Lia goes to the doctor

Lia had a visit with the doctor yesterday. Once again we are reminded that God has blessed us with the option of taking her to a private hospital.

Children with public health care have two options. The first is to wait in line at the public hospital from 5:30 in the morning, wait to be called, and pay $2. Often this means you will see a doctor in the late afternoon or evening. The second, and more expensive option would be to take her to a government run clinic, pay $10 and have an appointment. The orphanage couldn't afford the second, so they would paid their $2 and settle in for the wait.

Yesterday Isa and I went out to buy flowers for Luciana while she took Lia to the doctor appointment. We found a flower stand where I chose Calla Lilies and Isa bought some bright pink carnations with Baby's Breath. We stopped by a craft market and bought a vase. Then we headed home.

Luciana was just arriving from the doctor at the same time we returned. The news was very encouraging. Lia will always be small, but the doctor was encouraged that she will gain weight with the food supervision we are giving her. We also got some more throrough diagnosis for a few smaller issues and got appropriate medication. One of the best help we got was directions on how to clean and treat the still open palate until she can get more surgery. We have already seen some pretty dramatic results. The doctor was ready and willing to answer all of our questions, which is not always the case in Latin American hospitals. Sometimes doctors think you are defying their authority with too many questions.

Like I said, the private hospital was a blessing. The trip to the doctor cost $80; maybe the best $80 we've spent since we arrived.

Luciana was thrilled with her flowers. The Calla Lilies sit on the dining room table. Isa proudly displayed the Carnations in the kitchen.

We spent $1.20 on the Carnations. The Callas were $5 a dozen. And the vase cost $13.

Amazing how quickly and easily I can spend $20 without a second thought.

mbp