This morning we find it hard to believe it is our last clinic day. Dr. Austin warned us the week would be over before we knew it and he was right. Today’s devotional was led by Valerie Estacuy. She read some song lyrics in English by the well-known Guatemalan singer Ricardo Arjona:
Yesterday, Jesus tuned my guitar and sharpened my senses, he inspired me
Paper and pencil in hand, I am ready to compose the song but I refuse to write
Because to talk and write about Jesus is redundant, it would be better to act
Then, something told me that the only way to not be redundant is to say the truth
Say that Jesus wants us to act rather than talk
Say that Jesus is more than five letters forming a name
Say that Jesus is a verb, not a noun.
After listening to the song in Spanish, Valerie talked about how we are all taking action by serving the Guatemalan people and joining this team.
With no road closures or rerouting, we began seeing patients upon arrival and the day hummed along at a steady pace.
Evalina, our patient from yesterday, did return with her father. She looked like a completely different child, with color in her cheeks and a broad smile on her face. She had had no bleeding overnight and had slept well. We were so happy to see her. She even wore a special dress to visit us. Dr. Miller showed Evalina’s papa how to use saline spray and petroleum jelly to keep her nasal passage moist. He was very grateful to the team.
We wrapped up about 4pm and everyone worked together to load the trucks once again. Again, we can’t believe we are wrapping up – we just got here. It is reassuring to know other teams are coming behind us, as there is still much to be done. We are grateful that Faith In Practice is sending teams once again. We realize what we take for granted in the US with our own access to healthcare.
After photos and goodbyes to the local volunteers, we head back to the hotel for a celebration dinner with the local FIP staff. We are so thankful for our interpreters Maria, Nataly, and Carmen, who we couldn’t have done without; our driver William, who delivered us safely to our destinations; referral coordinators Jessica and Julissa, and FIP staff Amalia and Lionel. We have bonded with these new friends in such a short period of time and hope to work with them again. It’s not easy to say goodbye, so hopefully, it is only until “next time”.
It was a bittersweet day.
Music: Jesus is a Verb, Not a Noun by Ricardo Arjona
