BigBlueBugBlog: Medical Missions

Another service that Volunteer for the Visayans provides is periodic Medical Missions to severely impoverished communities. The free services included general checkup and consulation, dental (teeth extractions), eye exams, blood donation, circumcision, medicine distribution, and feedings.

"getting your teeth pulled?... please come up to the stage!"

Nice specs.

Our second day in Tolosa was the circumcision day. There were many eager boys ready and waiting for us while we prepped the gymnasium. Getting "turi" is a very important aspect of a Filipino boys life. Generally, the whole family... and I mean the whole family and friends will be present to witness every step of this glamorous event. If one is not turigged it is considered shameful.

Two of our medical missions were with the Filipino army. Captain "Chico" described to me the "old school" turi method. At a beach, the boy is told to chew on a handful of guava leaves. Next, his foreskin is pulled forward on a table and then quickly chopped (hopefully getting it all in one "clean" blow). Then the boy spits the guava leaves' juice (apparently guava leaves have some sort of medicinal property) on the fresh wound and then takes a nice refreshing dip in the ocean... yeah I too took a long deep breath after hearing this.

In Tolosa 255 boys got turi (circumsized). I was truly amazed at the bravery and mental commitment of these boys. The "operating room" was seven tables (two boys on each table) placed on one end of a gymnasium with four of the tables up on the stage. So the experience with one's most private part was made very very public. The three tables on the gym floor received the most attention as people of all ages surrounded the tables as if they were watching the final table at the world series of poker.

Bravery.

Demonstration.

There are many medical students who volunteer with VFV because they allow them unique opportunities to be exposed to medical procedures and practices that they generally would not see until deep into their schooling. Circumcision is considered one of the most minor surgeries and the medical students and even any competent and confident volunteer was given a chance to perform this minor yet very important surgery. We were told that,"The future of the Philippines is literally in your hands."

Initially my plan was to be photographer for the day. After watching the procedure all morning long, I decided to help out and give some of the med-students a break and assist on a few. Next thing I know I was performing the surgery myself. (Thanks for the assistance nurse, Shahine!). I've been told that I have surgeons hands and they sure seemed to work pretty well! I got to the point that I felt very confident and comfortable with the procedure, so much so that I continued to do them in the medical missions that followed.

I was fortunate enough to assist while Dr. ThuAn performed a turi on Francis (top right), my sponsor child! Here we are with a few other kids from Bliss a few minutes before.

Tools of the trade.

Front row seat.

Clean water.

Sustenance.

At two of the Medical Missions, VFV provided food for the malnourished people in the area. Many of these people can only afford to eat rice and maybe small amounts of fish or vegetables, and for growing children a diet like this can be harmful. Fresh clean water is also very well received because many barangauys (neighborhoods), particularly ones that are the furthest from downtown Tacloban do not have a decent water source. The food we provided was a porridgey type mix loaded with vitamins. The food was ok, but the entertainment, a magician from the army, kept people smiling for hours.

Laura enjoying her meal with staff and kids from BLISS.

The VFV staff joined the Filipino Army for in their traditional way of eating. Banana leaves are spread down a very long table (this example about half of the gymnasium). And then a layer of rice is covered with a layer of pansit (traditional pinoy noodle dish) ad then topped with pieces of chicken or fish. The most interesting thing about it is how you eat it. People stand shoulder to shoulder, surrounding the table and when given the command from their Captain everyone digs in, literally!!! No cutlery, just grab it with your hands and stuff it in your mouth! For those concerned about sharing more than their food a few plates were available!