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I have
been busy tutoring many children for their final exams, mostly math, because
it is easy to use flash cards. School finished the end of June. Volunteered
for another medical mission, being one of many translators. We had long, hot
days and saw basically colds, parasites, infections but also some abscesses
from diabetes, which were pretty grotesque. A horrendous outbreak of flu was
going around. Don't know how I avoided getting it.
It has been very hot here and no electricity most of the time. Therefore,
cannot run fans, or keep too much food in the refrigerator without it
spoiling, etc. It is incredible. One night it was so hot I had gone to Pizza
Hut where it is air conditioned just to cool off.
Monday there was a strike by the public transportation due to gas being $5 a
gallon. No major protests but I think I understood from the news that there
were a couple shootings in the capital.
My sponsors in Minnesota provided funding to build another brick house for
the Martinez family. Hence, I was expecting to be finished by June/July and
able to come home. It has been a very slow start. The old run down termite infested
home has been in the family for years and there seemed to be a lot of
emotional struggle to start the demolition. Finally, the house was taken
down, board-by-board, piece-by-piece and the old mangled cement floor broken
up with a sledge hammer. Footers are dug and the rebar is in place. Just need
to order block next week so hopefully things can move forward.
I need to contact the pediatric cardiologist to learn the schedule for the
open-heart surgery on my two kids. The next group of pediatric cardiologists
will be coming from Virginia, not sure exactly what part of Virginia. Dra. T
is learning English quite well.
As for folks here, everyone is fine, just trying to stay cool and refreshed.
The house where I am staying has a low tin roof and heats up pretty good
during the day. A got a thermometer and the inside temperature runs 95 to 105
degrees.
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