The Eighth Mission -- March 2005

Every trip to Chiapas is a new adventure. We accomplish the most we can with the volunteers who have given their time and money to help the people of “Greater” Ocotepec. This trip was no exception.

The biggest change from our previous trips was that we could not open the dental clinic. While we had several medical doctors (Joanne Liegner from N.J., Tom Gavin from Colorado, Matt Corbett from Hawaii, and Summer Guerra from Louisiana, and Dr. Beltran from Tuxtla Gutierrez), the only dentist was me, Dave Brody from N.J. As it would take too many support staff members to operate the dental clinic, we chose to concentrate on medical care and further solidifying our ties with the community.

Our nurses (Janet Goudey from Massachusetts, Mary Morgan from N.J.), Paramedics (Chris Sadiq from N.J., Jill Tseng from California), E.M.T. (Jim McCracken from N.J.), students (Kim & Nick Brody and Melanie VanderMoere from N.J., Falyne Easley, Leslie Harrel, Patrice Hicks all from Texas, Amy Chrzanowski from Vermont, Joab, Yasser, and Santa all from Mexico City), and adult volunteers (Travis Peterson from Nevada, Sarah Bina from N.J., Richard & Natalie Surving from N.Y) worked with our physicians to provide care and dispense medicines both in our clinics as well as in the outlaying villages. We had reminded Sister Estephana that we are there to work hard, and she accommodated us by giving out hundreds of passes for each day.

The doctors report that they are seeing credible evidence that the health of many people has improved since The Chiapas Project began its work in the mountains of southern Mexico. Many fewer cases of postpartum infections are being seen, thanks mainly to the in-service days Joanne spends with the Partaras (lay midwives) and the distribution of thousands of pairs of examination gloves. The infant mortality rate is decreasing as pregnant ladies are receiving pre-natal vitamins and folic acid supplements. The herbal doctors of the area work with our volunteers while we are in Ocotepec and now have medicines and skills to add to their traditional remedies. With all of that said, the health of the people of the area is still very poor due to malnutrition and lack of access to trained medical care. We have much to do, but it is nice to see tangible results so far.

As the dental clinic was not in operation during this trip, I spent much of my time with community groups. Carlos Jiminez Aquino and I spoke to the student bodies at 6 local schools for students in grades 7-12. We told them why The Chiapas Project volunteers come to aid their community and dared them to step-up and do volunteer work themselves, either in our Fluoride Varnish Program or in programs of their own design. They were reminded that while teenagers are supposed to have fun, they are the future of the community and must start giving back. Now that educational opportunities are offered, it is their responsibility to teach the older people the lessons they need to pull the entire population out of the poverty and ill-health that is so prevalent. The students were told that since the road from Ocotepec to Coapilla (and beyond) has been completed, they will have to decide if they are to go elsewhere or stay and work in their own communities. No matter their choices, education will be the key to a better life.

We also met with representatives of the Municipal Council regarding a water purification plan developed by a group in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The filters require no power, remove 98% of the contaminants other than heavy metals, and can be made from locally available materials for USD$8-10 per unit. The Council has offered to provide leadership and manpower while The Chiapas Project will handle the fundraising for the filters. More discussions will take place during the August 2005 trip and two of the volunteers on that trip, conveniently from Calgary, are taking a hands-on course prior to the trip so we can construct some sample filters.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so we had a lot of fun, too. On various nights we were joined for dinner by the entire Municipal Council, the Police Chief and his men, the people from World Vision, and of course, the Priests. Sister Carmelita’s brother Augustine (general contractor) surprised us with a gift one evening. He had made a hot air balloon out of recycled paper bags. A flame was lit and once the balloon inflated the words “The Chiapas Project” was seen on its sides. The balloon lifted off from the courtyard at the school and soared aloft until it was last seen over the mountains in the distance. Augustin explained that this is a Chiapan custom and symbolizes his wishes that God blesses the work of The Project.

Again, it was bitter-sweet to leave Ocotepec and travel back to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Half way we stopped in Compainala to meet a Sister who was traveling throughout Mexico as an emissary of the Mother General of the Salesian Order. She knew of our work and simply wanted to tell us how grateful the Sisters are for the efforts put forth to aid the vulnerable people of Chiapas.

Back in the big city, by the pool at the Camino Real, individual’s impressions were shared over some seriously cold beers and margaritas. On the free day, people went off in several directions to enjoy the beauty of Chiapas before returning for a festive “Adios Party” at a local restaurant.

All in all, despite not having the manpower to open the dental clinic, the trip must be classified as a great success, both for the participants as well as for those we seek to help

Dave Brody, D.M.D., President
The Chiapas Project Inc.
A New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation

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