Sunshine, Mangoes, Friends, Prayers, and New Places...

The weekend was good. I spent time relaxing under the sun, went for a long run on the beach, found a sand dollar, watched some fisherman, saw Dr. Doty, and worked for a while on my computer. The fisherman had a 15minute process to catch maybe 4 fish.  It took 4 fishermen, a big net and all afternoon to catch those fish. They would throw out the net from about thigh-high water and then wait for about 7 minutes with the waves crashing on them and then with all 4 men in particular position they pulled the net to shore with the few fish in it. Pretty fun to watch a couple times.

I am eating an average of 6 mangoes every day and learned that socks and sandals (even flip flops) are acceptable. There are mangoes on the streets, on the roofs, on the trees, in a big bowl on the counter, in a pitcher of fresh juice, in between teeth, smeared on clothes, and just everywhere. They are so yummy and definitely one of the best parts of Nicaragua. Yum YumYum!!!

Seeing Dr. Doty was also a joy. I have been to Nicaragua several times with him and I admire his dedication and leadership he has given to his Nicaraguan friends/initiatives. He looked at Heysi’s X-rays and Tomography. He confirmed that there appeared to be some cancer in her pelvis and is going to send me some information about Ewing’s Sarcoma.

I visited Heysi today. She is still at the hospital but was sitting up, smiling, and eating today. Hopefully she will be able to receive her chemotherapy this week. Dr. Karla and I got her a couple little fish and she is excited to take care of them. A woman who was recently cured from her lung cancer is in the same hospital room as Heysi, but also last night a 7 yr old little girl died from cancer. I am praying that Heysi remains strong in faith, hope and perseverance. I am also praying for a smooth path for Heysi where everyone caring for her is doing their best.

Dr. Karla’s house is a rusted red color and has 3 rooms plus kitchen and living room. I loved seeing that the hand prints from when the outside of the house was painted remained on the wall in one corner of the house. I loved the personal touches of the house, its modesty, the love that obviously abides there, and the family that surrounds it. I am loving Dr. Karla more and more the more I learn about her.


Love,
Ayla Landry

"I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love. " ~Mother Teresa