We previously shared with you the dire need for us to finish our medical clinic as soon as possible. The existing medical clinic reached a point that it was no longer safe for anyone to use the facility and had to be shut down.
The floors were so termite eaten in some areas that the floor gave way under the ceramic tile.
The walls and ceilings were also falling apart due to water damage and bees that built their nests in the walls and ceilings.
Like most of the projects we come across in Guatemala, someone in the States had good intentions of making a difference in peoples lives. And for the most part these projects do help, at least for a period of time. But what I have observed as a missionary working in Guatemala for over 15 years is the fact that folks with great intentions, do not have a plan to maintain what they build. Guatemala is full of broken wells, half built buildings, and other projects that meant well, but failed because of a lack planning.
One of the things we do differently, from the beginning of each project, we think it through thoroughly, and don’t act hastily or by impulse. We plan everything out and then have a long term plan to maintain that project, which includes having the community involved. This community involvement is key to our success. This builds pride and ownership into the communities we serve. Everyone looks after for example the water system to ensure no leaks, or children playing around the sinks or leaving the water running.
Currently the clinic has moved into our church/multi-purpose building in Los Limones until we can complete the medical clinic, hopefully soon. Because this space is a multi-use area, it is not suited for long term use as a clinic.
We have the reception and waiting area under roof and are moving forward next week to begin building the walls of the next section of the project. Which will include, one door room, bathrooms, and the medical clinic. Once this section is completed, it will allow us to move the clinic to it’s permanent home, as well as allow us to continue construction safely without interrupting the operation of the clinic.
Will you help us continue this vital work? Can you imagine taking your sick child to a Doctors office that looks like this? I can’t either and that is why I am building this new technologically advanced medical clinic.
