DAY ONE
In Antigua, Guatemala, a city steeped in history and color, Team 852 begins a week of service that is both familiar and brand new. A group of forty medical professionals and volunteers, some returning, some here for the very first time, have come together to volunteer at Las Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro. Las Obras is a hospital and sanctuary for those in need and a partner of the organization Faith In Practice, a medical mission grounded in healing.
Everyone is here to contribute to a week’s worth of life-saving medical services to nearly one hundred Guatemalan patients that live near and far. This is thanks to the dedicated Faith In Practice Guatemala-based team of community leaders who coordinate local clinics in remote areas and offer travel as well as accommodation at their own 100-patient guest house Casa de Fe.
Before the first day begins at Las Obras, the team chaplain Emily Guimaraes gathers the group together at Hotel Quintas de Las Flores, our home for the next week.
“We have a common set of values that really transcend our individual identities,” says Guimaraes, “a sense of adventure and openness to the new, gratitude for life’s many blessings, the hope and belief that illness can be transformed into health, and that transformation can happen not just within individuals, but across communities.”
She then invites the group to participate in a simple ritual. At centuries-old stone basins, once part of the hotel’s former life as 17th-century public baths, team members take turns washing their hands. “I’m going to ask that our hands be blessed to bring forth their skill,” Guimaraes says, “that each of us calls forth in the group the gifts of one another, and that we remember we’re servants of all.”
Day One is Triage Day, where surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists meet with patients, while others unpack, sort, and put away medical supplies for the week ahead. Families pour into Las Obras and wait patiently in the picturesque courtyards and gardens on the grounds.
There’s a calmness in the air as we find our footing, while local Faith In Practice leaders and the staff at Las Obras warmly welcome us. Guimaraes offers rosaries, crosses, and prayers to patients and their families. Assessing patients, scheduling surgeries, and organizing the operating room is a huge lift—one that Team 852 and their peers at Las Obras handle with grace.
“We’re honored to have you,” a patient tells anesthesiologist Dr. Brent Andersen, eyes shining with gratitude.
With a hand to his heart, Andersen replies, “We’re honored to be here.”
At the end of the day, we join together once more for dinner at Quintas de Las Flores. There’s joy in the air as laughter and tears ripple through the dining hall. Teammates share moments of reflection, connection, and joy.
“I think all the people that we have here are going to mesh together in such an amazing and special way,” Dr. Karen Zink shares, “we’re going to do great work, take care of a lot of patients who really need it, and I’m so grateful to have all of you here just to spend the week with.”
While Triage Day is long, demanding, and at times emotional, it’s the solidarity of the team that carries us through. The kindness of the Las Obras staff and the profound gratitude of the patients make every moment count. It’s truly an honor to be here.
Zachary Carlsen, Team Blogger
