DR Mission Trip Begins!by Jennie Osterholt | April 26, 2014 10:27 PM
We had a rocky start in the USA when the bus going to the airport had a problem and held us up for two hours. Everyone at the airport said we would never make it...but we did! Once we arrived in the Dominican Republic, things have been going great. Here we are eating a delicious dinner at our hotel. It's great to be here and beginning the adventure. Please continue to pray for us as we will be serving the community. God bless you!
Organizing Equipmentby Jennie Osterholt | April 26, 2014 10:30 PM
We got a chance to head to the hospital where we will be working this week. This crew got our supplies organized quickly for tomorrow.
Finding Our Wayby Jennie Osterholt | April 26, 2014 10:34 PM
Here we are getting cozy with the layout.
The First Day Beginsby Juliette Matos Plata | April 27, 2014 9:12 PM
Here we are hanging out in the recovery room before our first procedure. Ready to go! We ate delicious meals at the Hospital cafeteria, plantains, rice, salcocho, mashed potatoes! Dominican food is fueling us on this first day.
Our First Patientby Juliette Matos Plata | April 27, 2014 9:14 PM
Today we did tonsils, hernias and a gall bladder. John and Kevin stayed back at the hospital tonight to check the patient David, one little boy who was operated on by the team.
Tonsils, anyone?by Holly Mirau | April 29, 2014 5:52 AM
Far and away, tonsils are our number one cases for the week. The little ones going in usually look a little (or a lot!) nervous, but by the time they are waking up, the world looks a little better. Especially when you get a frozen treat to make your throat feel better and a hug from Kelly!
Preparation is Important...by Jennie Osterholt | April 29, 2014 10:32 AM
and having great care, everywhere!
Coming Togetherby Jennie Osterholt | April 29, 2014 10:35 AM
The leaders in this picture represent Surgical Missions International, Praying Pelican Missions, The Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic, the Hospital in La Vega, and Cross International. Thank you to all who are not pictured as well that helped to make this week possible! It's beautiful to see people come together for a common purpose!
New Opportunitiesby Jennie Osterholt | April 29, 2014 10:39 AM
Samuel is a Haitian staff member and interpreter. He lives in the DR and is attending school to become a doctor. He is so thrilled to be helping us and learning from the team! Ron has already taught him so much!
Recovery Room Mondayby Jennie Osterholt | April 29, 2014 10:42 AM
Surgeries are going great. We had a sweet time in the recovery room where the families sang praise songs with us. There is a lot of love and gratitude all around!
A Needed Napby Jennie Osterholt | April 29, 2014 10:47 AM
Did we mention that Kevin is going nonstop? Here's what happened when he finished his work for the day.
A well-oiled machineby Holly Mirau | April 30, 2014 1:32 PM
On our 3rd full day of surgeries, the team is working hard on a variety of cases. 6 more kids will be breathing easier after having their tonsils removed and many more people will be free of the pain caused by misbehaving gall bladders and unwelcomed hernias.
Here you see a brave boy getting ready to go to sleep for his procedure. No tears from this little guy!
Concentration!by Holly Mirau | April 30, 2014 1:37 PM
One of the operating crews lead by a surgical fellow and a 4th year resident work on a tricky gall bladder procedure. Steady hands!
Continued careby Holly Mirau | April 30, 2014 1:54 PM
A couple of the anesthesiologists check up on a recovering patient experiencing mild congestive heart failure. While the nurse went to find him a new room, they took the time to change his bedsheets and make him more comfortable before the local doctors took care of him.
Calm before the stormby Holly Mirau | April 30, 2014 2:01 PM
This is our smallest patient of the day. Barb was able to rock him to sleep, but when he wakes up, the scene won't be as peaceful. Better go find his mama!
Want to check out the OR?by Holly Mirau | April 30, 2014 6:01 PM
Watch the Video
Here's a quick peek into the set up of a MASH-style 2 table operating room. Kelleigh is our tour guide!
Last day of surgeries!by Holly Mirau | May 1, 2014 3:29 PM
It's hard to believe how quickly this week has flown by! This was the last day of surgeries, and since they were less complicated cases, we finished in 3 hours. Pete and Laurie lead the packing charge and the bus was loaded up with all the equipment returning home by 1:30 or so. We had to make sure to snap a group photo in front of the hospital before we went our separate ways back to the hotel. Now all there is to do is enjoy a little souvenir shopping in Santiago and check out the monument before dinner!
