Angels to/from Honduras

            The two teams, six persons per team, met at the Home Depot and were transported to LAX in a Hummer limo to catch a plane for the long trip to El Progresso, Honduras.  They had 22 bags and boxes of surgical material and equipment.  After required to open only two of the bags at security, they were on their way.  At the nearby airport in El Progresso, they were warmly welcomed by Roberto, the president of the local Rotary Club.  Lisa said, "I had never met him, but after speaking to him so many times on the phone, it was like greeting an old friend."   Siobhan said, "We were also greeted by 90 degrees and 80-90% humidity.  They told us we had to drink a lot of beer".

            A welcoming lunch was provided by one of the local Rotarians who owned the restaurant.  Lisa admitted that she tried testiculos del toro that "tasted like hot dogs"; she said they were good, especially with their wonderful home made tortillas.  At the local surgical clinic, they were impressed with the quality of the clinic administration and professional medical staff.  They said that their hygiene practices were almost over the top.  They performed over 50 surgeries in the time they were there; most taking around ten minutes, but there were a few with cataracts that were mature, dense and almost hard as rocks; and took longer to remove.  Their indigenous patients were of all ages, very cooperative, brave and stoic in their behavior as local anesthetics were applied for the surgery.  One of their patients, a man, was 90 years old.   

            They noted there was a high rate of diabetes in the population due primarily to genetics and high carbohydrate/sugar diet.  They took a side trip to visit the local hospital another place where they noted cultural and medical differences.  Back to the clinic, they arranged to leave eye surgery equipment, a microscope and other medical supplies paid for by the $20,000 RI grant and donated by eye surgery vendors. 

            At another meeting they were presented with a key to the city from the Mayor and each team member was honored with a souvenir letter opener with their name engraved on it.  Steve Curry, representing our Club, noted that his job was to circulate and support the local economy.   Steve said, "The surgical teams were fantastic, no whining, flexible and willing to accept challenges along the way.  The local Rotarians were helpful and courteous.  I was impressed." 

            Lisa and Siobhan agreed that it was a great experience and one that will be with them forever.  THANK YOU TEAMS HONDURAS!