DAY FIVE/SIX
“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” – Rabindranath Tagore
It’s a joy to witness our medical team interacting with patients and their families. Today, as I accommodate Dr. Andrew Cramer during his morning rounds, I’m struck by his remarkable bedside manner: he meets each patient’s eyes directly, extending a gentle hand that tells them: you are seen, you are safe, you are cared for.
Joining Dr. Cramer is interpreter Otis Wortley, who complements the warmth with every interaction. Together, they comfort patients and families, answer questions thoughtfully, and even spark moments of laughter that ease worries and uplift spirits.
“How are you feeling?” Cramer asks. “Fantastic!” says the patient. “How come?” Cramer chuckles, “you just had surgery!” They both laugh.
Meanwhile, in the women’s recovery ward, Dr. Heather Zarour comforts a patient who is overcome with emotion as she looks toward a brighter future.
Many of our volunteers join the morning rounds. The recovery ward at Las Obras is serene—high ceilings, with rooms bathed in sunlight that bounces off its beautiful red and yellow tile floors. Patients who were strangers just a few days ago now sit together, sharing meals and conversation. Outside, a lush flower garden offers tranquil corners to rest, accompanied by the soothing melodies of Antigua’s many songbirds.
It’s our last day of surgery at Las Obras and by the end of the day will have completed 23 successful cases—98 in all. It’s a testament to the teamwork of our 42 volunteers and the true collaboration with the local hospital staff and the Faith In Practice volunteers. While the final cases of the day wrap up, our tireless nursing volunteers begin to pack up medical supplies and equipment to bring home or store for future teams.
Though Day 5 is technically our final day of surgeries, a handful of our team will work extra hours to round Friday and provide additional care.
Dr. Cramer visits a patient whose recovery has taken a day longer than anticipated. With his wife by his side, the patient smiles and says he’s feeling much better. Cramer takes a moment to check the patient’s vitals. Pleased with the steady results, he gives him brief instructions on post-care, and asks if he or his wife have any questions.
“We just want to thank you for everything you’ve done,” they reply. Cramer smiles softly and thanks them in return while carefully placing a small wooden cross into the patient’s hand.
Our spiritual leader, Emily Guimaraes, gives each volunteer this token at the start of our journey, a Stempel/Martini Team tradition. “In the past,” Guimaraes explains, “this has been a way for people to share a piece of themselves with their patients, in a way that feels meaningful to them.”
Throughout Las Obras, generosity continues to flourish. Dr. Kelvin Yu stays another day to continue training the local surgeons on advanced thyroid cases. Dr. Ty Erickson patiently guides hospital staff through a specialized training session. Team Leader Dr. Ross Martini expresses his gratitude by providing lunch from Pollo Campero, honoring the local team’s kindness and support.
I speak with Dr. Ross Martini about the experience and he takes a moment to reflect. “Every year I love watching a new team work together,” he begins, “I think everyone grows, and often in ways we aren’t aware of until returning to our usual environment.”
“I am especially proud of how our team handled unanticipated events with expertise and collaboration. We are working better than ever with the Obras staff and physicians, and having productive conversations about growing our work together. We are here to provide healthcare to those with limited access, to support development of local infrastructure, and to remind ourselves of who we are and why we do it all. This year we nailed it.”
On the final day, the volunteers enjoy exploring the beautiful city of Antigua. Some stroll the cobblestone streets, taking in the vibrant colors and hidden courtyards. Others catch up on work or relax in the lush gardens of Quinta de Las Flores, savoring these last precious moments in Guatemala. Soon we’ll return home, spirits renewed. We’ll take with us the love and grace we shared here, bound together by compassion, faith, and healing.
Zachary Carlsen, Team Blogger
