Coming Home

Olga Alvarez now lives in Northridge, CA and works for Northridge Hospital Medical Center but she is originally from Guatemala City. One day at work she was checking e-mails and saw a message about a medical mission to Esquipulas, Guatemala. “I immediately knew I wanted to apply for the mission,” said Olga. “Next thing I know I had turned in an application and was on a phone interview as part of the final selection process. At the end of the interview they told me I was selected and after I hung up the phone I did a little jump because I was so happy.”

During her time in Esquipulas Olga has been surprised by the various local terms used here that are not used in Guatemala City. She has also noted many differences in culture, foods and living conditions. “It is so sad to see how little food they have,” said Olga. “I wish I could do more for them.”

Olga has been serving as an interpreter but has some prior clinical experience and has also been helping with taking vital signs in the triage process so she has been involved in many of the cases. Yesterday one particular infant came in and was having seizures. Dr. Frank asked the mother to come back today for a follow up visit. The mother said she did not have enough money to pay for the trip.

“The other people did not have any money either but Mary Carol has such a kind heart and she figured out a way to get a ride for the mother,” said Olga. Today the mother did in fact come back and her child looked worse so Dr. Frank decided to have the baby transported to the hospital in Chiquimula. As the ambulance pulled away Mary Carol and Olga realized that the other woman’s son was crying near them. They were overcome with emotion at the moment and began to weep themselves.

“That little boy was worried about his brother and his mother,” said Olga. “I was worried about them as well, you just get so involved and connected with these people and you want all of them to be healthy and safe.”

Comments

[Michael Whitten]

It is so wonderful the work you folks are doing. I know Susan, my wife, is always excited about these trips. As I read the blog, the care and nuturing you are sharing comes through. God bless you all, and have a safe trip home.

Michael

[Nate]

Olga! You rock! :)