Michelle Telford-Vegas, a family nurse practitioner at the Folsom Family Clinic in Folsom CA, has been on all three of the CHW medical missions and has been the core of the women’s services we have been able to provide in the country. Because of this she has been able to watch the evolution and give a valuable perspective to help gauge how well we are progressing.
“The first year was a totally new experience and none of us really knew what to expect,” said Michelle. “Every little obstacle seemed like a big obstacle and I really felt like I needed to answer every question and resolve every problem.”
Now she says she has come to a better definition of what her role really is. “I know now that often times I cannot solve all of their problems but what I can offer is a compassionate ear. I can listen to them and do my best to educate and help them feel better.”
In addition, Michelle has noticed a positive evolution of the team’s approach. “We came down for the first mission and had a solid plan on how the clinics would work according to the framework of how things work in the U.S.,” said Michelle. “When things went wrong it really impacted our team and processes. I think we have learned from that and become much more flexible and better able to handle changes as they come in.”
One such innovation and adaptation occurred last year. A young girl with cerebral palsy was brought in and was extremely malnourished, anemic and apparently near death. The mother explained that it was extremely hard for the girl to swallow more solid foods. When Michelle saw the child she thought of Nancy Link, her dietitian friend from Folsom. She called Nancy, explained the situation and received several suggestions on how to proceed.
The team used Nancy’s suggestions to help the girl and also secured for her a referral to a nutrition program in Guatemala. Today the mother showed up at the centro de salud clinic with her daughter and was all smiles. Her daughter had gained some weight, looked much better and was now drinking from a cup. In addition, Nancy Link is with the team this year and had the opportunity to see the results of her consult and provide additional information to the mother.
Both Nancy and Michelle were very excited to see such positive progress and for Michelle it really drove home the point that this effort is making a difference in the lives of the people. “I am so grateful to have been able to participate in this process three different times and I am looking forward to helping with future missions.”
Hi Mom!!!
We miss you! It's so nice to follow this blog and see what you've been doing and seeing while in Guatemala. I especially love the pictures of the beautiful children you are all helping. You are all doing an amazing job!
I can't wait to hear your stories when you get home. I am so proud of you!
We love you!!!
Heather & Ben
P.S. no more chicken hats this time, ok? LOL!
Posted by: Heather Telford | October 23, 2009 at 01:49 PM