctors and nurses are able to provide decent care for the patients. It is an eye opening experience and in most cases life changing. Many of these students will also treat hispanic patients in their practices and this is giving them an up close opportunity to be immersed in the hispanic culture which will make them richer and more well rounded as a physician.
