It Takes an Army...
"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world." ~ Paul Farmer
Many of you have heard of the popular saying, "it takes a village to raise a child." But what does it take to raise a village? I would propose that it takes an army- that which safeguards the lives of those under its protection. And though the army that we define as a military entity is vital to securing our liberty and safety on a national scale, there exists another kind of army of non-military personnel who is also essential in preserving humanity. Here in the rural outskirts of the northern coast of Honduras, all those who work at Loma de Luz hospital are members of this altruistic battalion. Every day they, like Paul Farmer, remind me that the only way to fight back against all that is wrong in the world is to recognize that no life matters less.
The Army.
I'd like to introduce you to the army here at Loma de Luz. It consists (roughly) of four Family Medicine physicians, three general surgeons, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant, a nurse midwife, a nurse anesthetist, a dentist, a diabetic educator, a pastor, a handful of nurses, laboratory personnel, surgical technicians, a maintenance team, security guards, an information and triage team, a pharmacy team, and a culinary team. This doesn't include all of those who work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, generous donors, out-of-country partners, and visiting medical staff who provide short-term service. And though it may be hard to believe, in any given day a patient will encounter most of the people listed above, evidence to the complexity of the human condition that requires an equally complex journey of human connection, spiritual maturity, and ultimately healing. For some, this journey may be once-in-a-lifetime, their destination reached quickly. Yet for others, this journey may be one of many future journeys, their destination lying further along the path through the messy jungle of life.
The Journey.
People arrive at Loma de Luz via a multitude of ways- some by foot and some by bicycle, others by bus or private vehicle, and even others by boat (this becomes evident after looking down at their wet pant legs). The duration is equally variable- for some only minutes, and for others multiple days. And though each person's journey to and through Hospital Loma de Luz is unique, there is a journey that most share in common...
First thing in the morning one will pass by the alert, uniformed security guards to be granted safe access to the hospital grounds. Upon entering the hospital, he or she will then be called by name to the triage station. Here, the team will gather basic information and measure vital signs- the first reminder that our physical bodies are more unique and more complex than what appears only on our exterior. The pastor will then gather everyone together in the waiting room for a morning prayer and devotional, inviting all to recognize the necessary role that God plays in our humanity- both in our suffering and our healing. Then, the patient will wait to be called by one of the providers for his or her office visit. It is here where a series of questions and physical exam maneuvers serve as the pieces to a sometimes easy, but oftentimes difficult, jigsaw puzzle. An easy medical puzzle may be completed quickly, but if the medical puzzle remains unfinished, which is often the case, the journey will be a longer one.
A quick walk down the hallway will bring the patient to the laboratory where a technician is tasked with running various tests to aid the provider in diagnosis and management. One might even need to limp or wheelchair over to X-ray depending on which limb has likely been broken- here, the radiology technician will capture photos that allow us to see deep into the human body where the naked eye is incapable of venturing. By this point the patient is usually reminded of the physical needs of his or her body- directed to the "comedor," where he or she can satisfy his or her bodily hunger with food, the life-sustaining product gifted to us by God and processed by human hands. After a satisfying meal of typical Honduran cuisine, another visit with the provider may yield additional investigation or clearer answers, and the patient is sent on their way. He or she then meets with the pastor for counseling where their spiritual thirst can be quenched. Next, a quick stop by the pharmacy results in an ever-changing cocktail of pills, liquids, creams, or inhalers that help to alleviate the physical or mental ailments that plague the body. Nearing the end of his or her visit, the patient pays a small fee for the services provided, an act of responsibility and joint ownership of his or her health and well-being. And if needed, the patient is handed a follow-up appointment, a sign of solidarity that we continue on this journey together and that they are not alone.
As you can see, one patient is touched by many hands and listened to by many ears throughout their visit at Loma de Luz. Indeed, it is difficult for one to complete this journey without feeling that one's life is not important. With God as its captain, the army at Loma de Luz valiantly fights against the enemies that pose a threat to the people it serves; those enemies of power, greed, and injustice. Here at Loma de Luz, one can find love overcoming selfishness as its members continue to combat the consequences of poverty, health inequity, and spiritual desolation. Here at Loma de Luz, human dignity can be restored. In the words of Paul Farmer, "equity is the only acceptable goal."
The Destination.
For those living here, like all people of this world, their destination lies beyond many mountains. Some people have taller and harder mountains to climb than others. Some people undergo more treacherous and destructive storms than others. And some people lack the appropriate gear and resources to make the climb. Whatever the challenge may be, we are reminded that faith is the strongest weapon against the evils of this world. Here at Loma de Luz, I hope that others can see the power of this faith so that they too can believe that their mountains can be moved.
"...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" - Matthew 17:20
In honor of St. Patrick's Day today, join me in praying for the army of Loma de Luz, and all of those around the world fighting injustice- that they will don "St. Patrick's Breastplate," a special prayer (small excerpt below), as a symbol of divine armor against all that is wrong in the world:
Your doing great work, Zach!! We are proud to know you. Pat n Bruce
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