Dear Family and
Friends,
It has been one of the
most unusual trips to Peru for me in my 25 years.
It is something I
never expected.
First there was a
great excitement on arriving early in February in anticipation of the
arrival of my first dental group going to Otuzco. Right now it seems
like it was a long time ago. The first problem was in Trujillo when only about
11 people arrived from Lima from a group of 24. The remainder were still in
Lima due to luggage difficulties ...all kinds of problems from losing luggage
to having not left enough time to check in ...24 people with 60 or so pieces of
luggage.
After resolving that
and getting to Otuzco, the mission went extremely well. We saw about 400 patients in 3 and a half
days ...each patient had numerous dental issues. It was a very successful mission with
delightful people who were dedicated, caring, and very hard working. I want to thank them all for such a successful
trip!
Center Thomas Helm in
Callao has been under renovations for 8 months. During this time space was rented elsewhere to
accommodate the children. The contract
for this location ended at the end of February 2020. So when I returned that Monday we were
packing to move back, although the work at the Center was not yet completed ...tables,
benches, cabinets, refrigerators, freezers etc. had all been moved to the
second floor of the Center for storage. The problem was that the children had
no place to go - possibly until the end of March. Now it looks like the quarantine might be
extended for another 2 weeks so the renovations will even take longer. The hope
is to be able to move back to the Center in May ...but all depends on Covid-19.
My second dental group
was expected March 20 ...So a temporary location was found for the week in Chucuito Callao to accommodate them and see as many
patients that had dental issues. Everything
was arranged and all set to go when I received an email from the team leader
that the mission was suspended, and no travel was allowed to
Peru because of Covid-19. It took several days to cancel transportation,
lodging, notify the Ministry of Health, School of Odontology etc. to undo what had
taken several months to arrange.
Two days later March
14th the President of Peru made an announcement that all borders were closing
March 15th ..airports, land and maritime
all closed. There was one day
notification to leave the country. Needless to say, the airport was chaotic, the telephone
lines were jammed so that no one was able to communicate with airlines about
leaving the country.
So as to date,
I am still waiting to leave Peru. I have
made numerous calls to the embassy of the USA and also
contacted the State Dept. only to have them tell me to wait. I have filled out all the StEP
and LIMASAC papers to let them know all my information.
It has been 10 days so
far of quarantine and I have not left my apt.
Had notification today that as of last night, Peru has given permission
to repatriate the citizens of our country....hurrah.
I have been keeping
busy by catching up on my reading and enjoying some Netflix movies...but in all
honesty I feel stressed not being able to work or move around. It is harder than it sounds but I feel
extremely blessed to have a roof over my head, water and food that some in Peru
do not have. I am not complaining,
really.
So, I have learned to
be more patient ...It is all for our well-being.
I want to thank
everyone for their kind words and support while I am here. It really means a lot.
Wishing all to stay
safe and be well.
THANK you all for your
continued support to HOPE FOR PERU.
May God keep us well.
Vera