Closing thoughtsss

Things I will miss:

[True story: I just typed "Thongs I will miss" on accident... that would have made for a far more interesting paragraph for sure.]

Really though, things I will miss include:
- Wearing rain boots inside the house because it's just that wet
- Sharing a bathroom with 11 people
- Speaking Spanish every second of every day
- Extreme affection x 10 (cultural bonus)
- Wheel of Fortune in Spanish (this is for you, Teen)
- Buying lichee fruits for about a penny each at the market
- Walking everywhere... uphill...both ways literally sometimes
- Seeing a volcano from my bedroom each morning*(picture reference)
- Brian and my host family (pics below)

Brian (4 years old) and I played soccer pretty often, ate together (well, he took my food mostly, but I didn't mind), played guitar (well, he strummed and I did the chords), and pretty much just hung out around the house. He "helped" me pack my bags by throwing all of my shoes that were neatly organized in the corner of the room into the a large pile in the middle of my room. I was exceedingly grateful. It's the thought that counts. He wants to play the guitar when he's a bit older so I gave him a pic for when he gets a guitar. He also took a liking to my Phinneas and Ferb band-aids. He took a few for the road. I kind of love that child.

The dark skinned young man I live with is Rafa. He is extraordinarily affectionate. This, I love for obvious reasons. I feel super loved when I am around him, like I have a brother here in Guatemala. I am grateful he was living here with me while I was sick. Hugs, kisses [the appropriate type, no funny bidness], you name it. When you are sick, sometimes you just need affection of some sort.

The other fellow is Derik. He is fifteen, but seems to think that marriage is a good idea for the both of us. I explained that whole age thing may pose a bit of a problem for me. Well, a big one lol.

Las fotos:

Me, Derik, Brian

My guitar buddy

All of the boys minus one

Me, Rafa, Derik

Me, Brian

It was terribly hard to get this child to smile for the camera

What's gooooood?

?

The rest of my family has been awesome. Zoila is the grandmother of everyone. She feed me IN BED when I wasn't able to get up, provided three meals a day, and did everything in her power to make me feel comfortable and welcome in the family. It worked, and I did feel welcome. 

I am so, so sad to leave, but I know there are some great things coming.

I graduated from my school tonight. We had a huge party, and I danced salsa like there's no tomorrow. I really, really enjoy salsa more than I thought. So long as I'm dancing with a gentleman who knows what he's doing, I could literally go all night.

Pics from Grad Night:

Turns out there's a lot of pretty blondes in Guatemala...

Crazy 

This is my house mate, JD. Beautiful, I know.

Boyss

I leave for Panajachel tomorrow at noon.

My flight back to the States is on August 5th (just in time for my good friend, Kristi's, wedding). 

I love you all very much,

Cody

* View from my house of the volcano Santa Maria

States bound....

Ok, folks. I will explain a little more about what is going on in a day or so, but I am STATES BOUND.


I have an appointment in Panama City on August the 9th with a Gastroenterologist who is wiling to do my colonoscopy, growth removals, exam, biopsies, [everything] for cheap.


I have no immediate needs at this time. I'll stay in Guatemala a little bit longer, head to Panajachel this week, then fly home from Guatemala City. I'll be praying about returning or whatever my next right step might be.


I talked with my contact from the clinic and they are very supportive of the idea that I have all my tests run state side. They said they would support a decision of staying in the States, and also support a decision of returning.


We'll see, folks. I have no idea what is going to happen, but I am so, so thankful I get to return for my tests. 


I'm excited to see what is to come.

The results are in...

...and I am in such a hurry, I cannot explain everything right now. I will be posting later on tonight so please stay tuned. I have not forgotten about sharing everything with you guys, I am simply pressed for time. We've got good and bad news. All of which the Lord already knew.

Post coming TONIGHT.

UPDATE time:

Ok, guys. So here's the deal.

We have both "good" and "bad" news.

I will start with the "good" because it truly is very GOOD.

The biopsy for my colon wall came in and I am completely NEGATIVE for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The best case scenario for the bleeding was, in fact, true. I had a very RARE (experienced by about only 5% of the population) reaction to the strong dose of Cipro I was taking.

The biopsy diagnosed me with: Pseudomembranous Colitis. This is an infection of the large intestine (colon) related to an overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The Clostridium difficile bacteria is normally present in the intestine. However, it may overgrow when antibiotics are taken. The bacteria release a powerful toxin that causes the symptoms. The lining of the colon becomes inflamed and bleeds.

Risk factors include:

• Advanced age
• Antibiotic use***************
• Chemotherapy
• Medications that suppress the immune system
• Recent surgery
• Personal history of pseudomembranous colitis

Symptoms:

• Abdominal cramps (mild to severe)
• Bloody stools
• Fever
• Urge to have a bowel movement
• Watery diarrhea

Beautiful right? Blood, diarrhea, cramps.... All of these symptoms were a large part of my life for about a week here in Guatemala. The great news is, I am no longer bleeding, and I will recuperate completely from this. I should not have any foreseeable problems in the future regarding my colon wall.

OK, on to the rest...

The "bad" news. I put everything in quotes because I simply can't decide what is good and bad news anymore. No one really knows what will and will not turn into something beautiful in the long run.

The polyp they found in my colon could be one of many. Since they had to stop the procedure prematurely from all the bleeding, they only got to see about 70 cm of intestine before halting the procedure.

The polyp biopsy revealed that the tissue found is a tubular adenoma. This is the "bad" news because this is the type of polyp that can progress into cancer quite easily depending on many factors.


"Polyps that become cancerous are called adenomas. Adenomas account for approximately 75% of all colon polyps. There are several subtypes of adenomas that differ primarily in the way the cells of the polyp are assembled when they are examined under the microscope. Thus, there are tubular, villous, or tubulo-villous adenomas. Villous adenomas are the most likely to become cancerous, and tubular adenomas are the least likely.


Although this does not pose an immediate threat to me, I am completely unsure of how many polyps I may have and at what stages of differentiation they are at because of my unfinished exam. This will require another colonoscopy and the removal and examination of all growths found. This is not something I should put off or postpone until the end of my trip here in Guatemala given the risk factors associated with these types of growths. The deal is now to find out what is my next best step.

Here are some facts:

1) I will be here in Guatemala until AT LEAST August the 6th. I will stay here at the school until this Saturday and will be picked up by my friend and roommate Heather from Salud Y Paz. I will spend a week there getting familiarized with the clinic, meeting the medical team, and visiting Panajachel.

2) I don't have medical insurance in the United States. This poses a problem in regards to what options are available to me States side. It is, on the other hand, possible to find someone willing to help with the procedure. This would be MUCH more preferable to have the procedures and exams done in my home country, but it may not be feasible. If I do take this option, it is probable that I will have the procedure done in the U.S., rest a while, and then return to Guatemala as it is a simple recovery process.

3) I could have the procedure done here and simply swallow the cost. I'm pretty sure everything in total would run about $700. The deal is this, I would not like to have this done here, so I am praying fervently for open doors in  Panama City for me to run through.

4) The Lord knows what is best for me. Had I have not suffered such a rare side effect to the drugs I was taking, I would have never gotten the colonoscopy in the first place. By the time it would have been "appropriate" to have a colonoscopy in the States, it would have been far too late of a discovery for me. I cannot even express my gratefulness to God for the BLESSING of pseudomembranous colitis. It sounds crazy, but I'm sure you can understand. Already Guatemala is proving to be a life-saver.

5) As for the future, it is kind of uncertain. I have no plans. I have no idea where I'll be in the next three weeks or in what shape I'll be in. For now, I'm just resting in the Lord completely. He knows my form. He made me. He already knows how this will work out.

Thank you again for all of your support and prayers. If you have any encouragement at all feel FREE to comment or e-mail me. This is all I know for now. If I end up leaving the country for exams and procedures, my great desire is to return promptly. This also, I am leaving in the hands of God.

Love, love, and more love,

<3

Cody

Update

I am so sorry this is overdue.


I have been attending school until one in the afternoon then resting at my home for the last week. I have been without internet access (during the the afternoon and nights) or phone service. My phone was stolen (from the cafe, I believe) and the electricity has been on and off due to some very strong thunderstorms in the afternoons. The workload of the school is quite heavy, and I have been left exhausted.


This is the health update:


The bleeding has halted. I am no longer taking Vitamin K shots so that I can see how my body does without the extra coagulation. So far, I have been entirely without bleeding for two days. This is only the Lord. I am taking a medication to fight what they believe is a very severe bacterial infection (that causes bleeding ulcers) three times daily. If I continue to heal, then it is most probable this was the cause of all the blood loss, and that I will RECUPERATE completely. This is a relief, to say the least. The doctor called yesterday, and I will be talking with her tomorrow at her office tomorrow afternoon regarding the results the biopsies of both the polyp and of the wall of my colon. Please be praying. If I do have something like ulcerative colitis or something unusual going on with the growth in my colon, the results will be a tell all.


I have three days left of this medication I am taking, and am so thankful it is almost over. I constantly feel tired and have a pretty constant headache (both "normal" side effects of the med). Last night I slept 13 hours. I am getting the rest I need here and am so thankful for my host family who understands my need for rest and works around my schedule to feed me. They definitely do not have to do that, but they are so willing.


I am feeling my energy increase more and more by the day as I regain strength and blood. Not being able to communicate with my loved ones back home has been one of the most difficult/stressful parts.


I will be receiving a phone upon arrival to my worksite this Sunday in Panajachel (I'll let you guys know when I arrive to my clinic as soon as I can.) From my understanding, internet will be less frequently available in my next city.


I have been three weeks without attending an official church and this has been affecting me as well. I am having Faith Outreach Withdrawals like nobody's business. We are made with a longing for community. Some hide it better than others. I, for one, don't hide it well. I miss the body of Christ so much it makes me want to scream at times. The church builds you up and edifies you and spurs you on in your faith. At this point, I am feeling kind of like a plant that's gotten taken out of the sun and the owner forget to water it each week. A little dry, maybe a little shrivily, and longing for some sun. I went to the roof the other night and played some worship music in English, and I couldn't even get through the first song. I just started sobbing. Not crying, but sobbing. Real talk. This is much more stressful than anticipated and I am fighting for strength each day. I know things will get better. But for now bear with me in patience as much as possible.


I love you guys extraordinarily so... Your prayers and e-mails mean the world to me. I save some of them and re-read them because they build me up. This week, I will begin the endeavor or returning all e-mails sent.


"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."


I am praying for this for myself and for you guys as well as I deal with limited resources and energy here in Guatemala. 


Love,


Cody

Scariest three days of my life...

Ok, guys. I’m not going to try to be eloquent, but greatly want to update everyone on what exactly is going on.

Sunday, July 10^th, I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in my intestines and began taking Cipro as treatment. I felt very much better after two days of treatment and was so thankful to not be so ill. This Thursday, things took a very interesting turn. (This is moderately graphic, so if you aren’t interested in reading, I won’t be terribly offended). Thursday, right before I was leaving for school, I had sharp pains in my abdomen and headed to the restroom. After using the restroom, to my surprise, I found that there was a very significant amount of blood in the toilet bowl and also currently draining from my body. I began to feel lightheaded and reported to my study area to let my teacher know what was going on. At this point, I did not take my condition very seriously (as there are many reasons someone could be bleeding from the colorectal area), but I did realize there was a need for a doctor. The administration and I arranged an appointment with a local GI specialist for that very day. I talked with the doc about my symptoms and she gave me the run down of a couple possibilities. I could 1) have a bleeding hemorrhoid 2) I could have a very bad reaction to the Cipro that I was taking 3) I could have ulcerative colitis/ Chron’s disease and it is simply onsetting at an inconvenient time. Let me tell you, I have never prayed for hemorrhoids before, but boy, did I Thursday night. I started fasting right after my doc visit, so I could have a colonoscopy on Friday morning. I spent 6 (pretty much agonizing) hours waiting for my system to be completely cleaned out. By the way, my teacher Monica, was with me the entire time I was there. I went in for my colonoscopy and the anesthesiologist had a super difficult time getting IV access. I hadn’t eaten in over 24 hours, was dehydrated, and loosing blood. After a couple of tries, I finally convinced him to try the other arm. He then got it on the first try. I woke up from the procedure asking when it would begin. Time flew. I immediately asked the doctor how it went, and she said in a very friendly tone “We’ll talk about soon. I’ll come to your room.”  As a medical professional, I know the “everything’s not ok, but I’ll smile and pretend it is” face like the back of my hand. I became legitimately worried at that point. They put me in my recovery room, and I awaited the doctor. She came in and said, “Mira, Cody. Estas enfermita…” or “Ok, Cody, you’re a little sick.” She showed me two pictures and talked with me a while. 1) They couldn’t finish the exam because I was bleeding so profusely. They had to stop the procedure and give me an IV treatment of Vitamin K to control the bleeding 2) They found an irregular looking polyp only 70 cm into my colon. She took a biopsy and I will found out the results within the next ten days 3) She also took a biopsy of the wall of my colon because apparently over 70% of my colon is covered in ulcers (hence, the bleeding). Not only was I processing the gravity of this situation, I was processing it in Spanish.

Fast forward. At this point, I have a nurse coming to my room everyday to give me Vit. K to control the bleeding. I am on a completely bland diet and loosing weight pretty quickly. I will basically know nothing until the biopsy results come in. I have incurred a substantial amount of medical bills that I am working towards paying off. I’m not sure how this is all going to work out. I am pretty darn weak from the blood loss. The best working diagnosis I have right now is a very adverse reaction to Cipro. If that is the diagnosis, then it is treatable. If it is not... well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. This is honestly the scariest situation I’ve ever been in. I have never feared for my life before, and my perspective on life is changing very quickly. Life is so fragile. We truly are not guaranteed tomorrow. I realize the way I’ve been living has not reflected this truth in a proper manner. I am currently dependent on my injections to halt the bleeding. In the meantime, I am laying low and resting in a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Thank you so much for your prayers. I have received all your e-mails and encouragement and am so blessed to have such a support system. You guys are honestly the best. I do not have time or energy at this point to reply, but pray I will sometime in the near(ish) future.

I hope all this made sense. I don’t have time to proof read because the café is shutting down, and I am so sleepy I can barely stay awake.

I love you all so much. Please keep praying. I am not sure what is going to happen or when, but the Lord knows.

Dios es mi consolador.

-Cody

Sangre

   Hey guys, I have a little health update.
   Well, perhaps more aptly put an "unhealth" update.
   I told you guys about the gastroenteritis in an earlier post.
   Today there has been a new development. I am bleeding pretty significantly somewhere within my large intestine. I am going to be taken to a specialist here in Guatemala within a couple of hours. I ate today, so the tests they will be able to run will be limited. I'll let you guys know as soon as I know what's up and have an internet connection.
   Can you guys be praying? It would be greatly appreciated.
   Dios es Soberano.
   I love you all.

Proof

that my shoes are, in fact, made of plastic...

If it rained three times a day, you'd wear them too. No shame.

Una enfermera enferma necesita una enfermera.

    Well Folks, I have a new self-imposed nickname of sorts. You may now refer to me as "Petri." For those of you nurses, docs, or science lovers, you know that a Petri dish is a place where you may grow whatever type of bacteria you please. I think it is safe to say that my body is officially a walking Petri dish. I've had some troubles with...well..you know... the "D" word for the last week, but after a party on Friday night, my body succame to the bacteria. En.Ter. Itis. I know that's one word, but I separated into three different words for the sake of emphasis. In reality, I have gastroenterities. I'll wiki-def it for you:  "a severe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract involving both the stomach and small intestine resulting in acute diarrhea and vomiting. It can be transferred by contact with contaminated food and water. The inflammation is caused most often by an infection from certain viruses or less often bybacteria, their toxins, parasites, or an adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication." It is not exactly the prettiest of situations. Running form both ends, projectile vomiting, with a side of uncontrollable shaking. For most of the weekend, I had a fever running close to 101 or 102, tachycardia (in the 120s...which is for me, extremely high), increased respiration rate, weakness, dizziness, the whole gamete. I couldn't leave my bed, so we had to call the doctor to the house. Let me just say, that if I am able to have my own practice one day, I am BRINGING BACK the idea of house visits. It only makes sense. He came with his stethoscope and a leather bag just like in the movies. He told me I have an infection, which I kinda already figured, then wrote his prescription... on a blank piece of paper lol. I suppose I could have written out my own prescription for Cirpo and Metacloprimide and signed it, but that's how things work here. I also got a prescription for Pedialyte, which I think is very interesting as well. It was blue raspberry flavor, so I was quite happy. 

I am feeling much better now. I just received word from my mom that I received a donation recently. I am going to write the donors soon to thank them. For what it is worth, that donation provided the money for the doc visit and the prescriptions and the probiotics I'll need after my antibiotic therapy. They'll be receiving an e-mail soon. I cannot believe how God works sometimes to provide everything I need. I love the body of Christ.

I'll be checking in soon,

Love,

Cody

Only in Guatemala...

- Do I keep eggs in my room
- Do I drink hot water...not hot tea...not hot coffee...but straight hot water
- Do I have a large number of shoes made of plastic
- Do I use scented toilet paper
- Do I walk around with lichi fruits in my pockets because they cost about a penny each
- Do I wear socks with slip-on shoes
- Do I enter my room & find my belongings covered in dirt from a mini-dust storm of unknown origin
- Do I have the opportunity to buy live chickens in the market
- Do I sleep with socks, jeans, and a jacket because of the cold
- Do I spend more time in the bathroom than I do out
- Do I endure rainstorms on at least three separate occasions throughout the day
- Do I periodically have to bring my own water to flush the toilets


Sección Foto:

I went to a hot spring this week as well. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. This was the view from the pools. The heat source is the volcano you see in the picture. There were three pools with varying temperatures. I could only bear the pool with medium heat. The hottest literally burnt my feet. On the other hand, there were people diving into the hottest pool. How, I do not know. They came out as red as lobsters. I personally prefer to cook rather than be cooked. 

Again with the doors.

...and another.

The City 

I thought the pink was pretty.

I wish I could show you guys how beautiful the colors of this city are.

Un poco de graffiti. I think my Puerto Rican friends may appreciate this. 

Spices for sale.

New York Times

On to the update:

I have completed my first week here. It has been a very satisfying, trial of a time.

Some things I did this week:

Well, at the start of the week, I went for a bike ride. In the States, taking a “bike ride” has a very placid connotation. Some other descriptive words could include but are not limited to "pleasant", "peaceful", "relaxing"….  For this reason I chose to go on a Guatemalan “bike ride.” Let me inform you that I was sorely mistaken. I’ll share some appropriate descriptive words for a Guatemalan bike ride. "Difficult", "strenuous", "terrifying",  "legitimately dangerous", "makes-you-feel-like-you’re-going-to-die" (I know that's not a word, but it valid non-the-less)  It was pouring rain and mostly uphill...or more correctly put....upmountain. There were at times almost 6 inches of water to bike through. Tthere was thunder, lightening, and thick, sludgy mud. At one point I was biking uphill, barely able to breath (altitude) with a road almost completely filled with mud, being conscious of the huge rocks hidden under the soil, praying I didn't loose my traction and start rolling backwards. Perhaps this was not the stroll I had anticipated, but it was an an adventure just the same.

Other things,

This language stuff is so, so, so, much more difficult than I had anticipated. The more I learn, the more I am thoroughly convinced I know nothing. I may stay here for another week if it is possible to work out with my clinic (Salud y Paz). My first assignment is at a surgery clinic on August 7th in Panajachel We'll see how the next couple of weeks pan out, and I'll go from there.

I am switching host homes tomorrow after a morning hiking trip. The switch is not because things were going badly or anything like that. It is simply a matter of differing schedules and things of that nature. I will get a NEW family tomorrow, and I'll let you guys know how it goes as well. I am praying for a family that I will be able to serve and learn much from. I am also extremely grateful for the family I've had this week.

Tonight there is a graduation party at the school. I'm here now early so I can post this for you guys to read. I don't know when I'll be able to use the computer next.

Be praying about the next week, if you can. My body is having a super hard time adjusting to living in the mountains. I feel super sleepy for most of the day and my stomach is a bit perturbed as well. I also strongly desire a group of friends here, but it is a little difficult given the vast difference between things I enjoy doing (talking, board games, movies, walking for no good reason, etc) vs. other things (such as clubbing, drinking, etc...) The Lord knows my desires, so I am trusting He knows what's best and will provide what I need on His time table.

I love you guys,

Cody

Foto Update

Hello, everyone! Happy fourth of July to all my American viewers. I hope you guys are enjoying your holidays!


This was a little bit of a surprise to me, but it is EXTREMELY cold here in Quetzaltenango... I'm talking 50's... So as you guys are enjoying your barbecues and warm weather, I am freezing my butt off, eating eggs and plantain chips, and sporting the only pair of pants I brought to this country.. Good times in Guatemala...


Today was my very first day of language school. My brain literally aches. There is no English spoken here. In fact, there are signs all over the school that politely ask that English not be spoken...of course the sign is in Spanish lol.


I had an absolutely amazing weekend. Like I mentioned in my former post, my host family is Christian. The family consists of a single mom and her daughter. For those of you who know me, you know that I am familiar with this particular familial dynamic. I went to church with them yesterday. They are Pentecostal, and it was an experience to say the least. The first thing I saw where horns. They wrapped around the men's arms in a way that I've never seen before. When I first walked in, I thought they were snake handling. It totally freaked me out until I realized there were, in fact, wind instruments as opposed to dangerous reptiles. There was dance music, bailando, horns, dancers, flags, etc. Like I said, an experience. Either way, I felt at home. I did not worship like them, and I only understood half the sermon, but I got so many hugs and kisses, I knew I was loved. We were all there for the same reason. Although they worship very differently than I do, we have the blood of Christ in common... and that is enough. 


After church, my family and I met up with a different family who lives in Zona 3. We ate a delicious meal, I met their son (Jorge, who may be in love with me... I'm not sure... and by not sure I mean I'm pretty sure), and I met their daughter who is 10. I get along with her phenomenally (we watched Hannah Montana together). We went to the mall and watched a very odd animal show/competition where pet owners dress their pets up in various costumes, played in an arcade, shopped a bit in the market, then went back to the house and ate dinner while watching a popular TV show here [Pequeños Gigantes]. It felt like just a normal day in the life of a Guatemalan. I was relieved to not be traversing the mountains or running around the city. I was in need of a restful, "normal" day. Well, as normal as it gets for a gringa living in the mountains of Guatemala.

I am extraordinarily grateful for these three weeks of respite before jumping into my mission trip. I am making friends and visiting places and simply enjoying myself. I don't remember the last time I was able to journal frequently, read a book for leisure's sake, and go out for the purpose of taking photos.

I am adjusting to the culture as best as I can. This is such a different world, I can hardly explain. Walking down the street, it is absolutely obvious that I am not from here. The natives are dressed beautifully in their traditional garb as I walk by with see-through skin, in skinny jeans, and socks with slip ons (fashion faux pas, I know, but it's cold). I can't help but wonder what they think about me.

Anyways, I have a lot of homework to do (yes, homework!) so I have to run. Today was my first day walking around the city and I took some pictures to give you an idea of my current environment. Tomorrow I have class until 1 then I'm going on a many-mile bike ride to a cultural site here in Quetzaltenango. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

I love you all!

This was written on the side of a building. Paz = Peace.

Can you see the white letters? They say "Cristo Viene." I love the mountain as well.

This is my front door. I really love doors.

I have never seen so many flavors of Tang in my life.
[Sidenote for Michael H: they have Tamarind flavor. If you'd like some, I can send some packets states-side.]

My juice!

I just liked this.

A very orange store.

My little side street :) 

I saw this wall and love, love, loved it.

Some sheep cruising the town.