We started our morning with an emotional devotion given by Daryl, about Tabitha, a 15-year-old disciple in the Bible. She followed the teachings of Jesus about how to treat others. She lived in a small town near Jerusalem and was a seamstress who made clothes for the widows and the poor. She always did good deeds and helped those in need. After she died, many of the people in her village showed up with clothing and quilts she made for them, they all loved her so much. Her kindness relates to the work we are doing here. We are here to serve others, expecting nothing in return. Although after only a few days here, I’ve realized we have gained more than the people we are helping.
When we arrived at the hospital today, it was a celebration. Jason, one of the team members who has been coming down here for many years, brought cakes for his wife, our beloved PACU nurse Lanae.
It brought the Obras team and the Faith in Practice team together in a special way- who doesn’t love cake for lunch?!
We had a hectic day today.
The Faith in Practice locals were able to help get most of the equipment needed to perform the cases that were planned.
Romeo, and his team, Kerri Geri, Yessie, Tyo, Elizabeth, and were able to help 22 patients with their surgeries. The procedures included hernia repairs, removal of masses from the head and neck, and orchiopexy cases.
Kevin and Jim and their team, Audra, Alyssa, Kellie, Amy, Sarah and Becky helped 12 patients with life-altering surgery for knee instability, chronic post-traumatic infections, nonunions and malunions of the lower extremities.
Terrence and his team, Korie, Jay, Becky, Elizabeth and Sarah.
Mostly performed pediatric club foot and dysplastic hip surgery. They performed ten impactful cases and made a lot of colorful casts for the little patients.
Apryl, (also our administrative extraordinaire), Susan and Adriana were interpreting all week for the whole team allowing everyone to effectively communicate with the patients and their families.
Susan was in the pharmacy helping everyone fulfill their needs and always had a smile on her face.
In the PACU, Lanae, Reina, and Rebecca were taking care of everyone waking up from anesthesia and the parents of the littles who have been so emotional this week.
Daryl, our team doctor, was giving lectures on Genetics at nearby local hospitals when he wasn’t helping everyone at Obras.
I cannot believe our week has already come to an end. I have learned so much from everyone here. The days are long and emotional and patients and their families were more grateful than I could ever have imagined.
This is my first time in Guatemala and my first mission. I definitely feel the presence of God here among the team, the staff at Obras, the people in town, and in nature. We are so grateful to all of those who have donated so that we can continue and expand our surgical mission to provide care for the poor of Guatemala.
I have never been able to sit near the base of a volcano to pray, practice yoga and contemplate God’s intention for me. I am thankful I was able to experience it this year with Team Anderson and I hope to be back next year.
I believe I can speak for all of us when I say we are forever grateful.
~ Anne Kuhn
