Greetings from Guatemala!
On Saturday, February 8th Team 840 arrived in Guatemala for our Faith In Practice (FIP) medical mission! Our team includes a diverse group of new joiners and long-time volunteers coming together from Dallas, Houston, Austin, Maryland, Colorado, and California. We’re very fortunate to have a range of expertise on the trip: surgeons, anesthesiologists, scrub techs, nurses, physical therapists, internal medicine doctor, pediatricians, mobility clinic builders, and operations specialists that will be putting their skills together to embody our FIP mission with physical healing through surgeries, improving independence, and restoring hope to those who need it most. After the entire team gathered at the airport, we took our two-hour bus ride to Antigua for our orientation and to get settled. This time allowed us to catch up with old friends, meet new team members, and deepen our understanding of God’s mission ahead!
Sunday marked Triage Day, a crucial time where we meet and evaluate the patients whose lives we will improve. We coordinated surgery schedules, prepared the operating rooms, kicked-off the mobility clinic, and set the stage for a week of impactful work. The day’s devotional focused on Mark 5:21-24, 35-43, reminding us of Jesus’ power, and extending our healing instruments to our patients here in Guatemala.
Since arriving, we’ve witnessed miracles already. Lilia, initially hesitant about surgery, found renewed hope when her doctors asked if she’d like to have her hip fixed. The joy on her face was indescribable – a testament to the transformative power of compassion and skilled care.
Then there’s Transito, a man receiving hip surgery this week. He came to FIP, inspired by the positive experiences of others in his community who’ve benefited from FIP medical care. His simple desire – to sit without pain – reminds us of the monumental impact our work can have on our patient’s daily life, and extend to the well-being of their families.
As we embark on this week of service, we’re reminded not only of the imprint we make in our patients’ lives, but their impact within our own lives. Each interaction leaving us inspired, reinforcing the reciprocal nature of FIP’s mission – in helping others, we too are transformed.
To our family and friends that helped us get here and step up while we’re away, we extend a big hug home! Your support and encouragement have made this mission possible, and we THANK YOU! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin our surgeries this week. We look forward to sharing more updates as our mission progresses!
Meaghan
Team Blogger
