It’s our second clinic day, and we decided to arrive thirty minutes ahead of schedule to worship in the hospital’s beautiful chapel rather than at our hotel. We lifted our voices and hearts in song, singing both “Here I am, Lord” and “The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours).” Pastor David Jordan’s daily devotional message encouraged us to find joy and peace, and witness miracles through serving others, recalling Jesus’ extraordinary gift of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.
Today, Dr. Michelle and Dr. Lee attended to 77-year-old Victor Amézquita Calderón, who arrived accompanied by his wife, Leopolda de Amézquita. Victor initially sought treatment due to weakness and discomfort while walking and needed a right knee replacement. However, during the examination, the doctors noticed a sizeable skin tag on his right eye obstructing his vision. When the doctors proposed a minor procedure to remove it, Victor enthusiastically consented.
Subsequently, Dr. Michelle and Dr. Lee arranged a referral for Victor to stay at Casa De Fe, a guest house operated by Faith In Practice, where he would await his upcoming knee surgery and physical therapy. Victor’s eyes lit up upon learning that he and his wife could stay together at Casa De Fe, emphasizing, “She never leaves my side, and I just want to take her everywhere with me.” Leopolda happily echoed his sentiments, affirming, “Yes, we go everywhere together!”
In less than an hour, Dr. Brian Lassinger skillfully removed the bothersome skin tag, restoring Victor’s vision after many years of impaired sight.
PT/OT Brenda Shoemaker tended to Amelia Verónica Barrios Pérez, a 40-year-old with weak ankles that frequently gave out, causing her to stumble and fall. In the United States, such a condition would typically be addressed with an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) to stabilize the ankle. Despite limited supplies, we luckily had one right AFO, which was cut to fit her precisely. However, Amelia Verónica was wearing old, worn-out Crocs that would not securely accommodate the brace. Upon noticing this predicament, therapist assistant Fab Rubio generously offered Amelia Verónica her pair of shoes from her own feet, which fit Amelia Verónica perfectly.
Faith In Practice goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our patients, surpassing their original reasons for seeking care. I’ve witnessed the blessings, joy, and inner peace of following God’s guidance and serving others. We eagerly anticipate the remainder of our week and are dedicated to following God’s instructions during our time in Rhetalhuleu.
-Audrey Nguyen
