Hospital visit....

We just got back from the hospital here in Jinotepe. Just for the record,don't get sick here. The place is so primitive. The poverty is unbelievable and the situations are so sad. The beds are nothing more than cots. There was no air conditioning. Its super hot, humid, and there are bugs and flies everywhere. Paint is peeling off the walls. Patients have to bring their own sheets and wear their own street clothes. Every patient has to bring a family member who will take care of them and bring them food. I never saw a blodd pressure cuff or a stethoscope, let alone any type of advanced medical equipment. The rooms were very large and had anywhere from 14 to 20 people in each room plus their family members who were with them. In each room the illnesses ranged from people with the stomach flu to motorcyle accidents to elephantitis to pancreatic cancer....all in the same huge room. We spent the afternoon with our interpreters listening to their stories and then praying for them. The people are very open to having us lay hands on them and pray for them. Many of them are Christians and love Jesus. Many others are Catholic and pray to St. Peter and Mary as well as God and Jesus. We really wish we had brought a bunch of Spanish Bibles and tracts with us. We felt bad about that and may try to go buy some and make a return visit there. What we saw just breaks your heart and makes us so grateful for the blessings that we have and all the things we take for granted back in the states. It was a very powerful, emotional and insightful afternoon. Right now there is a large band and parade going down the street. They have festivals about twice a week to celebrate different gods or leaders or events. The nationals really like to drink so any excuse to celebrate they do. Its very loud, bright and fun. The culture has been such a neat experience. Thanks for your prayers.