“Welcome home”
We began our day with breakfast and reflections led by Megan and John. Ivonne Anzueto, a board member and legal representative for Faith In Practice, came to share her gratitude for the team members and everyone supporting us from home.
“When you touch the lives of these patients, you touch the lives of their families. Words fall short to express our gratitude for you and all you do. Welcome home.”
For a team that has many first-time volunteers, this was so welcoming and encouraging to hear. We were all very excited to get on the bus and head to Reu.
Karla, a new FIP surgical tech volunteer from Seattle, first heard about the trip from coworker and fellow volunteer, Es. Karla also worked with Megan, so she felt that “it was meant to be!”
Dana is another of our first-time volunteers from Minnesota. She is an OR nurse and hasn’t ever done any trips like this before but is very excited to see what comes next.
Eddie from Santa Monica is also a first-time volunteer. He is on this trip because it is a “reminder of why I became a nurse.”
Even with so many new faces for team 775, we have many returning volunteers.
John, from Santa Rosa, is our spiritual advisor. He is returning for this third time experiencing the “kindness inoculation” from his Faith In Practice family. Guatemala “left an imprint” on his heart. “This is like the ultimate experience of helping- I became addicted. It changes your heart, perspective, and what you do at home.”
After the long 5 ½ hour bus ride, we arrived at Hospital Hilario Galindo just before the rain. We met with hospital staff and began orientation to help us prepare for the week ahead. Volunteers met with their team leaders to discuss plans and procedures for the week and unloaded all our supplies.
Angela, from San Bartolomé Becerra la Antigua, is a new Faith In Practice staff member as of March 2023 but has volunteered since 2017. “Many patients come to the hospital from as far away as Peten, which is 12 hours away, for medical care.”
Triage Day tomorrow! We are ready to start meeting and screening patients and setting up for surgery!
Tamara Grace & Molly Wayhmeller
HEARTWARMING DEDICATION……BLESSINGS FOR THIS TEAM IN ACTION