Day 2
Wow.
That is the only word that comes to mind when I think about today.
Once again, our team was welcomed with a wonderful breakfast to start the morning. As if the scenery surrounding the hotel wasn’t already breathtaking, an unexpected visitor greeted many of us—a beautiful peacock proudly strolling the hotel grounds. It was a peaceful moment before another full day of serving and one that set the tone for everything that followed.
There are countless stories from today’s clinic that I could share, each one carrying its own unique reminder of why we are here. Yet one encounter continues to linger in my heart.
A single mother, Veronica, arrived at the clinic carrying her son. She wore beautiful traditional Guatemalan clothing, adorned with intricately woven floral patterns and a vibrant purple skirt, reflecting both the rich culture and incredible craftsmanship of her community.
Her son has cerebral palsy and is unable to move independently. Through quiet remarkable honesty, she shared a glimpse into their daily reality. As an unmarried mother, she must work to provide for her family. With no one available to care for her son during the day, she has no choice but to place him in a diaper and leave him in a large wooden box while she goes to work. It is not because she lacks love or compassion, rather, it is because she lacks options.
As she spoke, she scrolled through photographs on her phone showing the circumstances they live with every day. Each image told a story that words alone could never fully capture. Then came a moment that none of us will soon forget.
Our team was able to provide her son with a wheelchair. What may seem like a simple piece of equipment to many of us represented freedom for this family. You could hear the relief in her voice and see the gratitude in her eyes as she realized what this gift would mean. A wheelchair cannot solve every challenge they face, but it has the power to transform the way they experience daily life.
Moments like these remind me what this mission is truly about. We certainly provide medical care, but we are also fortunate enough to restore hope and remind people that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
As the clinic came to a close, the providers gathered together, sitting in the now-empty patient chairs. The once-busy rooms had grown quiet, giving everyone an opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences. Stories were exchanged and victories—both big and small—were celebrated. Although every volunteer had encountered different patients, there was a shared understanding among us that today had changed each of us in some way.
After returning to the hotel, we had a little time to rest and freshen up before gathering for another wonderful meal. I had the privilege of sitting across from our team leaders, Devin and Cindy Sawyer. Throughout dinner, laughter filled the room as conversations flowed effortlessly between team members. Stories from the clinic mixed with encouragement, wisdom, and plenty of smiles.
As a university student, I treasure opportunities like these. Being surrounded by experienced healthcare providers is an incredible gift. I found myself listening far more than speaking, soaking in their stories and learning not only about medicine, but also about compassion, humility, and servant leadership.
Despite our diverse backgrounds, every volunteer echoed the same sentiment: there is immense joy in serving the people of Guatemala. Repeatedly, I heard expressions of gratitude not only for what we had accomplished, but for the privilege of simply being here.
Today’s experiences recalled the words of 1 Peter 4:10:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
I cannot think of a better description of Team 917.
We are a group of individuals, many of whom had never met before this trip. Yet together, each person brings unique talents and gifts. Whether treating patients, fitting wheelchairs, translating conversations, organizing supplies, praying with families, or simply offering a smile, every act of service reflects God’s grace.
Today reminded me that missions are not measured by the number of patients seen or procedures completed. They are measured by lives touched, hope restored, and the countless moments where God’s love becomes visible through ordinary people willing to serve.
If today could be summarized in one word, it would still be the same one I started with:
Wow.
Andie Prince, Team Blogger
