Day 12: The American Ambassador Visits Los Pipitos!

Wheelchair Recipient

There was a lot of hustle and bustle at the Los Pipitos school today! Not only did the doctor arrive with a nurse from the Centro de Salud, but the American Ambassador was scheduled to visit to formally present 5 donated wheelchairs to Los Pipitos children in need! Staff worked hard to make sure the school was 100% presentable, and there were a number of children who came but are not regular attendees at the school. It will be wonderful for the families because they will be able to use the wheelchairs in their homes, helping them in cases where they are no longer able to carry the children because of their size. 

Dr. Examines Child's Ear

Staff and parents are beginning to bring children into the clinic to address concerns. We were able to screen a few children and today we were able to have the Health Ministry physician confirm what we saw and prescribe medications to take care of the ear infections. There were other health problems that presented as well. One little wheelchair user had a skin irritation that appeared to be from a diaper pin rubbing in the same spot continuously. A cortisone skin preparation was provided to her. Many of the conditions are not very complex, but can grow to be problems if left unattended.

Security for the Ambassador

Greeting the Ambassador

Mr. & Mrs. Callahan, Bill, Paloma & Elvis

The arrival of the American Embassy's security staff was a clue that the Ambassador would be arriving soon. When he did arrive, he was accompanied by his wife and several others from the Embassy staff. He was very interested in the school and what is being done with so little for the children. He spoke to the children about the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the U.S. and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and expressed delight that he was able to visit the children of Los Pipitos on this significant anniversary celebration. 

Mr. Callahan also acknowledged the work the parents have done to help their children succeed. He stressed the importance of equal rights for everyone, including individuals with disabilities, and said he felt it was very important to see the children playing, working, and learning. The children and the parents were very responsive to the Ambassador's presentation! 

The Ambassador's Wife

Both Mr. and Mrs. Callahan had an opportunity to tour the school and see everything that was happening there. Mrs. Callahan looked at the sewing machines, where parents are taught to sew. 

We were able to describe what we are doing in the clinic and how we are working to find ways to keep it operational when we leave. Overall, the visit was very successful! Mr. and Mrs. Callahan are aware of the many challenges faced by the dedicated people running Los Pipitos in Granada, and the hard work that is done every day to help the children live a quality life.

Wheelchair Recipients and Moms

We had a long day! The heat was oppressive and the humidity made it feel like a true steam bath! Bill picked us up at 6:15 p.m. to go to dinner at Astrid's home with Penny and him. Astrid is apparently a friend of someone who knows Christine and Lily. It's a small world! 

Bill Demonstrates the Process!

Bill brought a bottle of champagne to celebrate the many wonderful achievements that he has had and the work we have done in Los Pipitos. When he asked if I would open the bottle, I had no idea that it would be in the manner he had in mind! Using a machete or sword, he showed me how to slice along the top of the bottle until the blade hit the weakest part of the bottle where the cork is. With a sure, quick, fluid motion, you sweep the blade up the bottle and the top flies off! It was very impressive!

Top: Penny, Bill, Christine - Bottom: Lily, Sophia, Astrid & Susan

Dinner was lovely. Sophia, Astrid's 10-year-old daughter was delightful and kept us entertained. When the nightly lightning storm started, we had the opportunity to watch from the upper deck of the house, where we had a great time taking silhouette photos in the light of the flashes of lightning and making shadow puppets on the wall.

Some R & R for Lily

Tomorrow, Lily and Christine are planning a trip away for a couple of nights. I don't know if I will go since I started feeling a sore throat and cold coming on today. We'll see!