Just a quick note to let you know Team 651 and our supply trunks have arrived safely in Guatemala. Our Valentine’s Day started well before the sun was up. Each time we spotted a fellow Faith In Practice volunteer in vivid blue shirt and red lanyard our day brightened! Our first mini reunion began at the Savannah Airport with big hugs and continued when we picked up more members in Atlanta. We know as prayers were being asked in Guatemala, we were all being asked to help answer them. We thank all those we hold dearest who support Faith In Practice, encourage us, love us, give us the strength to go and make a difference. We thank God for this adventure and all our blessings.
Wanted to add that our first night we were graciously welcomed to Casa De Fe (House of Faith) with coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies. Casa de Fe is Faith In Practice’s Ronald McDonald house. Patients and one family member stay here during treatment. Many years ago, Faith In Practice was made aware folks who did not have enough money for hotels and who could not travel home each night were sleeping in alleys and parks. Now they are welcomed to a safe, warm, inviting place where many are experiencing electricity, running hot and cold water, indoor plumbing and nutricious meals for the first time. “When I entered, I thought there was a mistake! I could not believe such a beautiful home was for us…I have never seen a place such as this. We are well cared for and our meals are delicious”, said one of the mothers we met.
Our welcome from Jaime, the Faith In Practice Surgical Director was warm and informative. We learned about the Faith In Practice Village Teams that along with local volunteers set up remote clinics that attract easily 2000-3000 people in need of help. In 4 days all are seen, those who can be are helped at the clinic. Those requiring more extensive care are referred to the surgery teams in La Antigua (that’s us!). I was sadened to learn women in Guatemala are 80% more likely to die of cervical cancer than women in the USA because here women have no access to screening. In most parts of Guatemala, people have no access to dental care. By the time our dentists see referred patients, many extractions are needed. I urge our readers to look through the faith in practice website to learn about the amazing programs Faith In Practice has instituted in the last 25 years.
Again, we thank God for our blessings, we thank Him for sending us to Guatemala to share those blessings and His love!
