Pueblo a Pueblo

2009-05-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

SPORT SHOES FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS.

One of the requirements of the Physical Education Class at the Panabaj and Chukumuk School is that the students need to bring sport shoes. Many of the families can’t afford them as they are an extra expense for the weak economy of the family. A new pair of sport shoes costs around $20 so normally the children do physical education using plastic shoes, which are the most affordable (around $5). Every year, the students from the Panabaj and Chukumuk School who are sponsored through our Child Education/Health Sponsorship receive a new pair of sport shoes so they can go to the Physical Education Class well equipped.

2009-04-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

First Presbyterian Church

San Luis Obispo

building the new hospital

2009-04-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

(Click on the photo to enlarge it)

2009-04-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

K'aslimaal president, Francisco Sojuel founded ADISA and is internationally known for his work on behalf of people with disabilities. He just returned to Atitlán after a three week workshop in Eugene, Oregon. Sixteen people from Latin America participated in the workshop called, "International Leadership, Employment and DIsabilities", part of "I Lead", a Professional Exchange Program.

2009-04-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

ANNALISA’S FUNDRAISER BRINGS A PHOTOCOPY MACHINE TO THE PANABAJ SCHOOL

The children in Panabaj school do not have money to purchase school books. The school relies on photocopies of exercise, worksheets and other materials to provide the children with the information needed to learn.

The teachers at the Panabaj School won’t have to worry any more about getting money to photocopy exercises and exams. This is all THANKS to Annalisa’s fundraising idea!!! Annalisa, a typical teenage girl from New Hampshire who was born in Guatemala celebrated her ‘quinceañera’ (15th birthday) and decided to use this as an opportunity to do something truly altruistic. She asked her birthday guests not to buy presents for her, but instead to make a donation to the Panabaj School .

When Carolyn, Annalisa’s mother, contacted Pueblo a Pueblo, Inc. explaining their wish to donate to the Panabaj School we discussed several options and jointly decided to use the gift to purchase a photocopier.

It has taken some time to coordinate everything but Annalisa’s dream has come true! The Panabaj School Teachers were pleased as peaches when they saw the machine arriving and couldn’t stop telling Montse (Pueblo a Pueblo’s sponsorship coordinator) to please thank Annalisa in their names.

The photocopy/scanner/printer machine has been placed in the only secure room the school has. Unfortunately, the Panabaj School is still in a temporary location with classrooms made out of plywood.

We want to send a big THANK YOU to Annalisa for her dream. We at Pueblo a Pueblo feel honored to have been able to be a bridge for this endeavor. May Annalisa’s fundraising idea be an inspiration for those who wish to empower less fortunate individuals one person at a time!

2009-04-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Hospitalito!

Today, Hospitalito Atitlán celebrated it's fourth birthday with chocolate cake and coffee for all of the staff and medical volunteers. Three babies were born this morning at HA this morning too, so there were many celebrating.

2009-03-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Evelyn’s Basket of Love and Life

Jane Bartel and Susan Moretz of North Carolina surprised HA when they came to visit and delivered Evelyn’s Baskets of Love and Life. Jane’s baby granddaughter Evelyn was born with a cleft palette. The team that worked to correct baby Evelyn’s mouth included a Guatemalan surgeon Dr. Figueroa. In the course of recovery, Dr. Figueroa told Jane that sadly many Guatemalan babies born with cleft palates die of starvation, because of their inability to nurse. As baby Evelyn grew, Jane thought about the families with little to offer their new babies.

Jane decided to make a difference in their lives and offer hope to the families. She works with Felix Santizo, of San Lucas Tolimán, and has helped Guatemalan families and their babies with their operations and recovery. Evelyn’s Baskets contain a breast pump, two specially designed bottles with nipples that are meant for newborns with cleft palettes, two less expensive bottles that will adapt to the special nipples, two tea towels and detergent, so that the bottles are kept clean. There is also a book of photos of newborn babies before their surgery, and later when they are recovered. The Baskets are meant to give HOPE to the families. The photos were amazing.

When Dra. Suzana told the women of a baby born at HA in late December who had not gained weight so that he could have his first surgery, Jane wanted to meet the family and deliver the Basket herself. Social workers, Chonita and Chenta, and Kathy Roach accompanied the women to visit the family in Panabaj. Because the baby could never nurse, the mother can no longer breastfeed, so Jane purchased formula for three months.

Jane also left an Evelyn’s Basket at Hospitalito Atitlán with the instructions to call Felix in San Lucas when a baby with cleft palette is born. Felix will come to talk with the family and help them through the first difficult days of using the new baby bottles.

Thank all of you for you inspiring work which makes a huge difference in the lives of so many familes!

2009-03-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

FESTIVAL ATITLÁN 2009

It has been more than a week since we enjoyed the ATITLÁN MUSIC FESTIVAL and we still haven’t recovered!

Roberto Luz and his family work hard during the whole year, and especially the days before the event, to organize FESTIVAL ATITLÁN as a benefit for the Hospitalito Atitlan.

Pueblo a Pueblo wants to thank them for the amazing work and the amazing Festival, which keeps on becoming more popular year after year.

Apart from having fun we also took the opportunity to present our Programs to the public. At the NGO’s area Pueblo a Pueblo sold gourmet chocolates and chocolate bars. The sales weren’t big but the idea was to attract attention and awareness to our Programs. K’aslimaal organized a successful raffle with many prizes and a silent auction. The Hospitalito DVD was shown to whoever had interest, raising awareness towards the New Hospitalito’s construction.

Once more, THANK YOU for this local fundraising event benefiting the Hospitalito!!!!

If you are reading this blog post and haven’t attended at least one Atitlán Music Festival you MUST come next year!

2009-03-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

MANY SPONSORS VISITING THIS MONTH!!!

March has been a very special month for Josefa , Julia Elisabeth and Victor, three of the sponsored students from the Panabaj School, as well as for Antonia and her two year old son Juan, an infant in the Pueblo a Pueblo’s Mother Infant Sponsorship. Guess why! Because their sponsors came to meet them!!!

This is an exciting moment for the sponsored children and their families as they get to know the people who have been helping them in their studies and providing free medical care for them at the Hospitalito.

We at Pueblo a Pueblo thank Emily Raymond, Michael Foster, and The United Methodist Church from Crane and West Springfield, the sponsors who gave their sponsored children a day they’ll always remember! Thank you.

2009-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad of Santiago Atitlan presented Pueblo a Pueblo's new Executive Director, Rosemary Trent, with a commemorative wooden sun. From left to right: Director of the Fire Department: Juan Andres Chiquival Quieju, Rosemary Trent, and Juan Chavajay Sojuel, the Firemen's Treasurer.

2009-03-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

I WANT TO APOLOGIZE!

I want to apologize to the hard working volunteers from Crane and West Springfield United Methodist Churches in Pennsylvania. In this photo, they look like they are having a picnic! I can assure you that the work they did this week WAS NO PICNIC!!! I am sorry that this is the best photo of their group that I have for the blogalito. THEY WORKED INCREDIBLY HARD! This is the third time that these wonderful people have been to Santiago Atitlán to help with the Hospitalito. In March 2005, they helped prepare for the opening of the Hospitalito in Panabaj. Leroy repaired the sheet rock on the ceiling in the operating room. His wife Laura scrubbed and scrubbed the floors and then waxed them. Cindy painted windows, some of the group made the darkroom in X-ray light tight.... and much more. Last year, when they returned, they worked in the temporary hospital, finishing the new kitchen and working with inventory. This year was the hardest. They moved dirt!! They compacted dirt!! They got extremely dirty and HOT! I promised them that this is the hardest that they will ever work for us! Every year, their church members gather items from the wish list, and the congregation is very generous. They sponsor a student in the Pueblo a pueblo school sponsorship program and a mother and baby in the Maternal Infant program. They also worked with ADISA this visit.

I hope that next year, they can help us get ready to open the new Hospitalito... wouldn't that be WONDERFUL!! Thanks, it was wonderful to see you all again!! Lyn

2009-03-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Fundación Carols F. Novella

A delivery of cement arrived at the construction site FREE OF CHARGE today!! K'aslimaal had applied for a donation from a Guatemala City Foundation created by the founder of the countries largest cement company, Cementos Progressos. Thanks, every bit helps!!

2009-03-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Canadians deliver... BIG time!!

Students from Charles P Allen High school in Nova Scotia visited the Hospitalito today. They arrived loaded with donations!! Their group is visiting several organizations while they are in Guatemala. It was a pleasure to meet them.

2009-03-06T14:23:00.001-08:00

Physician Volunteers -- March 2009

Obstetrician Patricia Lledó Weber from Madrid is greatly appreciated at the Hospitalito. She is volunteering her services to the women of Atitlán for three months. In the photo, Patricia and Dr. Rob Meyer, a Boston pediatrician, pose with the grandmother, the happy father and his brand new son. The new baby boy is about to receive his first check-up, while Mom rests. People familiar with Santiago Atitlán may recognize, Salvador, the proud father, who works as a waiter at the popular Restaurante Pescador in the center of town.

2009-03-04T21:20:00.001-08:00

SPONSORED STUDENTS START SCHOOL YEAR IN CHUKUMUK

Some of the families from Panabaj who lost their homes during Tropical Storm Stan in 2005 started 2009 in a new home! The local government had given them the land and the families had to help build their own homes in Chukumuk, an area outside of Santiago, but away from the mudslide risk zone. Many others are still living in shelters or in their old homes situated in a high risk zone. The reasons vary; some of them can’t afford the materials they need to start their new house, and others are still waiting for the local authorities to assign them with a piece of land.

This has changed the reality for some of the sponsored students. The 2^nd of February, the sponsored students who now live in the Chukumuk neighborhood started the School Year at a building situated in the same neighborhood. The Provisional Chukumuk School is for now an Annex to the Panabaj School. It opened its doors this year with 197 students.

The building of the Provisional Chukumuk School is not finished completely as its walls are pure block without plaster, the floor is rough cement, the electricity is inefficient, and water is scarce. The building wasn’t meant to be a school so its classrooms are small with little natural light.

Despite all these deficiencies, the need to have a school in Chukumuk was urgent. Chukumuk is quite far from downtown Santiago, and it is even farther from Panabaj. The educational authorities faced a serious drop in school attendance if they didn’t have a school in Chukumuk because the families don’t have the resources to pay transportation for their children to go to study in town or to continue going to the Panabaj School.

Pueblo a Pueblo, Inc. is continuing to work hard to increase sponsorship coverage so we can benefit individual students and their families and also the whole school. They need our help now more than ever as there are two sections, the Main Panabaj School, which continues in a provisional building with plywood walls, and the Provisional Chukumuk School, which needs to improve in many ways to be able to offer a good education to its students.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Education/Health Sponsorship please visit http://puebloapueblo.org/child_ed-health.html To Make a One Time donation in support of this program Click here.

I want to become a SPONSOR.

2009-03-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

45.6% of Guatemalan Children Manourished

Guatemala City (IANS): Nearly half of Guatemala's children suffer from chronic malnutrition and their physical growth falls below the average established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), according to a study.

The study carried out by the education and health ministries found that 45.6 percent of Guatemalan children suffer from chronic malnutrition, EFE reported.

To read the whole story please click below.

2009-02-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

(Click to enlarge)

Bomberos Voluntarios -- Volunteer Rescue Workers - San Juan la Laguna February 27th, 2009 was a day of great celebration for the village of San Juan la Laguna, a Tz'utujil community on the western shore of Lago Atitlán. It is the dream come true of Seattle area firefighters, and especially Paul Embleton, who has spent the last two years to build and equip the new fire station. Paul brought ambulances, and water rescue vehicles and equipment from the United States, and built a water ambulance to transport patients from lakeside villages to Hospitalito Atitlán. Paul has a home near the Hospitalito. Bomberos from Panajachel, Sololá, and Santiago Atitlán shared in the event. There was marimba and lunch. Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc spoke about the imporyance of working together to provide the best healthcare possible, including the traditional midwives who also attended the event. Paul received recognition for his dedication and for bringing many Rotarians to help with construction. "Very muy Utz" is a combination of English, Spanish, and Tz'utujil to say... Volunteer Fireman, Very very GOOD!

2009-02-24T19:29:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

María and Victor Salvador are two of the lucky sponsored children who received a nice birthday gift from their sponsors. Most of the children at the Panabaj School don’t know when their birthday is because their families cannot afford a celebration. When Montse, Pueblo a Pueblo’s Sponsorship Coordinator asks them the date of their birthday almost all of them have to look at their birth certificate!

A big THANK YOU to María and Victor Salvador’s sponsors for remembering their birthdays!

2009-02-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Kathy Roach

Kathy's BACK!! And everyone is happy to see her well and happy!

2009-02-24T07:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. Puertocarrera (back row) an Opthamologist from the Universidad de Valle, in Sololá brought visitors to Hospitalito Atitlán las week. The group represented various Guatemalan hospitals and organizations, including Hospital Roosevelt, the Fundación de Ojos (the Eye Foundation), Unidad National Opthamologia, and the Clinic Quemadas Infantiles (the children's burn clinic.) Another meeting is scheduled on March 13th.

2009-02-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

It takes all kinds of people to work on the details of a new Hospital. Some of the volunteers met on Thursday at the construction site to discuss electrical system wiring. From L. to R. Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc, Jeff Lang of Ithica NY, Henry Mendoza, Ian Woofenden (Home Power magazine) of Guemes Island, WA, and architect Molly Molander. Not in the foto is Jimmy Hutchison, of Springfield, MO owner of a medical supply business, who is working with Jeff on future equipment needs so that Henry can design the circuits.

2009-02-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

(Click to enlarge)

What is going on at the Hospitalito??

Well, sadly, Narda is returning to Oregon… so the staff planned a despidida for Narda and her daughter Zarah and son Tai… AND combined it with a Valentines Day party. Mid day, everyone gathered in the education room for chuchitas (tamales) and mosh (hot oatmeal drink). Chenta planned a game. Everyone formed a circle, and a marker was given to Cristobal to start. We were instructed to put a DOT on the person next to us, and then pass the marker on. See Cristobal put a spot on Rigoberto’s nose (a large permanent spot). There were lots of dots on hands, earlobes, necks… almost everywhere. When everyone had their spot marked, Chento told us that we were celebrating Dia de Cariño, and to celebrate our friendship, we would start at the beginning of the circle, and KISS the spot where we had placed the dot on the person next to us. That’s when things got hilarious. The last person to place his dot was Ithan Peltan, the Harvard Medical Student who returned to Hospitalito in early February. Because he is serious about medical career, he thought like a physician… giving an injection on the backside, and that’s where he gave Cristobal his dot. See foto of Ithan and Cristobal. Wish you were here. Happy Valentine’s Day!

We owe a big thanks to Narda Sherman for her third trip to HA. The staff and patients LOVE Narda and are sorry to say “Chuac chik!” The day she left, she presented six bound copies of the updated Volunteer Orientation Manual. Narda also worked with Rebeca on updating the housing manual. He husband Ulysses coached soccer during his month here over the holidays. Zarah was enrolled in the Colegio Alfa y Omega near HA and looked great in her school uniform, a guipil and corte. We hope that they all return soon.

You may remember hearing of Ithan Peltan before, and congratulations are in order because the article he wrote was accepted for publication in a medical journal: "Disaster response and recovery at a small, rural hospital in Guatemala."

2009-02-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

A Warm Welcome to Rosemary!

...and a Cheery Gracias to Ken!

Welcome to Rosemary Trent, PaP’s new executive director. Rosemary recently relocated to Washington D.C. after spending several years in Brazil. She brings with her a vast knowledge and experience working with community projects in Latin America and Africa. She has hit the ground running bringing fresh new ideas for fundraising and community outreach. We at Pueblo a Pueblo and the people of Santiago Atitlan are lucky to have you with us!

Thank you and welcome!

A very special Thank You goes out to our out-going executive director, founder of Pueblo a Pueblo and dear friend Ken Wood. We thank him for his guidance, selfless support and tireless efforts in helping the people of Santiago Atitlan. Thank you Ken for all you have inspired. Don’t be a stranger!

-Kristen VanZandt
President of Pueblo a Pueblo

2009-02-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

WILDFIRE FIGHTERS helping to build the new Hospitalito

Three young men, taking a rest from the difficult work of fighting wildfires in Montana, traveled to Central America for a vacation. They looked for volunteer work and fortunately for us, found the Hospitalito. With their first inquiry, they were warned that the real work was beginning that week… the pouring of concrete for the footers. They showed up anyway. Phil Graeve, Ben Schlaub and Erik Andreassen were very impressed with the construction. They loaded buckets of sand and gravel for the workers and carried the 100-pound bags of cement when the truck arrived for delivery. They all agreed that they had never worked as hard in their lives… but they kept returning, and surprised the local workers. Erik commented on how hard the local guys are working. When he found out that they earned different pay per day, depending on skill and task, he felt that he, Ben and Phil would be at the low end of the pay scale.

To see more photos of the construction of the new Hospitalito Atitlán go to
http://s468.photobucket.com/albums/rr45/hospitalitoconstruccion/

2009-02-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

Pueblo a Pueblo a Sundance!

Rosemary Trent, Pueblo a Pueblo’s Executive Director was invited to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah to raise money and awareness for the construction of the new Hospitalito as well as our efforts to maintain the temporary facility.

Pueblo a Pueblo’s partner, Oasis Entertainment put on a 3-day concert series with musicians from the Seattle and LA areas. Many volunteers traveled to Park City to support our efforts and put in a lot of hard work.”

Pictured above is Michael Williams and his band as well as Ryan Smith and Lance Ramesh from the Oasis Board of Directors and Rosemary in the center.

Above: Mark Cavener, Mateo Coletti, Rosemary Trent and Boris from Videolicious.

Super SO Far performing live!

2009-02-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

Kvinnosjukdomar Specialists

19 Swedish female gynecologists, or specialists in kvinnosjukdomar (femal diseases) visited Hospitalito Atitlán Saturday 24^th of January. Many in the group had previous experience in working for Doctors without Borders, and have seen clinics in China, India and Oman among other countries. The group is traveling in Guatemala to visit clinics and evaluate health care during pregnancies, pre- and postnatal care, as well as female healthcare issues in general. We were honored to be their first stop during the ten-day trip. The doctors are part of Praktikertjänst in Sweden.

2009-01-31T17:54:00.000-08:00

STARTING A NEW SCHOOL YEAR FULLY EQUIPPED!!!!
I don’t need many words to describe the happiness of all the 70 sponsored children when they received a back pack filled with all the school supplies they need in their corresponding grades. Judge by the photos!!! Our goal… sponsor all the students from the Panabaj School!

2009-01-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

Fundación K’aslimaal

It has been an incredibly SLOOOWWW process… to become a FOUNDATION in Guatemala. But now the process is complete. Fundación Prosalud, Educación y Desarollo K’aslimaal (K’aslimaal Foundation for Health, Education and Development) is the first Foundation in Santiago Atitlán... there are many Asociacións.

With the new Foundation comes a new Board member. Juan Francisco Pira who lives in Guatemala City. Juan Francisco is the manager of Granos Especiales a coffee buying company in the capitol. It was Juan Francisco and his clients that built the school in Panabaj adjacent to the old hospital. In September 2005, he invited us to meet and discuss how they could help the Hospitalito. The next week… STAN. Juan Francisco was the first outsider to arrive after the disaster, on motorcycle. Within two months, they built a new school for the children.

He continued to visit the Hospitalito and bring other important visitors. On December 20th, 2008, he called to say he had a Christmas present, and brought a check for $50,000 from Starbucks!! (which was matched by the Kendeda Challenge)

In this foto, Juan Francisco is holding an appreciation gift prepared for him by K’aslimaal. He is in Santiago Atitlán every week to check on the coffee, and will attend the Board meetings during these trips. With him are two buyers of Atitlán coffee and K'aslimaal members. The three were very impressed with the construction process, and said that they believe that the new HA will be one of the very best in the country.

We are VERY pleased to have Juan Francisco accept a position on the Board of Directors of Hospitalito Atitlán and serve on the steering committee of the Capital Campaign to raise money for construction of the new hospital.

2009-01-28T19:49:00.001-08:00

SPONSORED STUDENTS HAD A VISIT

First Sponsors Visit of the Year!!!

Tuesday 20^th of January was a very special date. A group of 3 sponsors, members of the United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN, came to visit their sponsored students for the first time!

The first contact was at the Posada de Santiago where the children and their families enjoyed a wonderful lunch. It was an emotional, exciting and amazing day for everybody. The children happily greeted their sponsors and explained a little bit about their lives. Their eyes were wide open when they saw the special gifts their sponsors had brought them!!! It was a nice reunion.

2009-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

ALAS ---- Wings

Wings is a non-profit in Antigua that focuses on family reproductive health. Friday, they conducted a full day training session for the staff and volunteers at the Hospitalito.

WINGS provides information, financial resources and access to reproductive health services for low-income, rural, and indigenous Guatemalans, enabling them to plan their families, thereby improving their reproductive health and quality of life.

2009-01-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

Pueblo in the News!

The Synchronize Concert Series at this years Sundance Film Festival was organized by Oasis Entertainment to benefit the Hospitalito through Pueblo a Pueblo. Read the story here and here.

Meanwhile there's still time to get tickets to this years Festival Atitlan!

For information and tickets click here.

2009-01-21T07:09:00.000-08:00

Gustavus Adolphus College

A group of pre-med and public health students from Minnesota visited the Hospitalito to learn about International medical work. The saw the DVD, asked medical questions and toured the new construction site.

2009-01-21T07:08:00.001-08:00

January 20^th, 2009

The world watched and celebrated… and so did the Hospitalito volunteers.

2009-01-19T21:10:00.001-08:00

PREPARING THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Barbara and Montse have been busy preparing the school supplies that all the sponsored children from the Child Education Sponsorship Program will receive next Saturday 24th before a New School Year starts on Monday! It takes some effort to fill a back pack with the supplies by grades!!!

2009-01-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hospitalito Futbol Camp

Ulysses Sherman (center), husband of Hospitalito medical volunteer Narda Sherman, is here for a month climbing volcanos, running, kayaking, learning Spanish and in his spare time, he decided to start a Soccer Camp for the children on their school break. There are many great soccer players in Santiago Atitlán (José Reanda) but no coaches in the community. Many of the sons of Hospitalito staff members are attending, as well as the sons and daughters of medical volunteers. Everyone is having a great time, and we all thank Ulysses for his time with the children.

2009-01-09T21:38:00.001-08:00

Some Photos from Christmas with the Child Education Sponsorship Program.

During 2008 Using both its own funds and a matching grant from the Daniele Agostino Derossi Foundation (of New York) Pueblo a Pueblo sponsored and coordinated a daily hot lunch program that fed between 350 – 400 students who attend the Panabaj public elementary school (Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta Cantón Panabaj).

Thorough Pueblo a Pueblo’s Child Education Sponsorship Program, in 2008 children received school supplies and articles of clothing necessary to allow them to attend the Panabaj public elementary school. Pueblo a Pueblo’s program coordinator Montse Deu purrchased and delivered these materials. Additionally, she arranged for, and coordinated, free medical care from the Hospitalito for these children.

With your help, this program can continue to serve the community--the children. They need your help.

2009-01-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

(click to enlarge)

2009-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Chicago Metropolitan Sanctuary Alliance

Founders and representatives from the Chicago Metropolitan Sanctuary Alliance returned to visit Hospitalito Atitlán and brought a donation to help with patient care. Faye Buttrick, Abbey Swasko, Connie Vanderhayden, Martha Pierce and Sidney Hollander present their donation to José Reanda. The group works to promote peace justice and human rights thru educational programs and public policy.

2009-01-05T14:45:00.001-08:00

MOTHER INFANT SPONSORSHIP CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION!!!

All the mothers and their babies enrolled in the Mother Infant Sponsorship celebrated Christmas together with a little ‘Convivio’ organized by the two social workers at the Hospitalito, Concepción and Vicenta. After the welcoming words of Francisco Sojuel (K’aslimaals President) and Montse Deu (Pueblo a Pueblo’s Sponsorship Coordinator) the fun began. It was and afternoon with games for the children and also the adults, presents and a good lunch. The mother’s received clothing and toys donated to the Hospitalito by generous donors for their sponsored children.

Looking at the photos there’s no doubts. Everybody had a very merry good time!

2009-01-03T11:06:00.001-08:00

Another family reunion at the Hospitalito

Rebecca Montgomery is a nurse midwife from Warren Vermont who has come to Atitlán to volunteer at the Hospitalito for two months. But before her work, she planned a family Christmas reunion in Guatemala. Her mother Ann Cabuela came from Yorkshire, England, her sister Jennifer Hanna and daughters Abigail, Charlotte and Isabelle came from Austin Texas. Rebecca’s daughters, Avery and Lila and her husband Ansen will study Spanish, play soccer, and swim while she works.

2008-12-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

A Rinaldi Christmas family reunion at Hospitalito Atitlán

Italo Rinaldi and his wife Anne Parrotta–Rinaldi (originally from Virginia) live in Umbria in Italy, where he is a board certified Neurosurgeon, and Anne has retired as a nurse. Their son, Aldo, is a medical student a SUNY downstate, and Aldo’s fiancé Ashley Saloman is a medical student at Rush Hospital in Chicago. The Rinaldi family volunteered for the entire month of December, when many medical volunteers leave to return to the states to be with their family. They brought their family to work at HA! It was fun to see Italo and Ashley dance the tango (in scrubs and on the grass) at the Hospitalito Christmas convivio (music by the Juan Sisay trio). Thanks to all of them, they are a great family, and have been a great help when HA is short staffed over the holidays.

2008-12-28T18:16:00.001-08:00

Lee Cohen, MD is a family practice physician from Two Rivers Minnesota who volunteered a month as the supervisor for residents and medical students, and was loved for his gentle nature. Lee left the warm Atitlán climate for Minnesota this week, and then is off to Breckenridge to ski. The staff hopes that he will plan to return to the Hospitalito again!

2008-12-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Hospitalito Atitlán!

The people of Santiago Atitlán, Fundación K’aslimaal and the Hospitalito received a magnificent gift today… towards the construction of the permanent hospital. Juan Francisco Pira, director of Granos Especiales, a Guatemalan coffee buying company, presented a check for $50,000 to Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc and K’aslimaal treasurer Lyn Dickey. This generous donation comes from Starbucks and will be matched by the Kendeda Challenge grant.... Peace on Earth.

2008-12-15T07:08:00.001-08:00

Many Atitlánecos are asking how they can help with the construction of the new hospital, and on Wednesday, the first group arrived. Twelve young members of the youth group of the Alfa y Omega church started early Wednesday morning to excavate a hole in an area that was believed to be free of the huge rocks that are on most of the construction site. They enthusiastically moved dirt. The church will continue to organize volunteers with pick-up trucks, and block masons as needed. It is great to see the community so eager to build their hospital!

2008-12-10T17:33:00.001-08:00

WE LOVE LINDA!

This is not a medical story, but it is important none the less. Linda Jones, wife of EMT Rob Jones, has been baking fresh homemade cookies for the Hospitalito staff since they arrived in 2007. Today she brought peanut butter and oatmeal raisin, but we can all say that her chocolate chip cookies are excellent too! These cookies are important to the moral of the staff and volunteers as you can see in this photo or Narda, Linda and Rebeca.

2008-12-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

POTS AND PANS FOR THE HOSPITALITO’S VOLUNTEERS

Chris and Carol Rizzardi have been involved a long time with Pueblo a Pueblo and the Hospitalito. They sponsor two students at the Panabaj School through the Child Education/Health Sponsorship Program and they have donated in many other ways. Nowadays they live in Guatemala City and after receiving a shipment with their home supplies they contacted us to see if some of their kitchen ware could be of use. Of course! Our volunteers who stay at “Las Milpas” were tired of cooking and eating in old and funky plates! Their donation was greatly appreciated and some of it will be donated to the Lunch Program at the Panabaj School at the beginning of the new school year in January 2009.

Photo; Chris, Kathleen, Tracy, Jared (volunteers) and Carol.

2008-12-05T12:11:00.001-08:00

Scenes at the Construction site

Thursday's construction commission meeting involved many visitors. Fundación K'aslimaal members met with Architect Mollander and the representatives of Productos del Aire to discuss the installation of medical gases. The structural engineer arrived to inspect the first footer that was completed. Pictured here (under Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc) is one of the smaller footers made of 3/4" steel. In a meeting with workers, Betty Esquina completes the worker's applications for health insurance provided during the job.

2008-12-02T07:12:00.001-08:00

It was wonderful to see the smiling faces of three caring friends return to the Hospitalito will suitcasese full of much needed medicines. Lea Pellett, and sisters Kathy and Judy Royer pose with Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc in front of their generous donation. Judy is an ER physician who had helped the local rescue company (Bomberos compania 45) in Santiago Atitlán, by purchasing oxygen tanks and regulators. For the first time, this company has oxygen available for patients. Thanks so much for the commitment to the people of Atitlán!

2008-12-02T07:11:00.001-08:00

Friday November 21st, a group of 45 Swedes traveling in the footsteps of a national treasure, sing-and-songwriter Evert Taube, veered off their path and visited Hospitalito Atitlán. Ulf Lewin, the country’s former ambassador to Guatemala, headed the group. We got a chance to show them the current hospital and the new site, where huge rocks are split by hand to make way for the foundation.

Taube traveled the highlands of Guatemala by mule in the 1950s, and came very close to its people, whom he deeply admired. Besides songs, he also wrote magazine articles, which have been collected into a wonderful book. What better way to end the group’s visit than with the Evert Taube song Sololá on the porch of Hotel Bambú? Swedish television’s sing-a-long leader Bosse Larsson, in the colorful hat, led the much-appreciated performance.

2008-12-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Boat Accident on Lake Atitlan

Hello,

I went in to the hospital this morning (Saturday, November 22) to do laundry and ended up doing CPR on a drowning victim, a 77-year old gentleman from France. Sadly we were unable to resuscitate him.

There was a boating accident and three people were confirmed dead.

There were four of us in the hospital: the Guatemalan doctor on call, nurse, guardian, and I.

Ten minutes after receiving our first patient, the patient's wife was wheeled in, she was cold and barely conscious. I believe we saved her life. We warmed her and she started responding.

As soon as we got word out, hospital staff came pouring in --- nurses, local doctors, volunteers, the lab tech… even the laundress and the Spanish hotel owner from next door, to do what they could. It is an honor to work with such caring people.

Police were everywhere and the public municipal police performed a respectful, careful and thorough investigation. I know because I also acted as official translator for two young British survivors of the boat sinking.

There were other deaths that were not brought in -- at least two that I know of -- a Guatemalan and a Lutheran Bishop from Malaysia. Three people are still missing, according to reports from the authorities. There were also a few other patients who are not seriously injured -- including the boat pilot, who's hand cuffed to his bed, a foolish young Guatemalan who had the carelessness of youth and whose life has now become a horror. I feel for him too.

We heard from the American Embassy within minutes after the accident, as they were concerned about American citizens involved. Soon we received calls from the French and British embassies, as friends in Panajachel helped contact them.

Our surviving French patient is 72, status post a near drowning, with completely unknown medical history. We all insisted that SHE CANNOT STAY!!!!! If she were to worsen overnight, we could not save her. In Guatemala City she can get the same level of care (at a private hospital, almost certainly staffed by North American and European-trained specialists) that she could in the States -- including ICU. I hope the four-hour trip to the Capital is uneventful. We have regular cell phone contact with our doctor accompanying her. We tried to get helicopter transport (30 minutes, I think) but it was too late in the day by the time we got her temperature up and her vitals stabilized --- mostly. Also the winds are violent today and the airport wasn't allowing helicopters to leave.

After the extra med staff arrived, I switched to administrator/organizer mode. I know and was able to remind new volunteers that lives were saved today because we are here. And gentle care was given to the survivors (thank goodness we have plenty of extra scrubs to give out). This is a hugging culture.
The patients arrived at 2 and 2:10 pm. Now it is 7 pm and the French lady (72 yo) is on her way to Guatemala City in one or our ambulances with two volunteers and a local nurse -- one is a volunteer doctor from Quebec who speaks French, which is the only language the patients speaks, according to her accompanying guide.

The municipal police took her husband to a morgue in the public hospital in Sololá, 90 minutes north of here.

I am glad I went to do my laundry today.
I am proud of everyone at the hospital.
But it is all very sad.
Narda

2008-11-25T15:51:00.001-08:00

Día de Gracias

K’aslimaal member, Lyn Dickey is very happy to have her daughter Heather Pierce visit for Día de Gracias (Thanksgiving). Heather is a family practice physician for the University of Missouri at Calloway Physicians in Fulton. A co-worker who volunteers with International MAP donated medications to bring to the Hospitalito. The Posada de Santiago will have a fabulous Thanksgiving food feast again this year, and we hope that all of you enjoy the day with loved ones.

2008-11-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

HOVIS - Costa Rica

The long awaited inventory management system and training session was realized this week. Thanks to the hard work of Nicole Seiver, who was able to track down an inventory system.... in Spanish, that manages expiration dates. Fortunately, it was in Costa Rica. The Hovis system is used by Subway restaurants in the capitol. Nicole spent several months testing the system before it was purchased. Wednesday, Alex Vargas of Hovis arrived for a three day training session. All department heads were present. This will save a great deal of work in the pharmacy, and solve many other problems. Alex had a great time, his first visit to Guatemala, and promised to return. He said that now that the company sees that we are an ONG that serves the poor, the company will offer more hospital software programs.

2008-11-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

November 10th, 2008

Today the construction began on the new hospitalito. A lot of work has gone into the site in preparation for the start, which was held pff until the end of rainy season. Maestro de Obra Gaspar Mendoza was chosen to build the hospital because of his work for the government. He has built small clinics and hospitals, and also bridges. He is pictured with Fundación K'aslimaal president Francisco Sojuel.

2008-11-06T17:15:00.001-08:00

Trinity Lutheran Church

Stillwater, Minnesota

Many professionals arrived with this group, and they worked all over the place!

Day 1. The group arrived early at the construction site for a brief orientation with volunteer coordinator Traci, and Lyn. Part of the group began working with Ezequiel to layout the new construction materials storage building. The medical volunteers returned to Hotel Bambu to bring the suitcases of medicine to donate. Two pharmacists created the inventory sheets of their donation. Dr. Kevin Bjork began seeing surgical patients and later he worked with the builders at the job site, only to be called back to the Hospitalito for an emergency surgery. Antonio, who is working in the pharmacy while Rosalia is on vacation, asked for help from volunteer Pharmacist Cindy. Gwynn and Deborah offered to paint Cuarto 1, a patient room that has a mold problem during rainy season. Fredy set them up with bleach water to wash the walls before painting.

Day 2. Dr. Kevin performed his first surgery in the “operating room with a fireplace and a view”. Cuarto 1 was occupied with a patient, so it couldn’t be painted. The group assembled wheelbarrows purchased for construction and painted inventory codes on all of the new tools. Duane began checking computer problems.

Day 3. Cindy continued in the pharmacy, while Dr. Kevin and Deborah were in the OR. Four of the men got busy building the new metal building, and it went up FAST! At 4 PM, the group’s soccer enthusiasts joined Dr. Chuc and Jose Reanda for a game in the Bahia, and afterwards dinner at the Posada.

Day 4. Cuarto 1 was finally empty and the women quickly put on a new coat of blue from the Fairfax California donation. On the construction site, the volunteers install lighting in the new building. Arq. Molander and Gaspar Mendoza, the contractor chosen to build the new hospital, met to discuss plans for start of the foundation, next Monday. At 1 PM, a special traditional farewell lunch, pulik with suban was ready in the education room. After lunch, the architect and builder discussed future plans with Mission Director Tom Thiets and other engineers and specialists for return trips with more professionals.

2008-11-02T10:39:00.001-08:00

Day of the Dead.... November 1st.

All over Guatemala, kites are closely associated with the Day of the Dead. At this time of the year, months of damp skies are swept clean by the dry northern winds. In a three-way meeting between traditional Maya religion, Christianity and a seasonal change, the kites soar freely into the air to deliver greetings to the spirits of deceased relatives and friends.

In the two towns of Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez in the highlands of Guatemala, the most complex kites are elaborated upon for months, before being displayed publicly nearby the cemeteries during the Day of the Dead. Tiny pieces of colorful tissue paper have been glued together by natural ingredients such as yucca flour, lemon peel and water into a quilt-like picture, with either a cultural, political or religious message. The kite is built onto a bamboo frame that measures up to 15 feet in diameter.

This picture shows young men from Sumpango raising their kite, and the word muerte, or death, can be read from below.

2008-10-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Fundación Quiron

Soon after Alexandra Martinez Sylvia Gonzalez arrived to volunteer for a month at HA, the Spanish Obstetricians asked the foundation at the hospital where they work to send a donation. It took a long time for the money transfer from Madrid to Santiago Atitlán, and they didn't get to see how their funds were spent. Here are Dra. Suzana, Head of nursing Felipa, and Dr. Chuc, to say THANK YOU for the generous donation. The money was used to purchase an EKG machine, a fetal monitor and three treatment tables.

2008-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Architect Molly Molander of Panajachel talks with Atitlaneco stone mason Antonio Quieju about his beautiful work on the retaining wall for the parking area for the new hospital.

2008-10-26T20:01:00.001-07:00

Almost everyone was there to thank Evelyn Chang when she left, it was a staff meeting on her last day. Evelyn and her friend Eileen arrived from Boston to volunteer at the Hospitalito. She also helped K'aslimaal members with editing some text, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you Evelyn and we hope that you return.

2008-10-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Marin County Guatemala Mission

A huge thank you to Bill Cuneo, President of the Marin County Guatemala Mission, and his friends at St. Rita Church in Fairfax California who sent a container of medical supplies, tables and kitchen supplies, and 6000 gallons of paint for the new hospital. The donations was delivered to the Madre ana Maria Chavajay in Patzun, two hours away on incredibly windy mountain road. Hospitalito Administrator Jose Reanda and Director, Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc really got a work out loading the 5 gallon buckets of paint onto the truck.

We are thrilled with this generous donation from our friends in Marin County. Mitiox!

2008-10-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hospitalito Basketball

We have added these fotos of the Hospitalito's Friday afternoon basketball games, in hopes to entice Dr. Mark Lepore or Dr. Jerry Noah to return.

2008-10-02T08:48:00.001-07:00

JURAT CHIK Nicole!

Anyone who has been a volunteer at Hospitalito Atitlán in the past year has had the pleasure of meeting Nicole Seiver from Australia. Nicole, a supply chain contractor, has done an extraordinary job at organizing inventory… often considered a thankless job. BUT, if you happened to work on inventory with Nicole, it became clear JUST HOW MUCH FUN IT COULD BE!!
We are sorry to loose Nicole, but happy for her new employer, OXFAM. In the event of future disasters, she will be the one to see that the resources are available and that they get to the areas where they are needed. Nicole will be living and working in cold dreary Oxford, England. We wish her the best!

2008-10-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

WELL – BABY CHECK UPS AT THE HOSPITALITO.

All the members from the Mother – Infant Healthcare Sponsorship have regular well-baby check ups, the frequency depend on the infant’s age. In September volunteer pediatricians from Spain examined more than one hundred children among them were the sponsored children from the Panabaj School.

2008-09-30T07:14:00.001-07:00

Pediatras Españolas

Dra. Barbara Hernandez and Dra. Nieves Domingu, fourth year residents in Pediatrics from Madrid spent a month at HA, and their contribution was great. Dr. Chuc saw this as an opportunity to bring all of the students in the Pueblo a Pueblo Panabaj school sponsorship program to HA for health check-ups. A 14-year old girl was detected to be severely malnourished and to be suffering from Tuberculosis. Her treatment has begun.

Several months ago, Obstetrician Dr. John Nelson of Logan Utah, diagnosed a problem with a young pregnant mother. Using ultrasound, he detected that her baby had hydrocephalus. When born, the family made the decision to take the baby home, expecting that he would not survive. After a month passed, they returned to HA, and in a meeting with HA administration, Dra. Barbara and Dra. Nieves decided to help with expenses for a lengthy stay at the National Hospital in the capital. Social worker Vicenta Chavajay traveled to Guatemala City with the parents and baby. We hope the best for this small family, but their experience will be challenging because the parents do not speak Spanish, and the nurses and doctors will not speak Tz’tujil. The need is great in Santiago Atitlán for all types of specialists as well as OB, ER family practice and surgeons.

The Birdchaser: Bird Lore from Santiago Atitlan, the House of Birds

2008-09-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting Blog about our beloved Santiago!

The Birdchaser: Bird Lore from Santiago Atitlan, the House of Birds

2008-09-12T07:14:00.001-07:00

Acupuncture Wednesday at Hospitalito Atitlán

Every Wednesday, the patients line up early in the education room to see acupuncturist Christian Nix, who has traveled from his clinic in San Marcos la Laguna to see those who are looking for an alternative treatment for their health problems. And MANY are lining up!

This week two additional acupuncture practitioners arrived from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, founded by repeat HA volunteer Tyler Robinson’s father.

Thanks to Christian, and the all the volunteers for making the acupuncture treatment day an option for the Atitecos. Everyone appreciates their efforts.

2008-09-12T07:13:00.001-07:00

LUCKY WINNERS!!

Starbucks had a coffee sales contest and the prize was a trip to Guatemala. The ten lucky baristas came to learn about the companies social responsibility projects that benefit the coffee growers and producers. Here are the winners who won the trips to Guatemala at the site of the construction of the new Hospitalito… the other lucky winner. Hospitalito Atitlán continues to receive funds from Starbucks for construction.

2008-08-17T11:57:00.001-07:00

ZUTANO

Mothers in the maternal infant program were thrilled to receive the beautiful new clothing donated by the Zutano, a children’s clothing company located in Vermont. The women enrolled in the program are the poorest of the poor, and the babies have great need for the socks and other wonderful items of clothing. The company plans to contiue to donate new clothing to the children in the program and the community. Thanks to Elisa Vandervort for facilitating this donation.

2008-08-07T07:42:00.001-07:00

A new AMBULANCE!

Two years ago, Seattle fire fighter and rescue worker, Paul Embleton arrived at HA with the dream of doing EMT training with the volunteer rescue workers, and MUCH more. He saw the need in 1997, while working with the Chief at the Bomberos headquarters in the capital.

Paul has been working with the volunteer firefighters in San Juan la Laguna to build a small station and clinic. They renovated this boat to serve as an ambulance, and Paul bought land in Santiago Atitlán near the Hospitalito so that there would be a dock to bring patients. A golf cart will be used for patient transfer from the dock to the hospital.

Paul came to Atitlán with a lot of great ideas, and he is completing them. The boat transferred it’s first patient this week.

2008-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

UNITED KINGDOM

GUATEMALAN ADOPTIVE FAMILY RAISES FUNDS FOR PANABAJ CHILDREN

Middleton family and friends raise and donate sponsorship funds for the children of Panabaj. Four great dads cycle 216 miles to raise funds. THANKS!

2008-08-02T14:29:00.001-07:00

Dr. Marcia Smith, a retired internist from Santa Barbara, California, volunteered a month at Hospitalito Atitlán, and her help was greatly appreciated. While her daughter JoAnn studied Spanish, Marcia worked with the staff and patients. Here she is with social worker Chonita Mendoza and Flori a nurse. Thanks so much Marcia...

2008-07-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

“Bosque”

Forrest Wells, is the 17 year-old son of Dr. Steve Wells and Dra. Mary Cutler, who volunteered at Hospitalito Atitlán for more than a month. Forrest had a great time in Santiago Atitlán while completing a project for his senior high school class in Ashland, Oregon. His job was to interview all of the organizations in the village that accept volunteers and compile a report that listed contact information, days and hours they need volunteers, kinds of volunteers, etc. As a result, Forrest now knows almost everyone in town. He also spent a few days volunteering with each organization. The old women at the “Centro por Ancianos”, called him Bosque, Spanish for forest!

2008-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

-Letter from Dr. Wells -

Hospitalito's maternal child health program has been working with the local birth attendants to improve obstetric care in the community. During my month here doing obstetrics I've seen both the results of their work and areas where the work needs to go on.

A few weeks ago one of the "comadronas" brought in a patient in labor because the comadrona felt that the patient was not in a vertex presentation. The patient had not received prenatal care through the Hospitalito, but the comadrona had been trained to check position and bring in non-vertex patients. Ultrasound confirmed that the baby was in a breech position, and in fact had a very advanced case of hydrocephalus. The woman was having preterm contractions, but was not actually in labor. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done for the baby, but we were able to help the woman and her family plan for this difficult birth.

Last week we took care of a patient who did not get transferred to us at an appropriate time. She had been laboring at home, pushing for 8 hours and had not urinated for 12 hours. Dra. Susanna (the Guatemalan staff physician) appropriately placed a foley catheter and ruptured
the membranes, diagnosing both urinary retention and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. She then promptly called me and together with the auxiliary nurse and medical student we made an attempt at resuscitating the baby inside the uterus. When it became clear that the baby was stressed and not improving with our interventions, I decided to do a cesarean section. Dr. Chuc came in and promptly put in a spinal anesthetic, the crew was also prompt and competent, and we were able to deliver a healthy though stressed baby that had the cord wrapped tightly around its neck twice. Susanna easily resuscitated the baby, and both are now home and healthy.

Steven Wells MD

2008-07-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

VOLUNTEERING --- the Cutler-Wells family

When Dr. Steve Wells and Dra. Mary Cutler of Ashland Oregon, decided to volunteer for six weeks at Hospitalito Atitlán this summer, they also brought their two teenage children to study Spanish and work in the community. Their lovely daughter Emma prepared packs of clothes for newborns, and here she is pictured in the patient shower to which she just added a fresh coat of paint. Thanks to a great family... (look for a story soon about the great job their son Forest took on while here.)

2008-07-12T05:37:00.000-07:00

GUESS WHO visited the Hospitalito yesterday bringing a mother and her children for check-ups!

2008-07-11T12:00:00.001-07:00

¡Bienvenidos ORIOL!

Congratulations Montse and Xelani!

Everyone involved with Pueblo a pueblo's Maternal Infant and the Panabaj School Sponsorship programs knows Montse the benefits coordinator, and the fabulous work that she does for the mothers, babies and students. On the June 3rd, Montse gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. HIs name, Oriol, is a family name from Montse's home in Catalonia. Everyone is thrilled with the new addition to the community.

2008-07-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kevin Brogan of County Kilkenny in Ireland, visited with his wife and six year-old son Cormac, Dr. Kevin and his wife Siobhan raised a donation of $1526.40 at a small dinner party in their home where they showed photographs of Guatemala. Here Dr. Kevin presents Dr. Chuc and K’aslimaal treasurer Lyn Dickey with the check. We hope that Dr. Kevin will consider returning to volunteer!

2008-07-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

Manuel Ramirez Lacán, pastor of Bethel Church in Santiago Atitlán, presents Hospitalito board treasurer Lyn Dickey with a check for Q820. that will go towards construction of the new hospital. Manuel says that his church hopes to make additional donations in the future.

2008-06-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Narda’s return!!

Physician Assistant Narda Sherman of Portland, Oregon, returned to HA with her parents today. Narda volunteered in April of 2008, and plans to return to volunteer for three months in November.  This summer, she and her husband and children are living in Antigua, Guatemala for six weeks to study Spanish.  Everyone was happy to see Narda's big smile! They brought a large donation collected by family and friends, of medicine, surgical supplies, children’s books, and clothing.

Susan, Jim, Dr. Chuc with Narda

2008-06-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

Another great visit with our friends from Marin County!

Old friends and supporters of the Hospitalito returned to visit and see the progress made on the new construction site. Jason, Pete Doyle, Bill Cuneo, Terry, Father Ken, Terri, Ginger, Hank and Dorothy. It was great to see familiar faces and to meet some new friends that you brought along. Thanks for all of your help!

2008-06-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Five year Strategic Plan

June 21st, was the completion date of Hospitalito Atitlán's Strategic Planning session.  Lic. Carlos Alfonso of INTECAP facilitated the five day process, which because of hospital work took several months to complete. However, the work has just begun.  The plan projects into the next five years. Participants were, Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc director, Jose Reanda HA Administrator, Rigoberto Ramirez, Volunteer coordinator Rebeca Petzey, Social workers, Vicenta Chavajay and Chonita Mendoza, Nurses Felipa and Pedro, and Fundación K'aslimaal members, Karina, Kathy and Lyn. Dr. Chuc and Vicenta were chosen to see that the plan is put into action.

2008-06-22T20:07:00.001-07:00

A friend we can count on... Jimmy Hutchinson

We put fetal dopplers on the wish list, because the old ones no longer functioned. Jimmy Hutchinson, from Springfield, Missouri is owner of Hankins Surgical Supply, and is a frequent visitor to the Hospitalito. He pays close attention to the wish list to see what is urgently needed, and always brings something. Jimmy, Dr. Chuc, Lyn Dickey and Professor Lea Pellet.

2008-06-17T17:49:00.001-07:00

On Monday, June 16^th the staff of Hospitalito Atitlán gathered to say thank you and good-bye to volunteer OB/GYN Dr. Tara Creighton. In this photo, Tara is standing with Volunteer Coordinator Rebeca Petzey, seated are Sabrina Kahlbrenner RN (left), here for three months from Germany and medical student Jennifer Jaggi who is completing her six-month study of patient satisfaction. Dr. Tara will be returning to North Carolina.

2008-06-09T05:46:00.001-07:00

THANKS DR. JOSH!!

It was a fast two months for medical supervisor Dr. Joshua Brostoff (center) at Hospitalito Atitlán. When Josh arrived, and found us short staffed he pitched in taking turns and doing consultations, going above and beyond the job description. Today, at his going away party, we tried to convince him that the all flights have been canceled until July due to Tropical Storms Arthur and Alma that have brought constant rains this week. Josh will be missed, but promises to return in two year. Hope that time passes quickly too.

2008-06-05T05:24:00.001-07:00

A bright idea

As part of our efforts at sustainability, we attempt to keep costs low wherever possible. In April, Randy Loomis and his family visited the Hospitalito for the first time, and commented on the use of energy saving compact flourescent light bulbs. The initial outlay for the bulbs is more, but the long-term savings are greater. When Randy returned home to Connecticut, he purchased the bulbs and sent them with his sister to the Hospitalito. Thanks… we appreciate your donation!

2008-05-08T08:13:00.001-07:00

Professionalizing Hospitalito Atitlán

Vicenta Fidelina Chavajay Cortez, (called “Chenta”) from San Pedro la Laguna, is 29 years old and has been working with NGOs for many years. She graduated as a home economics teacher in 1998; and in October of 2006 received her diploma in Social Work from the University Rafeal Landivar.

Chenta brings lots of experience in community work: in addition to teaching, she worked as a loan officer/educator for five years for Friendship Bridge, a micro-credit program.

Chenta left Mankatitlán Municipal Democracy Project to come to work at Hospitalito Atitlán because it offers the opportunity to directly practice her chosen profession, Social Work, and to continue to work to support the Tz’tujil communities. She and Chonita Mendoza will share an office, and work together in many areas.

2008-05-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Great Nurses… Great Cooks!

Four young student nurses completed their practicum at the Hospitalito this week, and celebrated their term by preparing a lunch for all the employees. The young Atitlanecos worked hard and learned a lot from our staff and the medical volunteers. Hopefully when they graduate, some of them will return as employees. Apart from their nursing abilities, we know that they can cook! They prepared pulik and suban with a delicious ik. In other words, they made a chicken vegetable and rice soup in a tomato mint sauce, tamales, and hot sauce. The delicious lunch was greatly appreciated by the staff and volunteers.

2008-04-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Atitlán Bass Club

April 11th was the start of the three-day Atitlán Bass Club Fishing Tournament. Proceeds from the second annual Torneo de Pesca will go to the construction fund for the new Hospitalito Atitlán. In the photo, tournament organizers Allen Stern and Martin Chif present a check for Q5,000 to K’aslimaal secretary Karina Gezelius. Thanks to all of the supporters that made the event possible, the Posada de Santiago, Guatemala Sport Fishing, CEFESA True Value, Martin’s Bait Shop, Pesqueros, El Horno, Naviera Perez, Crossroads Café, Sailfishing PanaMax, Pana Super, Restaurante El Patio, Pesca Deportiva, Suzuki Marine, Texaco Panajachel and Fotos Vinicio

2008-04-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Volunteer carpenters are always needed and appreciated!

Michael Dickey was called to service at the Hospitalito when the medical records shelving began to fall. Nyla the receptionist was afraid of being buried under a cascade of patient files. It takes all kinds of labor to make a hospital work, and Michael has also been the financial support for his wife Lyn, a long term volunteer on the Hospitalito’s board of directors.

2008-04-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA PROVOSTS VISIT HOSPITALITO

It was an interesting and delicious lunch at the Resaturante Pescador with representatives of the University of Pennsylvania. The group visited Guatemala for a week to investigate the possibility of expanding their Global Health programs. In Santiago Atitlán they met with the mayor, the Health Department, rescue workers, and the Hospitalito. In this photo,. Dr. Kent Bream (left to right) who has been bringing U Penn students to Atitlán as part of Penn’s Guatemalan Health Initiative, Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc, medical volunteers from Boston; Pediatrician Rob Meyer, Bill Soares, Jenniger Jargi, HA board secretary Karina Gezelius, and from U Penn, Kara, Dr. Bryan Strom Dr. Charlie Branas. Not pictured is Dr. Steve Larson from the University of Pennsylvania.

2008-03-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you Dr. Jerry and family….

It was a fun and tearful party as we said goodbye to Dr. Jerry, Camy, Zach and Sam last night at Las Milpas. Dr. Jerry came to the Hospitalito last fall to begin his six-month commitment. He served as medical supervisor and Chief of Staff. Zach, age five (under the table) and Sam, three attended the local kindergarten, and made good friends there. In the photo are their physician friends visiting with their children from Ventura, California. The children (and adults) took turns with a piñata, and we all enjoyed delicious pulique (a traditional chicken with tomato mint sauce served on special occasions) for dinner. Thank you all for sharing with us!

2008-03-24T04:50:00.000-07:00

Good Friday

An example of the truly amazing alfombras (carpets) made of colored sawdust that cover the streets of Santiago Atitlán. These incredible works of art are created by youth groups of the Catholic Church, and last only a few hours because the procession will pass over them during the night. The huge coffin which bears the body of Christ is carried by more than 30 young men out of the church at 4 PM and passes thru the streets, over the alfombras all through the night entering the church again at 6 in the morning.

2008-03-19T20:22:00.001-07:00

Hospitalito Atitlán staff and volunteers

Following a meeting today, we felt it was time to update the photo for the web site. Many will recognize the faces of the employees, the local volunteer nurses, and others volunteering from Spain, Australia, Harvard, and obviously, Dr. Jerry Noah about to return to California.

2008-03-13T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Construction Commission met with the Architects from the Ministry of Health today on site to discuss recommendations made by all the architects involved in new Hospitalito. In the photo: from the Panajachel architectural firm Tierra Linda; construction supervisor Noe Perez, and architect Molly Molander, K'aslimaal board members on the construction commission; Juan Tziná, Dr. Juan Manuel Chuc and Lyn Dickey, representatives from the Ministry of Health in Guatemala City; Architect Leonardo Arzu, Arzu's assistant, and senior architectural student Monica Serrano who is doing her senior project on the Hospitalito in the office of TIerra Linda. Missing from the photo is the Hospital architect, volunteer David Schele, and Larry Finnegan from the board of Pueblo a pueblo, inc.

2008-03-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

€1000 donation from County Cork, Ireland towards construction of the permanent Hospitalito Atitlán.

You never know whom you might meet at a rock festival, and it surprised K’aslimaal board members to meet Father Padriag Kough at the 2008 Festival Atitlán fundraiser for construction of the new Hospitalito. He attended at the recommendation of a friend, when he told her he was looking for an organization to which he could deliver a donation entrusted to him by a friend from Ireland.

Board member Kathy Searle gave the group a tour of the temporary hospital, and the next day they returned with a check. The donation came from, Ms. Eileen Forrest Corbally, of Leamlara in Co. Cork.

Pictured left to right, K’aslimaal member Kathy Searle Acevedo, Mary Ann Cantillion of Vancouver, Canada, Father Pádraig and Mary Ann Morris of Antigua Guatemala and Nelson BC Canada.

2008-03-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

QUEEN SOFIA DONATES MEDICINES TO HOSPITALITO ATITLAN!

It took a lot of work and more than a year for this donations of medicines to arrive from the QUEEN OF SPAIN. More than a year ago, Club Rotario Guatemala Oeste and the Asociación K'aslimaal began the paperwork to apply for the donation. On March 5th, Jose Reanda (center) traveled to Guatemala City to meet the flight from Iberian Airlines to accept the donation of more than 51,000 EUROS worth of medicines donated to Hospitalito Atitlán. In this picture is (left to right) Rotary president Robert Way, Jeff of the Spanish pharmaceutical company that made the donation, Rotarian Mario Rosito, Hospitalito Administrator Jose Reanda, Mynor Mendoza from AMICELCO, and Rotarian dentist Oscar who volunteers frequently at HA.

2008-03-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

A CLEANING DAY

On Tuesday 27^th of February the Santiago Atitlán’s Town Council organized a town wide cleaning day with the local schools. Early in the morning the streets were full of older children picking up trash, and then the garbage was gathered inside “costales” and brought to the town dump with pick up trucks.

Even though there is still much more to be done in the sense of garbage consciousness… It was the first community effort to give Santiago Atitlán a clean face!

2008-03-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

LEARNING ABOUT GUATEMALAN TAX LAW

Last Tuesday, February 19th, Lic. Erick Palma (tax consultant) and Lic.Oscar Piedrasanta (lawyer) trained the Pueblo a Pueblo staff and a board member on issues related the Guatemalan tax system.

The class was designed to prepare Pueblo a Pueblo staff to begin fundraising in Guatemala. This effort will further our mission which is to empower Guatemalan individuals, organizations and communities to improve their own lives by facilitating access to services, commodities and financial resources.

2008-03-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

EASTER PROCESSIONS BEGINS!

Every Friday afternoon for six weeks, beginning with Lent, a procession leaves the Catholic Church. The Parroquia was built in 1548, and this year the bell tower is under renovation.

2008-03-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Vanderbilt University students are hard at work on the retaining wall at the construction site for the new Hospitalito. 22 students arrived on Monday the third of March for four days of moving dirt, rocks and cement. Their work adds to that of other volunteers trying to complete the wall before the rainy season begins. Thanks to all of them, their efforts are a great help!

2008-03-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

THANKS to STANFORD UNIVERSITY Department of Emergency medicine and especially to Drs. Paul Aurbach and Bob Norris for sending two ER Fellows to Hospitalito Atitlán on March 4th for a full day of training in resuscitation for our physicians and nursing staff. Everyone learned a LOT and there were a few laughs too when the trainer told the students to clear the mouth of "foreigners". In this photo, Dra. Irene Quieju is explaining the search to fellow physicians and nurses.