February 3, 2014

To our relief, Dr. Manuel Avila was able to obtain the letter from the Minister of Health that day.  Thankfully, I was able to retrieve the letter from Dr. Avila just beyond the doors at customs.  With that letter, we had clear sailing through. Some four months of work to gather and send documents finally paid off.

We stayed at a hotel about 30 minuttes away.  It was a short night and then back to the Airport for a flight to Cuenca early the following morning.

 

We had a warm welcome from local Rotarians upon arrival in Cuenca. On Saturday we had a massive clinic and saw over one hundred and fifty patients in consultation.  Fifty were immediately booked for the Operating Room.  That very evening, a volcano some 150 km away erupted three times.  There was volcanic dust everywhere on the streets, covering cars and the air.  It was so bad that individuals with asthma were advised to be careful outdoors.

Sunday noon we started surgery and we were able to do four total joint replacement surgeries.  Today we performed eight joint replacements in adults, while at the same time there were surgeries on children and the Dental team treated disadvantaged children in rural schools.  This pattern will continue all week.

 

We have a great team! Wayne and Paul are enjoying themselves and doing good work.  There is a wonderful spirit in the team!  Hasta Luago!

 

On behalf of Operation Esperanza, Tom