A Note From Brown

The medical team on the islands is all about sharing basic health and hygiene with the Kunas.  There is a radical difference between our health standards and theirs, causing many health issues for the people. Things like washing your hands before meals, or not breathing in smoke isn’t common knowledge like it is in the United States; these are the kind of things Matt Arbo, a first year intern at GO, helped educate the people on. This week’s blog we will get to talk to him first-hand and learn all about what a day on the medical project looks like.

Brown- Tell us one of your favorite stories from a day on the medical team.

Matt Arbo- Well, I’d have to say my favorite story was the first day that we set up the clinic. The line was like three miles long; well… probably not three miles, but it was BIG. It was so cool to see the turnout for the clinic and to see so many people get help. I remember being able to help this little baby girl by giving her a nebulizer treatment. I felt kind of bad because she was crying the whole time, (laughs) but I knew I was helping her. I wish we could have done so much more, but I know what we got to do made a huge impact.

Brown- That sounds awesome, Matt!  So, are there any requirements if someone was interested in being a part of the medical team?

Matt Arbo- There are no requirements to be on the medical team. The more knowledge you have in that field the better, but we’ll take anyone who’s willing. There will be nurses and doctors there doing the check-ups and prescribing drugs, but we can use people to work at the pharmacy, to check blood pressures, get general health information and stuff like that.

Brown- Before you went on the trip, did you have any interest in the medical field?

Matt Arbo- No, I didn’t necessarily have an interest in the medical field, but after going, I saw what an impact it made in people’s lives and all the doors it can open for ministry. I definitely left with more of an appreciation for it. Dr. Niko was the head of the medical team, dude, he was super funny and a lot of fun to work with. He was always helpful with all the questions I had, so I learned a lot working with him. He was just an all-around fun guy to work with.

The Kunas don’t have access to basic over-the-counter meds like aspirin or pre-natal vitamins for pregnant women, so when they hear about being able to obtain this stuff for free, we create quite a gathering. Like I’ve said before, their language has no word for love. Saying, “God loves you,” won’t mean much, but showing it will be what makes a lasting impact. The medical team is part of giving something to the people that keeps giving once we’re gone. Just a few more weeks!

A Note From Brown

My eyes open to the subtle heat of the sun as it peers through my hut. I crawl out of my hammock and begin my morning tradition by walking to the beach, not to swim, just to collect my paddle from my family’s canoe. I am charged with the task of canoeing for hours to the mainland in order to retrieve my family’s daily ration of water. As my small, calloused bare feet trample through the jungle to where the brown water lies, the demanding journey leaves my arms in a sore and frail state. Returning to my island with the required amount of water I stagger towards my hut with pails in each hand. My mother makes her way to me on the beach and quickly sends me back out to fish for the day so we can eat. My arms are aching but the other kids and myself decide to make it a game. I grin widely removing my fifth fish from the hook, they didn’t stand a chance.

As the sun beats hotter against my back, I know mid-day is almost upon us. Just then, something sparks in me as the sound of laughter makes it way to my ears. In my search for the source I wander back to the beach to discover a large gathering. I see my friends surrounding a group of visitors. New smiling faces with brightly covered games and toys greet me as I begin running toward them to join in the fun. I tried to give them my favorite shell many times, but they wanted nothing in return for the teddy bear or stickers. Why would they do this? Why would they come here?

This is just a small glimpse into what it’s like in the life of  a Kuna child. One of the coolest parts about our trips to the San Blas Islands is the carnival that we carry by boat, to all the islands, which includes: face painting, games, beanie babies, and other prizes! These kids live a very different life than the one I was used to as a young child. Riding my bike home with a flat tire was considered a rough day, while these kids are skilled fishermen, expert boatmen, and capable of beating any brute, young American man in a boat race by age 8. What kid wouldn’t go wild for a break from their daily chores, but a carnival? Especially kids like these who don’t have a lifestyle of luxury. I cannot wait to see their faces when we arrive on their island!

As most moms will tell you, the way to their heart is through their children. Especially in a matriarchal society such as this one, we find that an awesome aspect of connecting with the children is how it opens the door for us to connect with the adults. These islands are not heavily trafficked; so for the mothers, having someone come and hold their baby or paint a flower on their little girl’s cheek means the world to them. It’s gives us favor with the people allowing us to leave a bigger impact and show the love of God to them in a lasting way.

I read a quote this weekend that said, “The best times in life are the ones you can’t imagine.” These people probably can’t imagine a love so great that people would come from a different country just to share with them; how cool is it that God is using us to share his message of hope and love that they can’t even imagine?

Only a few more weeks…

-Brown

Project Panama – Random Facts 5!

What a better way to play with kids then with carnival games! Watch as Matt and Jon explain just how we’ll be traveling from island to island doing the “floating carnival” games!

Project Panama – Random Facts 4!

Follow Matt and Jon as they delve into the Kuna’s history and discover the significant importance of coconuts on their islands!

A Note From Brown

PURE.

During their “A Day Without Shoes Campaign”, TOMS Shoes asks people to not wear shoes as a reminder to those who have none. To me this is a great excuse to run around barefoot and laugh at other’s stubby toes or hobbit feet. However, after the day is over the humor doesn’t cover the stench from a group of dirty feet or the pain from the gravel and asphalt. TOMS point is proven as we are left reflecting on the thousands of children whose feet are left naked all the time.

This got me thinking. How many needs are there around the world that go unnoticed? I went barefoot for a day to raise awareness for kids without shoes, but what about those without shelter? What about those going without food or without water? Oh wait, they can have water, it just will have a little mud in it, or maybe some bugs. As I learned more and more about these facts my heart broke! Some time ago I found out that a huge cause of death for infants in the San Blas Islands takes place when they are weaned from their mother’s milk to water. As a result, many mothers give the children coffee, because their water is just that bad! But instead this causes stunted growth and mal-nutrition. Fresh water is a prominent need, however awareness for this need isn’t present.

GO just recently hosted an event called PURE to raise awareness for the water projects we’ll be constructing this summer in Panama. Various artists from around the states created pieces highlighting water, justice, and people, which were sold to support the building of water purification systems. It was such a cool way to get the message across to Tulsa and give people an opportunity to help with what we’re doing.

Recently I’ve focused so much on planning the trip I almost forgot to be excited for it! The TOMS day and the PURE art show reminded me of what I’m going to be a part of in less than eight weeks! As I work hard at fundraising and say no to Starbucks or the cute shoes in the window, I know it will all be worth it when I’m running barefoot in the sand with all the little kids on the San Blas Islands!

-Brown