Another wonderful day in Guatemala. I really love these people, they are so kind and gracious. I want to share a medical experience I had a few days ago. We had a 9 year old young man who came in with his parents requesting a circumcision. The family said they couldn’t get anyone in Guatemala to do this for him-he had a few cases of phimosis and needed something to be done. So I decided to do it with a digital block, 3 forceps, and a scalpel. He actually did well but presented the next day with a considerable amount of bleeding. We were finally able to get it under control with some gel foam. I tell this story not so much because of the procedure, but because how well Tony did. He was so calm and trusting, it was amazing. Sometimes in life you just feel a connection with someone and this was one of those moments. Hopefully when this heals all will be fine for Tony and I trust it will with God’s help. I know I was able to provide a little something to Tony’s life, but because of the connection and love I felt between us, he gave me so much more.
Post written by Randy
Content in the Silence
Here I am in Guatemala on a medical mission trip, a high schooler with no medical training in any field. Yet the group found a place for me. At first I was told I would be placed with children’s crafts in the dental department; but once the clinic began I was swept into not only playing with play-doh dental heads, but teaching kids how to brush their teeth and then applying fluoride to their teeth. Now, teaching kids how to brush their teeth is easy, when there is not a language barrier; and of course you might say: “Well what about a translator.” And this is where I take a long sigh, and then smile while I say I have yet to have one. At first I struggled with this but today I finally came to the realization that communication isn’t always needed to teach. Through the simple actions of pointing, visual aids, and my limited Spanish vocabulary the kids got the point. This isn’t my favorite epiphany though. Today I also realized that communication isn’t needed to connect with people. Today I connected with a 7 year old girl named Sulu pretty much through smiles, laughter, and coloring about 6 coloring pages. Every time she flashed her smile (that lacked her two front teeth) at me I couldn’t help but smile back. We laughed over the play-doh teeth continuously falling out of the dental head and colored till our hands cramped up. Through this we connected. We connected with little to no communication whatsoever, and during this entire experience I was completely content.
Post written by Zoey
Praying for Tony to continue healing. Lifting you all up in prayer. XOXO Victoria
Praying for the whole team and that God will continue to shine through each and every one of you!
Susanna, I hope you are learning lots, making new friends, and seeing God at work in every little procedure and interaction you are having. You are amazing and I’m looking forward to hearing all about your trip! <3 Love you!✌️ ✌️
Thank you for these updates. Your team has been in my thoughts and prayers this week. Extra hugs to Abby Jane, Susanna, Janet, Jenni and Corey. So proud that you are my friends and are the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. The family of God is a beautiful thing.
Hi team, I’m sure you are a little tired tonight but also feeling like you are part of something awesome! Zoey , way to jump in there and tackle the language barrier! I’m sure the kids love you. Jenni, are you resting at all? Praying for you guys to finish strong and bring home some life changing memories. Love, Malinda
Thank you for allowing us to experience a small part of your journey through your blog. I wish you the best on your last day and pray you have a safe trip home. You all did amazing!
Hey guys!
I loved both of your messages today! I think laughing with someone is the purest way to cross language barriers, it gives us a common ground with others and makes us relatable. Randy, I’m sure laughter wasn’t your primary mode of communication but it is really cool to hear that the skills you possess are blessing others. Hope today was another wonderful day, can’t wait to read about it tomorrow!!
I have read every post and for some reason or another, I get distracted and don’t comment! What a joy it has been to get to see your smiling faces serving. I know the days are long and exhausting, but I pray the joy of the Lord is your strength for the last clinic day tomorrow! Vicki, I’m praying for you as you part ways with the team and begin your adventure. Remember, we are only a phone call away! Randy and Zoey, I’m so glad you wrote about your experiences. Zoey, it’s amazing what we can communicate without words. I’m glad you were blessed. Thank you for bringing us all along.. God is good and is doing good things in the world. I’m so thankful you get to be a part!