Roatan is beautiful. Beautiful ocean, beaches, jungles, and beautiful people. As we have traveled to remote villages over the last 3 days I have enjoyed looking out at the scenery and people we pass. I also admire…and somewhat fear…the long thin winding roads that connect the Calle Principal with the rest of the villages.
These long winding roads also make me pause to consider just how difficult it is for some people to access the food, work, and health care needs that they have. Many do not have cars or motorcycles, so they have to rely on the kindness of others to help them when travel is needed. This is one of the reasons that Clinica Esperanza extends their care from the clinic in Sandy Bay to the remove villages. When we see something we do not have supplies for in the villages we talk to them about when and how to get to the clinic. It is amazing to see Carla work her connections with the pastors and other volunteers and good people of the island to make it work for the patients.
Today, we were missing a driver to take us (not all the clinic staff drive). So with some hesitation, I was able to fill that role and cautiously navigated the winding roads of Roatan to our community site today. We were able to bring care to many that do not have easy access, and to refer to the clinic a few patients that need extra care – plus reinforce to them why it is important.
My daughter, who I was able to bring with me on this mission trip, made a special friend who loved to have her heart listened to and just chat it up! They had a special bond!
And speaking of winding…Nic found this little friend trying to wind its way into breakfast this morning! We thought it was just a milk snake…but we were cautious in case we were wrong. Then, when we had time to look it up…we were wrong! Roatan coral snake…Poisonous! Glad Nic was so careful!