Arrival and Set-up in San Jose

On Thursday February 21st, 18 people departed from Colorado for Mission 2008 in San Jose, Antique, Philippines. In addition to personal luggage, we checked 13 balikbayan sized boxes in royal blue covers with UI logos, 3 suitcases and 1 anesthesia machine. The group made stops in San Francisco and Taipei before arriving in Manila. After 18 weary volunteers and all the cargo cleared customs uneventfully, we met remaining team members in the domestic terminal. The group arrived in Iloilo 1 hour later for the final leg of the trip from Iloilo to San Jose, Antique. The caravan included 3 trucks for the luggage and boxes, 2 large vans and 2 vehicles to transport the team for the last and longest leg......a 3 hour bus ride over winding mountainous terrain. A short stop was made for a familiar American favorite, Pizza Hut pizza and cold San Miguel beer. Finally at 9:00 pm Saturday (15 hour time difference from Denver) and 39 hours later the group reached their destination! Due to the size of the group, we are staying in 3 different hotels - The Pinnacle, The Centillion and The Adelaide. After a much needed rest, the group assembled at the hospital at 11 am to set-up and tour the facility. Families had already arrived in anticipation of screening day, many of which had traveled long distances and several hours in hope of being selected for surgery. The ward was full; there were 15 children with their families that included other siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Spending time in a provincial hospital requires planning as the family has to provide their own food and bedding. It is unusual for the families to arrive this early! Normally the patients do not arrive until Monday morning, screeening day. This is a good indication of just how hard the local support staff has worked to get the word out in the community about our mission activities and to provide the support needed to get the patients to the hospital. As usual we are overwhelmed by the hospitality and careful planning of the community to facilitate the mission. Special thanks to the Lions Club of San Jose for the tasty fish and sphagetti lunch.