We leave Guatemala City for a long, but beautiful bus ride up into the mountains to Huehuetenango. At times we are escorted by the Huehue volunteer firefighters in emergency vehicle purchased through a Rotary matching grant. MOST arrives at the home of Dr. Ocsar Marroquin for lunch and a celebration with the local Rotarians. Dr. Marroquin has been the instrumental force in Huehuetenango behind MOST since its start. He has arranged for us to be located this year in the hospital he and hs partners operate.
We learn there are around 100 applicants ready for screening tomorrow. They range from babies to the oldest of 56. Some families have traveled over 200 miles, a 10-12 hour trip to reach the clinic. The Catholic Church will provide a shelter for the families. They can take up to 300 and will generaously provide meals. Dr. Marroquin has 50 of his hospital staff ready to help including the night nurses.
Following mutual expressions of appreciation we say good by, leave to check-in at the hotel and walk to the hospital to prepare for tomorrow. Supplies stored from last year and recently shipped supplies are located, unpacked, sorted and delivered to the various stations. Traffic flow of patients is layed out for the screening day tomorrow. Dr. Canady's parting words for the evening are, "Be kind to one another."
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