It has been a whirlwind of a week and we can’t believe it’s already time to head home. For the Team Delk veterans, it was so special to reunite with the team, Faith in Practice staff and the local Guatemalan volunteers. Those joining for the first time are so grateful to have built new friendships and a new family through Faith in Practice.
This morning’s devotion was led by physical therapist, Gayle Turner, and Teresa. Gayle asked that as we transition back to our regular lives, that we reflect on what we have seen, how we have felt and how we have changed over the course of this week. Many of us will return home to our spouses, our children, our careers and go back to our normal lives – but it is so important to remember that what we saw this week is normal life for so many Guatemalans. They travel from miles and miles away, spending hours in transit, to see a provider – in some cases for the first time ever. Many wait in line for hours to simply get a prescription for Tylenol or vitamins. Others wait years to have a necessary procedure or to obtain equipment to improve their mobility. This week has been humbling to say the least.
We owe thanks to many folks who made this week such a success!
- Felipe and Tagni for running the show, keeping us all on track and making sure we were fully prepared each and every day – even in 98 degree weather!
- Estuardo and Jorge for shuttling us around after long days of clinic and for helping in the pharmacy
- Hector and Oliver for being flexible, providing delicious food for our team each day and for all of the “behind the scenes” work to keep things moving smoothly
- The local Guatemala volunteers for assisting in translation, logistics, clean-up and helping our patients navigate a very busy clinic
- Fausto and our many other security guards for keeping us safe throughout the week
To Christopher and Bethany, your leadership and dedication to this team, Faith in Practice and the people of Guatemala is inspiring. You radiate compassion and energy that moves us all to be His hands and feet, serving others in so many ways. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking the leap of faith and creating Team Delk. We are all so appreciative of you both and will carry these memories with us forever.
“A mind that is stretched with a new experience can never go back to its new dimensions.” – Oliver Windell Holmes, Jr.
