A beautiful poem written by Ellie was shared during our morning devotion, offering a heartfelt reflection on the week’s experiences. Her words gently reminded us of the deeper meaning behind our work — the connection, the service, and the presence we bring to each moment.
Adapt and Overcome” — A Reflection in Guatemala-written by Ellie
“Each year I come with open hands,To serve, to give, to understand.Drawn back again to this sacred place,Where faith and purpose interlace.In Guatemala, hearts run deep,In quiet strength the people keep.With little more than what’s at hand,We do our best, we take a stand.We “adapt and overcome,” we say,Through every long and trying day.With tools we have, with skills we bring,We offer care—our everything.In every case, in every room,We push aside the weight, the gloom.And somehow still, through strain and test,We find a way to give our best.Six years now, this path I’ve walked,With shared laughter, stories talked.Through weary nights and heavy days,We’ve built a bond in countless ways.We laugh, we vent, we understand, No need for words—we’ve all been there, hand in hand.Teammates, yes—but so much more, A family formed at the mission’s core.It feels like camp—those summer days,Where joy and purpose gently stay.Where time stands still, yet flies too fast,And memories are made to last.I come each year, my heart so full,Humbled by lives both rich and full.And in this place, so far from home,I’ve found a place I’m not alone.So grateful, God, for this chance to be,A part of something bigger than me.A faith in practice, strong and true—Team Pogo, I am blessed by you.”
Day four in Antigua began with morning rounds, checking in on patients from the previous day’s surgeries. It is always such a joy to see them resting, recovering, and ready to return home with relief in their eyes.
One of the patients who touched our hearts today was Avery, a charming 11-year-old girl with the most infectious smile. She had a lipoma removed by the general surgery team the day before. Her grandmother was by her side, since her mom was home caring for Avery’s 8-month-old sibling. Avery now has a 14-hour bus ride ahead of her to get back home.
Despite the discomfort she had been feeling from the lipoma, Avery’s bright spirit shined through. She told us some of her favorite things are eating pizza, lasagna, and fried chicken — and that she loves roller skating. It was beautiful to see her smiling and comfortable, knowing she had the chance to receive the care she needed.
Today brought 17 more surgical cases, similar to the previous days. As always, there were a few little bumps along the way, but our team continued to live by the motto: adapt and overcome. With skill, flexibility, and teamwork, everything moved smoothly.
After all the surgeries were completed, we spent time taking inventory and packing up the supplies that weren’t used during the trip — a quiet but meaningful part of closing out the week.
Each day here reminds us how much can happen when people come together with open hearts, willing hands, and a shared purpose to serve.
Beata Pogo, Blogger
