A Visit from the Doctor

I've always prided myself in never having to use Peruvian healthcare, although I knew sooner or later it was to happen. The good thing about Peru is that when one gets sick, the pharmacy almost always has an antibiotic on hand one can take without a prescription, so that is usually my go to source.

However, when I was up all night Sunday sick to my stomach I was afraid a visit with the doctor may be in my near future. Trying to be tough, I overdosed on TUMS and took imodium with me in my purse hoping to make it through a day of school. Since sick days are not given as part of my contract, in order to be absent from work one must provide a doctor's excuse meaning if I missed work I had no choice but to visit a doctor...something I was hoping not to do.

By 8:30 a.m. I felt like I was on fire and when I stood up I got so dizzy I had to sit back down. I couldn't even make it from my desk to the doorway without holding onto the wall the whole way. So I stalked down the hall to the bathroom and then into the director's office and explained my situation. She sent me to the nurse, and the nurse sent me straight home after discovering my fever was over 101F.

Everyone at school always talks about this wonderful service that our insurance provides in which a doctor comes straight to your house. I called as soon as I got home, spelled my name fifteen different times, and explained over and over that I only have one last name. (Unfortunately, I couldn't tell them I am Yesica Gutierrez like I normally do since I had to use my legal name.) After about 15 minutes I was told my insurance didn't carry this benefit, so I hung up, emailed the lady in charge of the insurance at school, and I went straight to bed.

I woke nearly 7 hours later with a fever of 103.8F, received an email from work with a different policy number, and I called the doctor again. This time after spelling my name thirteen more times and explaining several times that I only have one last name, a doctor was sent to my house. He arrived nearly 3 hours later at 9:30pm.

Now, I will say it is quite convenient to have the doctor come straight to you, but I won't say the service was the best. The doctor was nice, but he honestly didn't do much. He asked my symptoms and what my temperature  was last time I checked; then he took my blood pressure and pressed on my abdomen a few times. Finally, he wrote me a prescription for 5 different medicines (for dehydration, fever, nausea, parasites, and infection), and he was on his way out the door less than 15 minutes after he arrived. Five minutes later the pharmacy was on my doorstep with the medicine he had ordered.  And by 10:30pm I was back in bed with lots of drugs in my system.

I took Tuesday off work because there was no way I was going to play tough girl again. Javier was off, too, so he came to spend the day with me. Basically we both slept most of the day since I was sick and he had worked overnight the night before. But he made sure I had soup for dinner and that I took my medicines on time.

So while I lost my pride of no medical history in Peru, I can say I've had yet another new experience...a doctor visiting my house and medicine delivered to my door all for less than 20 US dollars.

And just in case you're wondering - Yes, I am feeling much better. After my first meal in 5 days which was Chinese food for dinner last night, tamales for breakfast this morning, and Papa Johns tonight, I'd say I am cured.

Although, now allergy and cold season is starting so my eyes are bright red and my nose doesn't stop running...

Let me leave you with one of my favorite pictures from our engagement session. :)

Miracles Do Happen ~ JP Update

First off, by JP's request, I want to thank each and every one of you that has been praying for him. I also want to thank those of you who donated financially to his cause. He's my friend that needed surgery for a hole discovered in his heart; later it was discovered that he also had issues with his kidneys. You can read my translated version of his story here and here. Your part in his "healing" has been very much appreciated, and through it all JP has been able to witness firsthand that God is still in the business of answering prayers and providing miracles. JP's life has been touched by each one of you who prayed for him or helped financially, and he is eternally grateful for the blessing you've been to his life.

I spoke with JP this evening, and I was able to ask how he was feeling now that he's been undergoing the same medical treatment for about a month. In November it was determined that the doctors wouldn't operate on his heart until the problems with his kidneys were resolved. After going to multiple different doctors with no true answers or medical assistance, JP was finally able to visit a doctor of natural medicine near the beginning of this year, and he continues to see him for treatments. This doctor instructed JP to follow an organic diet, and has provided him medicine to regulate the function of his kidneys.

JP informed me tonight as we spoke briefly that he is feeling much better...finally! I then asked him about the situation with his heart. He said that on the last exam, no hole was seen. Praise be to God the ultimate healer! The doctors now believe the symptoms he was facing before were an effect of the poor functioning of his kidneys.

While JP will most likely need to continue taking medications indefinitely, he is currently undergoing rehabilitation to build up his strength once again. He has spent the past months lying in bed or partaking only in minimal activities, so as you can imagine his body is weak. He hopes to return to work soon, of course he'll have to find a new employment first as he was forced to leave his old job when he became unable to work.

Thanks again for all of your prayers! It has been a great testimony to JP to know that he has friend in the USA praying for him; friends he most likely never will meet. This my friends is a true display of the body of Christ in action. God bless you all!

JP Update

The first week of September, the Peruvian doctors returned from a strike, and JP was admitted to the hospital for observation. The doctors ran some more tests on his kidneys, liver, and heart during the time he was there. The doctors observed him for about a week and then he was sent home. The doctors said that because of the strike, there were many waiting for various surgeries. Due to the many waiting, JP was told they wouldn't be able to operate for a few weeks, so he would rest better (and save money) by resting and waiting in the comfort of his own home. JP returned home to wait on September 12th.

At this point, JP was feeling very down and frustrated. One evening when we chatted online, he said he felt that the devil was attacking him. He said it seemed to be one bad thing after another, and the doctors just keep him waiting with no direct answers. However, after my conversation with JP today, he seems to be in much better spirits. He was laughing quite a bit at my not funny statements, and he was much more talkative than he has been the last few times we've chatted. (Maybe it's the drugs he's taking.) Anyways...

Last last week, JP was called and admitted to the hospital again. The doctors have done more tests and discovered that his liver seems to be in normal, working condition. This is a HUGE praise, as at one point they were discussing the possibility of a liver transplant. The doctor said from here forward the timing is all up to JP's decision making. He will undergo more analysis this week with the plan to operate on his kidneys early next week. This operation will help to alleviate the swelling in his hands, feet, face, etc. as well as solve any other problems he is having due to kidney failure. At this point, the doctors believe they can save both kidneys, but there is a slight possibility that only one will survive.

After the kidney surgery, JP will remain in the hospital to heal for approximately two weeks. During this time, the doctors will continue to observe his heart. He will also be prepped for the heart operation. Doctors are hopeful that they will be able to do the heart surgery and close the hole in his heart the last week of October. JP told me today on the phone that the doctors explained to him that because he is young (32 years old) and has led an active lifestyle, he should come out of the surgery and recover quickly.

There will be a Worship Night at Living Gospel Church on Sunday, October 14th at 7pm. We will be taking a love offering to help offset the costs of JP's surgery. We will also have Martin's coupon books for sale; these contain over $80 in coupons, and you only pay $5. If you are interested in either of these events, please let me know!

Please remember JP in your prayers this month. He's got a long month ahead of him, but with an outlook like his, I'm sure things will go just fine. I am so grateful for a God who comforts, heals, and provides. I am also thankful for each of you who are prayer warriors for JP during this difficult time).

God bless you!

Little Did We Know

The Background Info

A little over a month ago, I witnessed God's protection in a way I'd never before experienced. I saw my life flash before my very eyes as gunshots were fired at my friends and I. We darted down the mountains we had spent the previous two hours climbing, and only by the miraculous protection of our Lord and Savior did all 8 of us escape without even a scratch. Did you read that post? It's titled "God is  My Protector" and is two posts prior to this one. If you haven't read it yet, you probably should.

Looking back, I can't hardly believe it actually happened. It seems so surreal, like sometime straight out of a movie. Yet it was real life; I lived it fully. I am still amazed at the protection of the Lord that day. Not that I doubted His abilities or anything; I am humbled every time I think of that day.

Little Did We Know

My friend, Juan Pedro (age 32), who went climbing with us that day, was even closer to death than any of the rest of us. You see, he'd been having health problems for a few months prior, but the doctors had done tests, put him on medicines, etc. and nothing seemed to be working. His body would (and still does) swell randomly, he gets dizzy and short of breath, and other normal body functions just didn't seem to be working properly. Being into extreme sports in his earlier years, it has been quite a lifestyle change for him to be weakened, swollen, and sedentary. 

The day we went climbing was his first strenuous activity in a few months. He had taken pills, and ensured me that he would be fine. He refused to stop for a breather, and he pushed on all the way up and back down. It was only afterwards that he was honest and said that he didn't think he was going to make it, especially once the shooting started. 

Recently, the doctors have discovered that he has a hole in his heart between the left and right ventricle. He needs an urgent operation to close the hole so that his heart will function as properly as possible once again. Without the surgery, his life looks grim, but the doctors are hopeful that this surgery will solve most of his other health problems. 

The problem is the surgery is estimated at $20,000 not including all of the prior tests and medicines that the doctors have experimented with. This price also assumes that this one operation will be sufficient. JP has exhausted his medical fund (I'm not sure how Peruvian insurance works), and he cannot afford the surgery on his own. 

What YOU Can Do

There has been a fund set up in Juan Pedro's name to help raise money for him to have this surgery. I am amazed at the uniting of the Body of Christ for my dear friend. There are two benefit concerts in Peru next week in which all proceeds will go towards JP's surgery. There have also been other donations made to help with the expenses. However, there is still a long ways to go to raise $20,000 (or nearly 60,000 Soles - Peruvian Money).

My Bible study group is planning a bake sale and possible car wash to also raise money for JP receive the necessary medical attention. Once those details are confirmed, I will forward on the information if you would like to help out. Or if you would like to help out by simply sending a donation, you can comment on this post, and I will get you the information on how to do so.

However, the most important way you can help out, would be through prayer. As you can imagine this is a very trying time for my dear friend. He is a believer, and we have had many discussions about God's plans, His protection, and His healing. Juan Pedro recognizes that whatever the outcome, the Lord is in control, and He boasts that through all of this, the Lord will never leave Him. As you pray, pray for the well-being of JP (stress, nervousness, weakness, health, etc.), pray for the Lord's will not man's, pray for wisdom in the doctors, and for the surgery -whenever it might be- to go well without any major complications. Also, keep his family and friends in your prayers as they walk side by side him throughout this process.

I must admit, it makes it even more difficult to be here, knowing my friend is passing through these trying times, but I am grateful for technology in which I am able to chat with him a few times a week to see how things are going. I am also thankful that technology enables me to help from afar not only through prayer, but by wiring money down to Peru. As I've told JP, even though I am not able to physically be by his side during this time, my spirit is with him, and he is always in my thoughts and prayers. 

Remember, if you are interested in helping with a monetary donation, please comment to this post, email, Facebook, or text me (if you have those contact informations), and I will let you know what you need to do in order to do so.

And just for fun, here's a picture of JP and I taking a break on our way up the mountain. :-)

Huaraz - God's Hands & Feet

"We simply cannot be obedient disciples of the Lord Jesus and continue to choose self-indulgence, all the while ignoring the desperate needs of others." (Exert from Beth Moore Study of James)

As I sit here in Starbucks trying to kill time between lunch with a friend and a night out with others, I cannot help but think about the last 9 days. My time in Huaraz was the most heartbreaking, humbling, and wonderful thing I have experienced thus far in life {as far as I can recall}. It was exhausting and frustrating (at times); however, setting aside my selfish complaints, it was the best experience ever; it was an experience I hope to one day repeat.

As I recount stories of the people in my mind, tears literally come to my eyes. Last week there was no time to cry for the patients as we were busy night and day; although now that I have time to process it bit, my heart is breaking inside my chest...literally. I hurt for Christ's creation, I am disgusted over my wealth and under-appreciation, and most of all I am overwhelmed with joy that all along the Lord had this trip planned for me without me having known anything of it until I arrived in Peru.

To think that I was on the verge of changing my plane ticket to spend less time in Peru this summer for lack of things to do gives me even more joy that the Lord knew all along exactly what He had planned for me during my time here. Had Leo asked me before I arrived in Peru if I would go on this medical trip, I probably would have said no. Actually, I'm 99% certain I would have said no. However, the Lord's timing is always perfect. A few days after arriving in Peru, frustrated with lack of initiative from friends to plan outings, and wondering how I would spend 5 weeks here, the Lord called me to the mountains of Peru. Leo asked me to go and told me I had to respond that night; without hesitation I replied, "YES! I would love to go!" Only afterwards did I panic a bit. I thought, "What if I don't know the vocabulary and misdiagnose someone through poor translating?" "What if I get sick working with these people?" "What if I miss out on something in Lima because I'm away in the mountains with people I don't know?" I recognized these attacks as the work of Satan, and I quickly shot him down asking the Lord to intervene and provide health, safety, and wisdom throughout the trip. I shared a quote a few posts ago that I cannot help but think of again and again.

"God put you here for this moment in history. You are here for a reason; there are hurting people who need you."

I wish I could give a detailed description of everything that happened July 9-17th in Huaraz; however, I know already some of you are zoning out wondering, "When will she get to the good stuff?" So...enough of the background information.

The Facts

Basically there were two teams of people working together to make the whole medical campaign function properly. About twenty-two people came from the States to work as the medical team, and there were about 20-25 people from "Peru" who went as evangelists and translators. (I was part of the Peru team.) As Leo put it last evening, the whole thing would have failed if all parts weren't working together (see 1 Corinthians 12).

We stayed about 30 minutes outside of the city of Huaraz - 8 hours northeast of Lima - the capital of the province Huaraz. Each day (Wednesday-Saturday & Monday) we traveled about an hour to hour and half up and around the mountains to semi-unreached and unreached villages. The roads were treacherous at times, but our drivers kept us safe on the journey each day. Every day we spent in a different village. We would set up our stuff in either a school or city building and get to work. We worked with patients from about 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day with a half-hour/hour break for lunch.

We saw between 250-300 patients each day ranging in age from newborn babies to 90 year old adults. Most of the children had rashes, stomachaches, headaches, poor vision, etc. Most of the adults had acid reflux, arthritis, poor vision, headaches, etc. As Leo said, after the first 4 patients, everything started sounding the same and translating got easier each day. I think the toughest translating were the patients who only spoke Quechua (a language of the mountains of Peru). We had Quechua/Spanish translators, then I translated from Spanish to English. When the doctor responded, I translated from English to Spanish then another translator translated the message to the patient from Spanish to Quechua.

While I spent most of my time with the Peruvian group {our housing was separate from the U.S. team's accommodations}, I did bond with a few of the U.S. team members. I connected with a few doctors who later in the week argued about who I would get to translate for that day (no worries, the argument wasn't too intense). There were a few others on the U.S. team that I got to know quite well, too, over lunch conversation, time spent on the bus, and small talk throughout the work day. I also made some new Peruvian friends who touched my heart and soul in a special way last week. I was proud when they recognized me as a "Peruvian" despite my height and American accent, and I was awed by the deep spiritual conversations we engaged in throughout the week.

The Stories

I wish I could share with you each person's story that touched my heart last week, but that is literally impossible. Instead, I'll settle for sharing some of the most humbling accounts.

Most of the adult patients we saw worked in the 'chacra' or agriculture. Because of the hot sun and dry air many of them had dry skin, age spots, and wrinkles beyond their years. Fifty year old women appeared to be 70-80 years old walking into the room, crippled with Arthritis and hunched over from years of hard work.

A few of the doctors allowed the kids to listen to their heartbeats. I loved seeing the kids faces light up as they recognized the distinct sound of the rhythm beating inside. As I asked what it sounded like a few replied, "Boom, boom, boom." Others said it sounded like a drum, and one child very sheepishly said, "It sounds like a live person's heart." It was all I could do not to laugh out loud.

One specific patient came to us complaining of bad headaches. After talking with myself and the doctor about her medical condition, she began to cry. I asked her if she was hurting, and she explained to me some of the pain she has in her life. She explained that most of her pain is emotional which has caused her physical pain as well. She went on to tell of her children who are grown and moved away. She explained that she has no husband, and she works night and day in the fields to be able to support herself. I asked her if she was depressed, and she told me that she thought she might be. The doctor spoke with her (through my translations) about praying to the Lord to deliver her from the stress. We shared with her that only through the Lord's help are we able to survive life here on Earth. She told us that she was a believer in Christ, so I then asked her if she read the Bible regularly. She explained to me that she doesn't read the Bible because she was never permitted to go to school to learn to read. I was humbled immediately. I shared a few scripture verses with her, and we asked if we could pray with her. After we finished praying, she stood up to leave and kissed me on the cheek saying "Gracias angel de Dios!" - Thank you angel of God. I choked on my words as I told her I am just human doing the work the Lord has asked me to do, and she left.

On Saturday a man came in with his 9 year old daughter to see us. The daughter had a cold and the father had knee pain. After checking the daughter over and subscribing some medicine to help her heal, the doctor checked the knees of the father. We decided he should receive knee injections for Arthritis. As we were prepping the area to be injected, the doctor was pulled away to check another patient to ensure a correct diagnosis. He was gone for quite a while, so I first talked with the daughter about school and her interests. Then I began speaking with the father about my reasons for being in Peru and how I got involved with the medical trip. He was very interested in what I had to say, and began asking me questions about church, the Lord, and missions. I shared with the man my personal knowledge and then pulled out a track I had been given about salvation. I read the track with him and we talked through it. Afterwards, he told me he wanted to know the Lord and live for him. He thanked me for the work we were doing, and expressed that he wanted to be used to help people, too. He asked me to pray with him, and after I finished his face changed from distraught to joy. You could feel the presence of the Lord among us as his smile glowed from his face. I was humbled that the Lord chose me to serve this man, and I pray that his life was changed that day for forever.

One of the most difficult stories occurred on Monday in Paccha. A lady came in the morning for her own check-up and as she was finishing up the lead doctor asked me if he could pull me away from my patient to translate for him. I began talking with the lady, and she expressed to me that her 24 year old son was unable to walk and needed medical attention. She said that she lived about 10 minutes up the mountain, and she was begging that a doctor go with her to see her son. Dr. Sealy asked me to see if she could return after lunch, and he ensured her that then a team would be free to travel with her to her home. She did in fact return (we weren't sure if she would), and a team of doctors and translators went up to the house with her. A while later they came back, and Dr. Sealy explained that her son was bedridden and terminally ill, and there was very little that they could do; the mother was his sole caregiver. We took up a collection among our team, and the money was given to the mother to help pay for expenses for her son. We connected her to a local church to find someone to come visit and help meet their needs twice a week. We were also able to provide wound care items and tons of vitamins, Tylenol and ibuprofen.

In Closing

While I could go on and on for hours {actually I've been typing for hours off and on as I've had time}, there is no way to fully express exactly what I experienced last week. All there is are my words and a small hope that maybe through the text you are able to understand the mighty work of my Lord Jesus and His love for the world. In no way do I wish to take credit for any of the work that was done last week in Huaraz. I am simply a girl following the will of the Lord. Where He calls me, I go, and what He asks of me, I do {sometimes a bit hesitantly}. I am overjoyed and humbled that God has chosen me to be His servant here in Peru, even if it's just for a few weeks each summer.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." ~ Matthew 25:40

"Not my will, but yours be done." ~ Luke 22:42

Day 4 - Health

Please, please, please be praying for my health. Yesterday, I woke up with a horrible headache and my stomach was unsettled. I was supposed to meet a friend at 11, but I decided to sleep in a little bit longer and ended up meeting with her at 1pm. After a bit of rest yesterday morning, I was feeling a bit better, but still all day I lacked much of an appetite all day. I normally don't have problems adjusting to the food here, and my allergies don't bother me near as much. I'm not sure what is going on. Praise the Lord that I do feel better today; it seems that I can't get enough to eat. Haha! Prayers would be appreciated.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my dear friend Teresa. Her mother fixed lunch, and we ate with her mom and sister (who is visiting from France). I really enjoy her family, and they make me feel right at home. Afterwards we went to the U.S. Embassy to see what Teresa needs for a VISA for a job she is applying for with LAN Airlines. Right now she is out of work, so please pray for her to find something. Her last job was not paying her as they said they would, so she left. A lot of the job market is corrupt here from what I understand. As they were explaining to me, sometimes the jobs don't pay you at all, and other times they can't pay you in full what they owe you for your work. The pay is not high for most jobs either.

I had Pinkberry ice cream yesterday for the first time. It is an ice cream chain similar to Honey's in Goshen or Sweet Cece's if you've ever been to Nashville. The only difference really is that they serve you rather than you serving yourself, and there is a set price for each size with and without toppings.

Last evening I went to Camino de Vida {the church that has become my regular church here}. It was good to be back, to see some familiar faces, and to worship the Lord through song. I miss singing in Spanish when I am in the States, but I like hearing sermons better in English than in Spanish. I don't mind them in Spanish, and it helps me to learn and focus on the words, but in English I am able to take notes without worrying about possibly missing the next thing the pastor says.

Today I'm headed to Pachacamac to play with some adorable children! Leo is taking me there, and I'm going to attempt the bus home. I've only done it with other people, but Juan Carlos told me an easy/safe way to return home; however, he wasn't sure how to tell me to get there. Usually if I can do it returning home, I can do it getting there the next time. I'm not sure why I'm like that with the busses here; it seems a bit backwards!

Let me leave you with a verse ~ Romans 9:16

It {salvation} does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.