Mission 517

Yesterday’s focus was a first for Mission 517 in the 16 years we have been serving the Tamarindo area of Costa Rica; home health assessments! Norma, a longtime resident and health advocate who has regularly visited the community in cooperation with the local clinic to coordinate resources and people guided us to those she felt would benefit most from a visit from Dr. Miller and our Adventist University of Health Sciences team.

The unexpected and unknown was in fact the expected yesterday before we left and continued throughout the day. The smiles of appreciation were unbelievably heart warming as we watched the realization that we came to see them. Our stops saw families caring for it’s older members and doing an amazing job. At times the care was in spite of a lack of proper medications, resistance of some to seek medical assistance, and long distances from the clinic without adequate transportation. Our subjects ages covered those in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and yes, even 104! We heard amazing stories from our centurion about an active, work filled life, that has kept him young not only at heart but in health.

Our school kids were excited for another day of VBS and learning English and our 3rd team spent their second day at the clinic with Dr. Lopez.

(We finally found an internet cafe' that will support uploads regularly so we will be posting about today, the 18th, shortly as well)

Today’s focus was a first for Mission 517 in the 16 years they’ve been serving the Tamarindo area of Costa Rica; home health assessments! Norma, a longtime resident and health advocate who has regularly visited the community in cooperation with the local clinic, to coordinate resources and people, guided us to those she felt would benefit most from a visit from Dr. Miller and our team.

The unexpected and unknown was in fact the expected this morning before we left and continued throughout the day. The smiles of appreciation were unbelievably heart warming as we watched the realization that we came to see them. Our stops saw families caring for it’s older members and doing an amazing job. At times the care was in spite of a lack of proper medications, resistance of some to seek medical assistance, and long distances from the clinic without adequate transportation. Our subjects ages covered those in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and yes, even 104 (see the last stop and his ID for proof)! We heard amazing stories from our centurion about an active, work filled life, that has kept him young not only at heart but in health.

Our school kids were excited for another day of VBS and learning English and our 3rd team spent their second day at the clinic with Dr. Lopez. Tomorrow the same rotations will be in place and we hope to bring you an update with the clinic team.