Day three of our surgical week started with a team breakfast, the highlight of the meal being fried French toast! A more extensive meeting followed, mainly discussing the previous day of surgery, highlights, ideas for improvement going forward, and expectations in terms of organization at Las Obras today. Progression in all aspects has been steady through the week, working through the “growing pains” as Dr. Cramer said during our meeting. During the daily devotional, our spiritual leaders read a poem by Rumi titled “The Guest House.” As humans we can recognize “a joy, a depression, a meanness, or some momentary awareness as an unexpected visitor.” The importance being to greet these visitors, entertain them all, and treat each honorably as a “guest” in your home.
The first group set off to Las Obras shortly after devotional. Dr. Stempel described his mindset preceding surgery as having “high hopes”, and the workflow throughout the day emulated that idea. Operations were moving smoothly with case completion and turnover running on time with little interference. Collectively this was the smoothest day of the week at Las Obras. The crew arrived back at the Quinta de Las Flores with more time to unwind and reflect before dinner. Barbecue night was a success, with chicken, ribs, Italian sausage, and mac & cheese on the menu. As usual, there was lots of laughter and memories made tonight. I think everyone was content with the day of surgery and ready to end on a high note tomorrow.
-Spencer Kang
To support this team and their commitment to our patient’s visit:
