Many Tasks, One Purpose

Here is another message from Fr. Jack as he ministers to the people who live along the Napo River in Peru. I have edited and explained a few things between [brackets]. 

Greetings to all,
     We have had a LONG weekend.  Days begin with two cesarean sections, one appendectomy for an acute appendicitis, four vaginal deliveries, all moms and babies in good condition. Lots and lots of folks with malaria…Last night an old man with anemia so severe he couldn't walk.  He has hunted and fished to raise his family…We looked first at his blood smears…no malaria, then we looked at a fresh blood smear and there they were!  Micro filaria! in cantidad! [Lots!]  We finished the day’s “consults” at 10:00 pm.  Why so many patients? Every year the regional government puts some money in the hands of the local [mayors] for projects the villages want.  So Friday until yesterday, Sta. Clotilde has been full of barefoot people who came into town for the [“special budget.”] Big, long meeting with 86 villages presenting projects. Not enough money to complete even…a one room school house, or a battery and solar panel for a school that already exists. With each village came people with medical problems who haven't been able to get here on their own.
     Stoic people live with pain and fever for long periods of time.  This weekend we saw 2 men and 1 woman who have been waiting for the big meeting to be able to hitch a ride…to see the doctor. ..[Some] surgery is beyond this little medical station, so yesterday morning we sent all three into Iquitos on our river ambulance.  They left at 6:00 am, arriving in the emergency room of the regional hospital at 4:00 pm.   All three admitted and being prepared for surgery in a hospital with facilities to do a colostomy…and whatever else needs to be done.
     Kids are full of parasites, especially Giardia Lamblia.  Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, weight loss and more insults [problems].  Water contaminated in the wells here in Sta. Clotilde!  Can't convince people to BOIL their drinking water!  
     Life goes on!  A privilege to be here with people whom the world has left behind.
     Hope you are well.  Sorry for the lack of communication.  The people don't get seen until late night and then the lights go off, so no internet, but often I think of you.  The village priest, Fray Javier, went into Iquitos on Sunday, so I am trying to get away [to celebrate] the daily 7:00 pm Mass.  Missed on Monday, got there last night.

Jack

     We pray Fr. Jack stays in good health and returns to us as planned on May 25th. 
Peace Fr. Andy