Travel Day
The journey began bright and early on a Saturday morning. Actually, it was early, but not bright as the sun was not up yet. We gathered at the airport and collected the whole team and gear. Being my first time on this mission, I was immediately struck by the camaraderie and how welcoming everyone was. It was a sort of reunion among those who had been on this trip in the past. And for those of us who were on our first mission, the veterans were happy we were there and eager to share their experiences.
The doctors, nurses, interpreters and support staff are so nice and genuine. Everyone really believes in the mission. While sometimes in healthcare there can seem to be a hierarchy, there was really none of that. As the group was gathering, I could not tell who the doctors were or who the nurses were. Everyone was humble and there to give of themselves.
As the day went on, with a long 6-hour bus ride to Retalhuleu where we would be working at Hospital Hilario Galindo, I noticed the quiet confidence of this group. They were truly on a mission and knew what they needed to do. The day ended with a team dinner and a plan to get going early the next day for clinic day, knowing we had many parents and patients awaiting the team.
Mike Miniati
Team Blogger
