Day 3 Clinic
The devotion for the day was centered on community. When the team takes action to the words of Christ, great things happen. The medical team is an important part of the process, but it takes a village to do the work we have done
The faith in practice staff organizes every detail of the trip. The kitchen staff makes sure everyone is fed food that is delicious and won’t make us sick. Local nursing students joined the team and learned vital skills, but also were great assistants to the team. Without the translators, the clinic would be frustrating and inefficient. The whole group worked together, doing their job to their best ability to benefit the people of Guatemala.
Our day at the clinic started with rain. It did not seem to make an impact on the determination of the people to come to the clinic. As usual, many patients received the care they needed. In addition to patient care, caregivers were also blessed by the gratefulness and kindness of their patients.
Lori, a nurse, saw a woman who was not at the clinic for medical care. She was at the clinic because she had gotten hip surgery many years ago at a Faith in practice clinic. This surgery enabled her to walk. All these years later, she was still so grateful and wanted to come and visit the staff to express her gratitude.
Gracie, a PTA, shared that sometimes, when she is at work, she doesn’t feel the value in what she does. Being here and providing patients with life changing wheelchairs gives her work purpose and value. Today, several kids came in, needing pediatric chairs. The smiles, high fives, and unbridled excitement of the kids show caregivers such as Gracie how their work here is changing lives.
Julia, the Faith in Practice senior coordinator, met with an abuela who was not able to get a wheelchair. She explained that she wasn’t upset by that. She was so grateful that she was able to see a doctor because it gave her peace of mind. This abuela and her thankfulness blessed Julia’s heart.
The whole team, taking on the actions of Christ, creates a community of blessings for both patient and caregiver, blessings that are appreciated for years to come.
Jordan Gurgiolo
Team Blogger
