Day 3: The Weight of the Middle
By day three—Wednesday—the medical mission feels real in a different way. The initial adrenaline has worn off, and fatigue quietly settles in. During our morning devotion, our local staff shared a phrase commonly used here: “ombligo de la semana”—the belly button of the week. The point right in the middle.
One great opportunity of this work is to meet each patient and hear their story. So many leave a lasting impression, and one man in particular stood out today for his warm smile. Alfredo, 77, lives in ta village nearby and spends his days working in the agricultural fields—mostly corn, but wherever labor is needed. He arrived with an irritating skin condition on his lower legs, severe arthritis in both knees, and high blood pressure. Walking has become increasingly difficult, yet he continues to work every day. The orthopedic team provided steroid injections in both knees, and Dr. Leslie carefully explained how to care for his skin condition. He was sent home with a wound care kit and instructions for managing his blood pressure. Before leaving, Alfredo paused to thank his doctor and translator, offering a heartfelt blessing: “God bless you for helping me. May God help you and protect you.”
It’s common for patients to come seeking care for one issue, only to reveal something more serious beneath the surface. Adilio, a 74-year-old agricultural worker, came in for a persistent cough. After being sent for a chest X-ray—which showed no big concerns with his lungs—the team discovered a dislocated shoulder. He shared that the injury to his shoulder happened two months ago after he fell while carrying a heavy load of lumber. Our experienced emergency physician attempted to put the shoulder back into its socket, but after so much time, muscle contracture and possible scarring made it unsuccessful. Adilio, who will be treated for suspected bronchitis with an inhaler and given medication for high blood pressure, will now be referred to another team for further care for his dislocated shoulder. Throughout the shoulder procedure, without sedation or any pain medication, he remained remarkably stoic—barely flinching despite the pain. He expressed deep gratitude for the doctor’s effort and persistence in trying to help him.
I continue to be impressed by our medical and translation teams—the way they communicate, the compassion they extend, and the dignity they offer every patient they meet.
The middle of the week can be challenging, but this team continues to show up with steady commitment and care.
