Well, it's been awhile since I posted and a lot's been happening, but the most exciting thing by far has been my trip to Guatemala with Healing the Children. This time I went with an Ear, Nose, and Throat team for 2 weeks. I spent most of my time in the PACU or Recovery Room where I acted as a secretary, ward nurse, pharmacist, PACU nurse, translator...you name it, I prolly did it. I was in Guatemala City for a total of 2 1/2 weeks. After the ENT crew left, I stayed in the city and helped out with a Neurosurgical team with members from Virginia and NYC, respectively. I had an incredible time in Guate and was extremely remiss to leave. I miss the people, the country, and everyone I've met and reconnected with on the trip. Here's a "highlight" of my trip...these pics were selected from almost 400 pics taken during my time there. Enjoy! If you have any questions about the pics, comment, email, call...you know what to do.

The Relief Map of Guatemala made about 100 years ago. It costs Q15 for visitors and Q3 for Guatemalans. The exchange rate is Q7.5 to $1. You do the math. The red area is Guatemala City, and if you look hard enough, you'll be able to see La Antigua Guatemala, Volcan Agua, y Volcan Pacaya, also known as Volcan Fuego.

Outside the Central Market in Guatemala City. Unfortunately I didn't get a pic of the 5 armed guards standing on the steps.

Inside the National Palace in the Courtyard of Peace are two memorials remembering the victims of the Civil War. The Flame of Peace is in the back commemorating the martyrs and unknown dead, and the 2 left hands intertwined chosen because the left hand is closest to the heart, represent the indigenous peoples killed. At the base of the work are 12 interconnected left hands representing the 12 different indigenous cultures in Guatemala.

San Sebastian Hospital...in the rain.

This is Brian Smith. He and Brian Sandstrom, the other Peace Corps translator, have the same birthday. They're 2 years apart, have the same first name, and the same first letter of their last names. Coincidence? This was a little birthday party we had for them after dinner the first night we were there.

Clinic...the more organized version.

Jose and myself before surgery. He and his mother spent all day waiting to be seen at clinic, took the 5-6 hour bus ride to San Marcos on the Caribbean coast, got some money and clothes, then took a bus right back to Guate City for surgery the next day. Jose didn't sleep a wink and stayed up all night writing each of us a thank you card on the bus. It's stories like this that make all the work and lack of sleep more than worthwhile.

Brian drawing Brian's blood...actually...that's some kid's premed of Tylenol and versed. No worries, the syringe still has the cap on. The nurses liked to call Brian Sandstrom "tall, skinny Brian"...versus "short and fat" Brian Smith?

One of many dinners with the team.

We could do our own TV show...Scrubs: Guatemala.

Zona 7, view from Camino Seguro.

Chi-Chicastenango, por favor!