Today is our last day of surgery. Our surgeons will perform 12 cases today. This week we have operated on 48 people, some of which had multiple procedures. It has been a whirlwind of a trip. As we perform needed surgeries to heal bodies, we are also praying for each person and hope we bring some spiritual healing as well. Prior to surgery each day the surgeons round on those operated on the day before. It is here where they will receive post op instructions, medications and prayers for healing and safe return home.
The Mirelez team would like to say Thank You to the FIP staff here in Guatemala. They have been a steady presence during the week and have been available for translating, technical and clinical support as well as logistical support. Job well done!!
Tonight we will have a celebration dinner to bring our week to a close. We will have time to visit and talk about our collective and individual experiences. Blessings abound on these trips and every one of us has been touched in some way.
This week we met Kayla, a 13 year old girl who had surgery to repair a hernia. Kayla has had pain for over a year and is having increasing pain walking. She travelled about 3 hours with her mother from Panajachel to this hospital. She is currently in the 6th grade and told us that she would like to study to be an English teacher. She also loves to dance and states ballet is her favorite. She and Leison (who we saw earlier) have become good friends and she wanted to make sure he was doing OK prior to her surgery. This is a wonderful example of the love of Christ. These two young people did not know each other prior to triage day and in a short time have bonded over their shared circumstance.
Tomorrow will be our last day here in Reu. After devotionals and breakfast the doctors will round on patients for the last time. We will pack up supplies to leave for next year, and gather what need to go back to the US. We will once again board the bus and head to Antigua, where we will have a free day prior to our return on Saturday. Please continue to pray for our team and for the recovery of our patients.
Collossians 3:15 states “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
As we finish up our week, we are truly thankful to have been called to serve here in Guatemala and hope to take the peace of Christ that we feel here back home to our lives in the states.
Thank you again for your ongoing prayers.
-Laura Cousar
If you’d like to support this team, you can do so here: https://donate.faithinpractice.org/team/373495
