InvasiveThoughts.com

Sometimes it seems the nature of humankind is to resist change, even when change has benefits. Were any people resistant to the assistance or changes? And if so, what were the reasons for their resistance?

Jane: Years ago when Helps first provided healthcare in Guatemala, there was concern about their trust of the Americans because [the United States] had helped the government during the civil war.

That image has greatly changed and the people embrace Helps and are most grateful for our care. They bring the whole family to the clinic to be seen: stomach pain, back pain, toothaches, vision problems or surgical needs. It still remains a problem, though, if we diagnose cancer and the recommended treatment plan requires a referral from Helps that includes a trip to Guatemala City.

That is like going to a foreign country…a frightening experience and often associated with the thought [of death]. Unfortunately, that could be true since some of the cancers are detected in later stages. And most of the people cannot afford to travel [to Guatemala City], much less have any treatment. Plus, there is the problem of dividing the family--- children, parents, grandparents. Who stays home to care for each other?

John: Many of the women did not want to give up cooking over an open fire. Why? Their mothers and grandmothers had always cooked this way. So, it’s a struggle to overcome cultural traditions.

I notice shyness in front of the camera in many pictures. Is this accurate? How did the people respond to this modern form of technology? What sort of connection to modern technology (i.e., televisions, computers, music devices) do the people have? And, what do they think about such devices (i.e., the digital and video cameras, etc.) that were around while your organization visited?

Almost everyone carries a cell phone; and where there is electricity, there are radios and sometimes televisions in their homes. We have never seen anyone with a camera, computer, or iPod (and VERY RARELY have we ever seen anyone wearing any type of glasses),

The young children, especially, love the digital cameras when we show them their picture. They all scramble and want to be in the picture then. Sometimes, they are very shy and will stand very straight and we can hardly get a smile. Other times, they will laugh and smile eagerly. We have also taken Polaroid [pictures], or printed out digital prints for them, and they truly enjoy having these pictures to keep.

The adults rarely agree to a picture out in public but are usually very willing in the hospital setting, or in their homes when we have personal contact with them. We always make a point of asking their permission first.

The adults are frequently stoic for their picture. Then they laugh and seem embarrassed after seeing their picture. The majority have never seen a picture of themselves before.

Was the work all serious? Or were there moments of humor and communion?

A lot of the humor came when the non-Spanish speaking team members would try to communicate with our patients or the people in their homes.

We also loved playing with the children. One way we entertained or distracted our…little children before surgery was to blow bubbles and let them try to catch them, or have them blow the bubbles. This also helped after surgery when they were hurting or fearful. We always bring several bottles of bubbles, and that was usually a sure way to get a smile or laughter from a frightened child. We also brought colors and coloring books and would color with them before or after surgery.

With the adults, either the team chaplain or the nurse or even [the] doctor might pray with them. We found that smiles, prayer, or a tender touch are universal language. When they are discharged home after surgery, the patients would want to hug and thank each of us. Their hugs and smiles and “Gracias” spoke volumes.

How did the children react to all of the strangers? How did the parents react? Was there suspicion and distrust or more so gratitude and acceptance?

First thing in the morning the patients and their families are waiting in line for the dentist, vision team, or for surgery. They usually are shy and curiously watch us as we hustle back and forth for supplies, or to bring in the next patient. The team members frequently gravitate to the beautiful young babies or children and try to play with them or get a smile.

As the day goes on, they open up and want us to stop and play, or take their picture. The digital cameras are a blessing in that we show them the picture right away and they love that and always seem to laugh at themselves.

I truly felt the patients were very trusting of us. I can’t imagine how frightened I would be if I faced surgery by several foreigners whom don’t speak my language and whom I’m not likely to ever see again. Also, many of them have NEVER been in a hospital and this is their first experience. The unknown of surgery and pain afterwards can be quite frightening.

Helps has been established in Guatemala for over 25 years and they have a very good reputation. Consequently, we may have over 200 people standing in line that first day waiting to be seen by our doctors and nurses.