Welcome to the Photojournalist Report from the El Paisnal Medical Brigade!
In February of 2005, 26 volunteers returned from El Salvador with many stories to share of a remarkable ten day medical mission. These dated entries are my version of what we experienced; Sister Margaret Jane Kling has also posted her reflections and I'm hoping other volunteers will too. My hope is that these writings and photos will give you some idea of how extraordinary it is to be a part of a PazSalud medical brigade, and may even inspire you to volunteer for a future brigade.
January 21, 2005
The El Paisnal Medical Brigade departs in 8 days for El Salvador so this seemed like a good time to start this journal. I know I’ll be filling many pages with observations and reflections so let me start with the basic facts:
- We leave from Seattle January 29 and return February 7.
- According to Kathy Garcia, this will be the 5th and largest medical brigade to El Salvador, with 26 volunteers. And each of us travelers will be checking in two large Rubbermaid tubs of medical supplies.
- Each of the brigades has been different. For this brigade we’ll be setting up the clinic once, on Jan. 30, at La Hacienda San Carlos near El Paisnal (this is the first brigade to set up in a rural hacienda). The hacienda is a 25-minute drive from our guesthouse, La Posada de Suchitlan in Suchitoto. The clinic will operate until Feb. 4. The last few days will be spent in San Salvador.
Members of the 2005 El Paisnal Medical Brigade are listed below
 PeaceHealth medical brigade volunteers. |
Dr. Dale Heisinger, Bellingham Dr. Lauren Herbert, Eugene Dr. Dan Herron, Longview Dr. Rod Beaver, Longview Dr. Barry Jarvis, Eugene Dr. Carletta Vanderbilt, Bellingham Ken Henderson, Bellingham Diane Spada, Bellingham Mark Mc Eathron, Bellingham Bess-Marie, Bellingham Cheryl Moller, Bellingham Sr. Beth Taylor, CSJP, Bellevue Patty Hamel, Eugene Lori Schlegel, Bellingham Barb Bigelow, Ketchikan Kathy Lupercio, Eugene Lauren Burks, Eugene Dave Engebo, RN Longview Marlene Phillips, Bellevue Lesley Harrow, RT Bellingham Dr. Burton Vanderbilt, Bellingham Sr. Margaret Jane Cling, CSJP, New Jersey Alicia Langlois, Eugene Kari Vanderbilt, Bellingham Laine Herron, Longview Maia Watkins, Eugene |
On a personal level, this is a meaningful journey for me. When I first considered applying for my current position as Communications Coordinator, I clicked on the information about the El Salvador mission while exploring the PeaceHealth website. What I read helped convince me this was an organization I wanted to be a part of; I remember thinking that this was a health system that cares. I am honored to have the opportunity to participate. Since I have no medical background, I can’t provide much hands-on help so instead I’ll do what I can; record the story of a medical brigade in words and pictures and share the experience with all of you. That’s my job. I’m looking forward it.