This morning, as we arrived at the clinic, we were met with the sight of 100 individuals already lined up, eagerly waiting to be diagnosed and receive the necessary medications and compassionate care. It was immediately clear that our services were in high demand. Throughout the day, our dedicated team, comprised of doctors, a dentist, and nurses, attended to a total of 130 medical patients. In addition, we provided dental care to another 22 patients.
The day was organized under the guidance of our diligent team leader, Larry Tate. He had expressed the goal of serving as many patients as possible, and that’s precisely what Fr. Marco facilitated. From the moment we opened until the final patient left, our medical professionals maintained a steady and consistent workload. There was never a moment of downtime or the chance for any of us to become idle; we were consistently engaged in patient care throughout the entire day.
In fact, the overwhelming demand for our services extended beyond our immediate capacity. Several pickup trucks had made trips to bring in people from communities in the eastern part of the deanery. Unfortunately, we had to send a couple of these trucks back with instructions to return the next day. Accommodating an additional 50 patients on top of those we were already treating would have stretched our resources beyond their limits. Your team would have been completely overwhelmed with the influx of more patients.
The experience today underscored the immense need for medical and dental care in this region, and it solidified our commitment to helping as many people as possible. Tomorrow, we’ll continue our efforts with renewed dedication, determined to serve even more individuals in need of our medical and dental services.
We are grateful that the forecasted rain held off today, allowing us to maintain our plans without any disruptions from inclement weather. The absence of rain made our operations much smoother, as we didn’t have to adjust our schedules or worry about missing out on any important activities due to the downpour.
Tomorrow is Sunday, a special day for both our team and the local community. Our medical team plans to attend church with the parishioners of St. Rita. Participating in the service will not only strengthen our bond with the community but also provide a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal for our team members. Once the service concludes, we intend to take a short break to enjoy lunch together. This will give us the energy and camaraderie to face the afternoon’s responsibilities.
Afterward, we will recommence our healing ministry with fresh vigor, ready to attend to the medical needs of the patients. We anticipate another busy day filled with providing compassionate care and essential services to those who need them most. The focus and positive energy from the church service, coupled with a hearty meal, will undoubtedly prepare us to continue our mission effectively and empathetically.
By the end of the day, we hope to have made a significant impact, alleviating pain and offering hope to those we serve. The connection we have established with the community members, both in the church and through our medical outreach, reinforces our commitment to this important work. We look forward to continuing our journey, confident that our efforts contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the Sta. Rita parishioners and their surrounding neighbors.
Today, I found myself unexpectedly overwhelmed with emotion—not just surprised, but genuinely moved to tears. I had the opportunity to interview two young ladies: one aged 14 and the other 19. Both had only completed the 4th grade in public school, and alarmingly, neither had any plans to continue their education. Despite their young age and limited formal education, these bright and amicable individuals demonstrated excellent learning abilities. However, they lacked awareness of the possibilities for a better life through continued education.
Reflecting on their situation, I pondered whether this gap in knowledge stemmed from rural cultural perceptions or from their parents’ lack of awareness. Regardless of the cause, it was disheartening to realize that these two young ladies—and likely many others in similar circumstances—were missing out on the chance to acquire skills that could help them break the cycle of poverty inherited from their parents.
The two girls lived about 20 minutes outside the community where a public school is located. This distance poses a significant challenge, especially if the parents are not sufficiently supportive or capable of ensuring that their children attend school regularly. The situation highlighted a broader issue: without proper guidance and support, these young minds are at risk of being left behind, unable to access the education that could open doors to a brighter future.
It struck me deeply that such potential could be sidelined. These young ladies have the ability to excel, yet they face obstacles that seem surmountable with the right assistance. The encounter underscored the crucial need for community programs and parental education initiatives aimed at promoting the importance of schooling, addressing logistical barriers, and fostering an environment where every child has a fair chance to succeed. Through collective effort, we can help ensure that promising youths are not left without the tools they need to transform their lives.
CubieSphere 