Day 5 – Team Thompson 881 – Thursday, November 13, 2025
“Faith is lived not only in prayer or silent reflection, but in the practical acts of kindness we offer—a gentle word to a worried patient, a reassuring touch to someone in pain, or the steadfast attention we give to every person seeking help.”
On our final clinic day, I spoke with five of my fellow volunteers and asked them about the memories they’ll take with them. Each of us leaves with a profound imprint from our time in Petén, Guatemala.
Here are their stories:
Nurse Practitioner Adrienne Mee, Family Medicine
“Yesterday I saw a young boy with burn scars on both palms from falling into a burn pile two years ago. At the time, he likely sustained second- to third-degree burns but received no medical care. Over time, scar tissue and contractures caused his left fingertips to heal into his palm. He underwent one surgery last year to release the fingers, but thick scarring and deformities persisted on both hands. In clinic, he was unable to fully open his hand and continued to experience pain and restricted movement. He seemed quite self-conscious about his scars—keeping his hands behind his back and pulling them away when I tried to examine them closely. I placed a referral to plastic surgery in hopes they can help improve his mobility, decrease his pain, and restore some of his confidence. It was a real eye-opener for me. To imagine not having medical care for an injury so bad is so atypical coming from the United States. I couldn’t help but think about my own kids and how awful that would have been as a parent to feel relatively helpless in the face of so much pain. It makes me feel grateful and thankful for everything that I have, and it gives me more reason to want to continue to do what I do, helping those in need!”
Dr. Hilary Bartels, General Medicine
“We met a brother and sister in their early sixties this week. The woman came in with severe knee pain and will soon need a knee replacement, and her brother sat beside her, quietly offering a few words in English—“thank you,” “yes.” When I asked if he’d spent time in the U.S., he told me he’d lived in Georgia for 11 years, working for an electrician. We thanked him for his work, and as we talked more, he shared that he had been undocumented the entire time, living in constant fear. He had hoped to bring his sister and mother to join him, but in 2023 he returned to Guatemala to care for them after seeing many of his friends deported. With so much focus on immigration today, his story was a powerful reminder that behind every policy and headline are real people, carrying both courage and heartbreak in equal measure.”
Bruce Beekley PT, Mobility Clinic
“I met a 31-year-old cowboy who had been thrown from a horse and suffered a severe femur fracture. Eleven months had passed since his internal and external fixation surgeries. About four months after those procedures, he also burned his foot — and for all that time, he hadn’t moved his knee or ankle. When I first met him, I encouraged him to start bending his ankle in preparation for weight-bearing. He won’t be a ballerina anytime soon, but little by little, I showed him and his wife how to gently mobilize his toes and ankle to prepare for standing and walking again. This man hadn’t taken a step in 11 months. We didn’t share a common language, but as we worked together, a smile spread across his face — a smile that said he understood. In that moment, I knew he was ready to begin his journey toward walking again.”
Dr. Angela McDowell, Gynecology
“On my first day in clinic, I met a 75-year-old widow whose bright smile and outgoing personality instantly won me over. Despite having survived a stroke, she was full of life and warmth—someone I jokingly wished could be my abuela. She came in with a uterine prolapse, not knowing there were good treatment options available. I referred her for a surgical consult and fitted her with a pessary, and her reaction was pure joy. What could have been an uncomfortable exam became surprisingly fun because of her grace and humor. Before she left, she hugged me and told me I was her favorite daughter. She truly became the most memorable patient of my week, and I wish her nothing but the best.”
Nurse Practitioner Betsy Haas-Beckert, Laboratory
“My lasting memory of this week will be working alongside my local volunteer, Ruth. She’s 24 years old and currently studying to become a nurse, with a course requirement to complete some volunteer work. We were lucky to have her helping us in the laboratory. Ruth was full of energy all week—kind and gentle with every patient, always ready to jump in wherever she was needed, and never without a smile. She was an incredible help in the lab, and I couldn’t be prouder of the nurse she’s becoming. With just one more year before she graduates and begins her career, I’m excited to see what the future holds for her. Guatemala’s healthcare system will be lucky to have her.”
Ruth Lacey, Volunteer & Blogger
