Scott in Guatemala

For over a week now, Scott has been in Retalhuleu, Guatemala working as a volunteer for Rotaplast. Rotaplast is supported by Rotary Club International. Rotaplast sends groups of volunteers out to do surgery on children with cleft lip or cleft palate. This work takes place all over the world. Clinic's are also held in Mexico, Brazil, China, Philippines, Egypt, and many other countries. This is Scott's second trip to Guatemala. Last time he was in Guatemala City. These volunteers work very long hours and improve the lives of these children, and their families, as they restore dignity to the child's facial features. Many are bullied at school, therefore, stop going. Some have many siblings that will teach them at home. The Guatemalan people are so very grateful for this wonderful gift. They say it is a gift from God.

Here are some photos that I have taken off the Rotaplast blog.

This is the first day of interviewing the families and getting health information. Not all children are taken for doing the surgery. Some are sent home. If they are sick, or have other reasons, they will have to wait for the next time.

This is the non-medical staff. Scott's job is to recover and count the instruments used. Get the tools cleaned and sterilized for the next surgery.

Here is Scott with some medical staff; a few of the doctors and nurses. I believe there are about 26 medical and non-medical volunteers working on this mission. This includes, surgeons, dentists, nurses, record keepers, translators, and others.

The staff had Sunday off and traveled to see an archaeological site. A well deserved break!

The rest of the photos are a few of the children and their families. Some children were brought by mom and/or dad, grandmothers. One family had two daughters that needed help. Many traveled by foot or bus. For some, it took 15 or so hours to get there.