Update on Daniel Lopez Mendez

Hello from Guatemala,

I just wanted to give you a quick update on the little boy I asked you to help me pray about me getting his family to let me take him to the hospital. A lot of people have asked about him and wanted to know the status so I thought I would just give you an update.

His name is Daniel Lopez Mendez. He is 11 years old and has had this problem for almost a year now. I was originally asked by the government health dept to go to this village and see if I could help this little boy. I said to the doctor who asked me to go, "I have been to this village and done clinics several times and I have never seen this boy, Why?" The doctor said, "Because they hide him from you. They hide their children that are deformed"

We could not get into the mountain area for a couple of days due to heavy rain and deep mud. Here are a few pictures of the road going into the villages deep in the mountain range.

Mostly people have to carry their supplies in for miles. I used to get mad if I had to park more than 50 ft from the entrance to Wal-Mart.

At this point we are about an hour in and our teeth were starting to rattle and I told Riechelle if she sees an Applebee's to let me know so we can get lunch. (She didn't laugh).

I know this doesn't look that bad but when it is wet, it is like ice and you just start sliding sideways. Yes I know it looks fun but when you almost flip over and the wife and kids start screaming it gets on your nerves. So, we finally made it to the Village of Chacone and showed a picture of Daniel and they took us to his family's hut. When they find out what we want, they are very friendly and ask us to come in and they allowed me examine Daniel.

He said he was not in pain at this time and he seemed to be coping with his enlarged abdomen.

I told them I needed to make sure the hospital in the City would take him and also look into what other options we may find for him.

His family were all very thankful and thanked us for coming to check on him. I may have to go next week and drain the fluid from his stomach. He looked like he would pop when we were there. I hope to get into the city this week and find out if they can help and what we need to do for him. I'll keep you posted. Please keep Daniel in your prayers. So many times I try to get help for these kids and there just a isn't any, but we have high hopes for this little one.

On the Road again,
In His Service,

Bryan, Riechelle & Kids

Junglemedic Missions
Rio Dulce, Izabal
Guatemala Central America

E-Mail: Bryan@JungleMedicMissions.org
Web Site: http://www.junglemedicmissions.org/

This page was last updated 12/18/06