The eighteen women gathered with smiles, bags packed for the week, and energy to put the most fit and impervious to heat to the test. They had finished the first week of training as Community-based Primary Health Care Workers six months ago, and were now ready to continue with the Intermediate Course. Their energy, anticipation, faith and commitment inspired me more every kilometer that took us nearer the Tree of Life Training Center two hours from the city of Puebla. Here were women who were so excited to be serving their families and communities, and were answering God’s call to serve thousands who don’t have ready access to medical help.

Each woman was given a three-ring Binder filled with complete information on each topic, and an extensive First Aid Kit so that they were equipped for service upon return. Throughout the week they practiced just what they have learned, first with one of the other women. Then in teams, they had to present the “classes” to the whole group, using the teaching techniques they learned in the Basic Course as well as creating their own approaches and methods of teaching. By the end of the 7 days, they had observed, practiced, taught, demonstrated, taken written and oral exams, and then taught some more! Also, keep in mind this was not conducted in an air-conditioned hospital space, but rather in an open-air classroom at the Tree of Life Rural Training Center throughout long, hot days which began at 6:00 am and continued till 9:00 pm. On the last day, many had wet washcloths over their foreheads to combat the 86-95 degree heat in the shade - yet not one of them waned!