Lunch with Dr. Bob

Today Mary and I met with Dr. Bob Gehringer who is one of the project organizers for Heatlh Bridges International and who will be taking Mary and I to the Colca valley to teach NRP. It was a WONDERFUL meeting and he gave us a LOT to chew on and think about as far as the trip and training itself.

Once our first week in Arequipa with the Affinity group is completed Mary and I will be accompanying Dr. Bob to the Colca valley and specifically to the town of Chivay. Arequipe lies at about 9000ft. above sea level, and the road to Chivay wanders up to about 15,000ft. before descending into the canyon carved by the Colca river which itself lies at 11,000ft. The Colca river is one of the sources of the Amazon, but the elevation makes the area completely arid! There are 14 colonial villages and in this area most of the babies are still born at home with traditionally trained midwives.

Those born in the Ministry of health clinics are attended mostly by nurses as often there is only a doctor in the clinic once or twice per week. From our base in Chivay we will make day trips down the canyon to the other colonial villages to teach our class and then return in the evening to our base. Nurses will be the primary focus of our teaching, but man... I wish we could get in touch with the more traditional midwives in the area... what an experience that would be!

Dr. Bob told us to plan for it to be comfortable during the day, but probably below freezing at night, especially up in the Colca Valley area. The homes, hotels, etc. do not have heat, so we may have to bring sleeping bags, but for the most part he says you can stay comfortable wearing long johns a hat, warm socks and gloves... TO BED!!!

The excitement and anticipation are building! You all have donated over $1000!!!! I am so very very grateful! This wouldn't be possible without your support!