Kidz Konnect and Carra visit April 2023

 What a blessing to join in ministry with Kidz Konnect!!

selah helped with a special rap to honor the 50th Medical trip

The site at Hope Creek

Jaziel plays while his mom gets seen by the doctors

Nathanael Selah and Dr Brad

        Due to some logistical things, Selah spent some time working with the eye team. She did an excellent job putting eye drops in and showing the  eye chart.  She also did some English/Spanish interpreting. 

Selah getting someone to use the eye chart

I enjoy April because there is a team of graduating nurses that come from Huntington University.  I get to see the same instructors every year. 

There is a PA Brian who also is pretty proficient in ASL. He is know well known among the Deaf community as the doctor who signs!

Selah and Brian hangout and practice ASL

Carra was on her second trip with Kidz Konnect as a med student (about to graduate). God prompted me to ask her if she would like to stay and visit Spanish Lookout. She agreed! She spent some time with us at church (in both Spanish Lookout and Orange Walk) Then spent some time sightseeing. 

Zepnahiah, Nathanael Spring and Carra went on a hike

I am so thankful for the productive and relaxing visit we were able to have! 

Kidz Konnect January 2023

 What a wonderful time serving with Kidz Konnect!  We are so blessed to serve alongside this ministry in various functions.  This was the first time I went a day early. Abi's time to serve is in January.  We finished our school day and arrived at camp Tuesday night to disucss Wednesday.  Abi decided to stay back at camp to work on school work.  

It was so cool going to Mullins River for the first time.  We met people at a church. I love getting to know them and the lack of "rush" involved. I could sit with people and hear their story.

  After the patients were taken care of, we ate lunch. We then drove to Gale's point.  This is a bit further out, a community on a peninsula. House visits were the fare.  How rewarding to meet people and understand where they are living and a bit about what drives them.

The rest of the clinic went by in a bit of a blur. Abi had the opportunity (as she's now 18!) to not serve alongside me. She did some learning of her own and shadowed Becky.  

Nathanael of course visited with a van of Deaf from Orange Walk.  There was a PA in the group who knew some sign language. He connected well with the community of deaf.  

Kidz Konnect is always a blessing, a way to connect and a different way to serve the community. 

 

Kidz Konnect October 2022

 After a year and a half of not being able to go go Kidz Konnect, it was so refreshing to return. 

Taking a blood sugar

Nathanael was able to get people from both the Spanish Lookout area as well as the deaf from Orange Walk. It was fun and challenging to have new people to navigate their health with.  We look forward to continuing in the future!

Kristen helps Dr Ed by interpreting

Kristen is also learning the "art" of professional interpreting. Her mom and uncle are deaf so she has experience. Nathanael is giving her the skills and time to do it. Kristen is in her last year of high school and we hope that this will lead to a good job for her.

Triage with a baby :)

It is fun to be able to walk through the process with the Deaf to have them be completely understood while they are navigating their medical care. At times, we have to put the pieces together of the other care they have received and the medicines they are on. It is a maze and an adventure.

Zion helping interpret fot the people who gave out glasses

The greatest "accomplishment" this time was from a young guy. He really needed some glasses. Fortunately there was a team who was there just to provide basic glasses.   For me I was floored. He is a young guy (15) who has a full time job. He relies on sign language for communication. I can't imagine having to figure things out without being able to see well. We are so excited for him!! 

Of course post clinic I was able to visit, explain meds and do some follow up care. 

Me taking a blood pressure in Orange Walk and explaining meds/visiting with the family

We are so thankful for those who serve with Kidz Konnect!! It helps us better serve the deaf of Belize. 

Not old hat

There are times when we do something so often it becomes "old" to us, not as exciting. When I finally stopped to count, I realized it was officially my 10th time of joining the Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus family.  Was it old hat?  Actually I have found if I listen to the Holy Spirit, he always has something new for me to learn.  It is also exciting to see how God is growing their family in Southern Belize.  We are blessed to work alongside of them, and the Deaf in Orange Walk have received help through their ministry.

our suitcases all ready to go

Zion was the child who came with me this time. We left for the airport Wednesday morning. What a joy and a privilege it is that they let us ride in the Kidz Konnect bus with them!

unloading for the days work

Another thing that is growing in me is meeting with the same patients over and over again. This is especially true when i have the opportunity to work with the Spanish speaking population.

Nathanael interprets for one of the people from Deaf Church

The people of Jesus Deaf Church were able to come on Saturday. It is such a blessing to talk to the doctors and coordinate medications. Anna got a massage. She felt so much better! Marta and Anna also got glasses.

Tables set up for triage

It was such a refreshing time for Zion and I as well as the people of Jesus Deaf church. I am enjoying the role of being more involved medically with the population we work with.


Thanks Kidz Konnect for how you serve Belize!

sitting with someone from church and reviewing their medications after returning

connections through medical work

The middle of April arrived. Kids connect is something that the whole family really loves.  It was Selah's turn to join me.  Kids Konnect has graciously allowed Selah and I to ride the bus from the airport to Stann Creek. This is awesome because it means not waking up at 4:30 am to catch the bus!  TJ was returning to Dangriga. Other than the very full bus, the trip(s) went without incident.

Selah playing with one of the dogs at Camp Legacy(where we stay during our time with Kids Konnect)

Selah and I found the best places in the bunks (I like to stay away from the blowing air conditioner).

Selah, TJ and I wait for the bus

Wednesday nights are usually spent organizing distributing medicines, and catching up with friends. April Kids Konnect has been extra special the past two years. Nursing students come and serve. It is fun to meet people at the beginning of their nursing journey.

Selah, the helpers and nursing students had a drawing competition

Clinic days for us went: Silk Grass village, Pomona, and St Augustine. Routine is familiar but the patients fluid. I really do enjoy being able to bounce back and forth between interpreting and doing triage. It gives variety. I also often get to follow the same Spanish speaking patients from triage, to see the doctor and hand them their medication in the pharmacy. I believe I have now been in Silk Grass 6 times. It delights me to return to the same place, getting to know the same people and ask them how their lives are progressing.

the table set up for triage

Friday Nathanael brought a (very full) van load of mostly Deaf people from Orange Walk. It was an interesting and full day. The funniest part was me attempting to interpret ASL. Apparently if I didn't know the word in sign language I was vocalizing the Spanish word. We are so thankful to the people at Kids Konnect for loving the Deaf and accommodating them.

Nathanael interpreting for an eye exam

the "seating chart" for the van ride up. 23 people in a 15 passenger van for 3 hours (each way!)

The best part of this process has been an open door for me. We have been able to speak into the medical parts of people's lives. We sit with them and discuss medications. It helps to have a basis of understanding of what their medical issues are.

the April group who served

The other exciting thing was Zepahniah got to stay from Fri-Sunday with us to visit with his good friend Tucker (another TCK) who lives at the camp. His parents serve with Kids Konnect. Zephaniah spent Saturday exploring the creek, riding bikes, and having dart gun fights. What a delight for an 8 year old boy!

Zephaniah and friends catching fish in a net in the river

Thanks Kids Konnect! What a delight to work with you!

Not the same trip

January came and it was Abigail's turn to go to Kids Konnect. She was excited! She was deferred this fall as we decided Zion is old enough to attend.  We were also blessed in that Todd Stone allowed us to ride from the Belize City airport instead of waking up at 4am.  The sleeping a normal amount certainly is a huge benefit.

Abigail at the airport

Abigail and I rode the bus from Orange Walk to Belize City at 9am. We hung out at the airport, talked to Todd, and watched as people arrived. It is always fun to see old friends and meet new ones.

I took a picture of this person's ticket so I would remember the number when going to the registration desk(don't worry it's not a medical number and after registration isn't associated with the person at all)

Wednesday evenings are spent orienting, and sorting. Meds, equipment and people are assigned to correct places. I am ever amazed at the efficiency and organization of the Kids Konnect staff. They have it down to a science!

unloading the medical equipment at Pomona

Abigail and I did clinics in both Silk Grass and Pomona on Thursday and Friday.  Abigail was a people mover, she also counted meds. I enjoy helping out wherever the need is. I usually start in Triage, do some interpreting, and help with patient flow.

Abigail hanging signs at Middlesex, San Augistine School

In Silk Grass we met a young lady. It was a pivotal moment for me. She was Deaf. Both Abigail and I attempted to sign with her but we got little to no response. She had spend 3 years in the Mennonite school in Spanish Lookout (from ages 11-14), but otherwise didn't go to school at all. She spends most of her days at home. No one in her family signs. She doesn't socialize with Deaf in her community. Nathanael did send a video from Orange Walk of mostly gestures asking basic questions. She finally understood enough to spell out her name for us.

Abigail got to hold babies a few times this trip

 If I am honest it was helpful to me. I sometimes get caught up in the daily grind, wondering what I am doing here. I still struggle with ASL. I ask myself if there is an impact?  Communicating with her reminded me that she is a reason we are here. We want Deaf to have access.

Nathanael interpreting Zion, Josue and Zephaniah watching

Access included Nathanael coming to Stann Creek with 5 Deaf from our church. It was a good time, abet a long trip (3 hours drive each way). Nathanael interpreted for the women who were able to get reading glasses.  Alma has had a missing ligament from birth. Julie (the PT) and Dr Harrel provided braces, a cane, and exercises that should help reduce her pain. They all got adjusted by the chiropractor, which I think was especially helpful to the hardworking women of the church.

Triaging some people from our church

My ongoing job is to check if exercises are being completed and medicines are helping. It has also given me a reason to visit a little more with people.

Alma gets a blood sugar taken and Misael watches 

We were honored that the team from Kids Konnect helped make Jesus Deaf Church so welcome.  Thank you for making this an "atypical" trip, for allowing us to be a part of your family.

Abigail was thankful for new and old friends! (even photobombers!) :)

October Kids Konnect trip

"I am the worst patient/mother of a patient ever," was the mantra running through my mind this past week at the Kids Konnect medical trip.

the very full bus after pickup at the airport

Zion and I were blessed to be a part of the largest and most diverse (amount of states involved) medical team.

This has nothing to do with Kids Konnect, Zion just wanted a pic of her helping carry groceries

Of course it threw a wrench in my "plans" as I know what to do in the triage area.  I realized that there were enough qualified nurses.  I ended up being more of a circulatory person. I had the privilege of  to interpreting, give out instructions in the pharmacy, and just go where the need was.  One thing they changed this time that I really valued was having a constant prayer person.  I had the privilege of doing this several times throughout the 3 days.

The table set up for triage

I was asked to help find a plan for a family. I talked with Dr Ed because I was certain that the issue had been addressed with the family in the past. I felt like it was non-compliance. He gave me a gentle reminder that has stuck with me. He said sometimes people are just trying to make it through the day. They can't add one more thing.

Zion found this guy on the toilet paper

Although I can't say I was in their particular situation, I have felt like I am just trying to slog through my day.    Honestly I know that my situations have probably been easier.

The lovely view from St Augustine school

While in the pharmacy, I explained over and over to patients that it is very important for to take all of the antibiotics. One shouldn't stop when they feel better. Yet I have done that with my own children. (out of forgetfulness, not because they felt better).  We don't know where someone has been or what their current journey is.

Zion helps set up the tables for triage

It was also a reminder to me today as I read Liturgy of the Ordinary. This week the focus is on work. You could be in Belize doing wash, or in the US. (or have one of many other important jobs). We are called to bring Him with us. To allow him to work through us, to find a place with Him in our daily tasks.

Sherri reads to the kids

Zion takes a turn reading

May you be spurred on towards holiness in the everyday tasks of your lives,

Spring

“It is inbred in us that we have to do exceptional things for God: but we have not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, and this is not learned in five minutes” 
― Oswald Chambers

Another sucessful trip!

I should have been "on the ball" and scheduled a post to be posted when we left, I just wasn't. 3:30 am is just an awful time for anyone to wake up. For anyone familiar with our pattern, yes it was time for Kids Konnect!  This time Selah and I took the trek to Dangriga on the bus. I was better prepared and we had jackets for the time on the bus with the AC.  We both attempted sleep but it just didn't happen.

Upon arrival we got to spend some time with the Groff family. It was nice to catch up with them. Selah was disappointed because their boys were in school.

This trip had me spending my first day as one of 3 experienced Kids Konnect participants. The rest of our team were "newbies" .  I had different responsibilities in that I was asked to make sure things ran smoothly. I wasn't sure I could pull that off, but the team was so fantastic,  my job was mostly triage.

Of course we did have a conversation about warm vs cold culture. People come to see the doctor, but our main goal is to reach them with the love of Jesus. What I appreciate about Kids Konnect, is they are also warm culture in their approach. One is encouraged to take the time they need to talk, pray and encourage the person in front of them. This means that often there is a wait for care. Most Belizeans don't have an issue with this. The Americans may though. We all spend time learning and I appreciate that.

We had the privilege of working with nursing students from Indiana. Their hard work and dedication was an inspiration.

 Of course we also enjoyed the company of some "old favorites" those who come every time or several different times.  It is just a joy to serve alongside both the short term team, and the long term missionaries.

\Selah thrived in this setting. She enjoys being a part of the mission, as well as having some responsibilities.  I am not sure the polite Southerners appreciated her take charge attitude. Selah could learn a thing or two about southern respect.

When all is said and done we are thankful for another time we could serve with the Kids Konnect community!