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Clinic begins sharply at 8:00 a.m. By this early hour, the line of patients (or perhaps the waiting crowd) fills the court yard, all anxious to be treated by the North American doctors. The pressure and intensity of the waiting crowd is something that can never be expressed in words; it can only be experienced. This feeling remains in the back of one's mind as you see each patient throughout the day. There is a constant struggle between focusing on the needs of the individual patient, while at the same time always being aware of the press of the crowd. At times there seems to be no end to the numbers of those seeking help.
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Between noon and 2:00 p. m., we enjoy lunch and a time of siesta � take a stroll to market; write in your journal; rest; or prepare for the afternoon shift.
Clinic reopens at 2:00 p.m. and continues until approximately 5:00 p.m. Actual closure time depends on how accurately the speed at which the line will move has been assessed. Sometimes we are delayed if one of the last patients is very sick or needs a procedure performed. Team leaders will make significant efforts to keep on schedule throughout the day.
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| Depending upon the destination of the "tree team" for the day, some members may leave before breakfast and eat while traveling. A "tree team" is a group of 4 to 6 team members that travel to a nearby location to hold a "mini-clinic". Normally this one day portable group will take small quantities of supplies and set up in a church somewhere in the same general region. When the day's work is complete, the "tree team" staff returns to base camp to rejoin the rest of the team (hopefully in time for dinner!). |
| Shortly after clinic, the cooks serve supper and team members have an opportunity to relax and share with each other about the day. The sharing may take place in a formal team meeting or informally as team members eat and relax. |
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Some evenings the local church will have special evangelistic services. Team members with musical talent are encouraged to share a special song or number. Often there will be group singing as well. Even though we usually do not understand the words (unless you sit next to an interpreter), the Spirit is understood. Most are very aware of the presence of the Lord. Services are exciting with much exuberant singing, clapping, and sharing of Christ's love. This experience will be a cross-cultural event that you will never forget! |
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| On other evenings team members will have free time to spend sharing or playing games. Some choose to update their journal, spend some alone time with the Lord, or just vegetate to prepare for the following day. |
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| For those still awake, a "luxurious" shower (at least you'll think so after being there a few days) may be enjoyed to cool off a bit. A shower can be one of the most exciting parts of the day, because you may be totally at the mercy of the person operating the water pump switch. It also gets more exciting when shared with a couple of other people. Hopefully by 10:00 p.m. all are in bed and are sound asleep on their foam mattresses.
There are a few exceptions to the typical day. On the middle Saturday there are some options such as going to the ocean, taking an all day siesta, or visiting an interesting local site. This day may be concluded with a special dinner out! Cooks, remember, look forward to this day! On the middle Sunday, we attend church in the morning, and have the afternoon free. The evening service may also be attended. On the last Thursday and Friday there is much work to be done before becoming tourists. However, after the team supplies are packed away, it is time to have fun, spend money, and see another part of the country. Souvenirs to be taken home will need to be packed in empty Willamette Medical Team boxes (so save and take care of those boxes).
Remember � all of the above is tentative and subject to sudden change! Be flexible and have a great time.
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