Monterrey, Mexico Medical Update

Another beautiful day in Monterrey. We have been blessed with lovely weather, so sunny and pleasant. Each morning has been cool, the afternoons warm, but dry and comfortable. The city is basically a desert valley, surrounded by dramatic mountains. Markedly different than Tulsa!

We moved our clinic today to Mission, a village about twenty minutes farther than Zapata. It is even poorer, with dusty, dirt roads winding through shacks made of wooden pallets, corrugated tin, and items scrounged from the junk pile. Stray dogs and chickens roam freely. Other than roosters crowing occasionally, it is very quiet: no radios or televisions, no cars or truck traffic, no sounds of industry.

This poverty was reflected in a different type of clinic patient than our previous days'. Not as many cavities, as they don't have access to the same sugary--and relatively luxurious--treats. Instead, more profound gum disease that puts all of their teeth at risk. Lots of uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes. Several children came in with the physical symptoms of vitamin deficiencies. On the one hand, it felt good to be able to serve, as their needs were so great, anything helped. On the other, it was somewhat depressing, as you know you can't change their underlying problem: extreme poverty. That last part, however, is very convicting to continue to serve however you can as a mission volunteer.

Altogether, it's been a great trip: our team has worked well together, our different skills and personalities have been complementary, God has been good and provided for us--as always.
Leslie Roark