Saturday: The Journey to San Felipe Begins
After a few weeks of preparation, our Faith In Practice team of 19 medical volunteers gathered in Chicago on Saturday morning, ready to begin our journey to San Felipe, Guatemala. We all flew together on the same plane, the air filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervous energy. For many of us, this isn’t our first mission, but each trip brings new faces, new challenges, and new stories waiting to be told.
The day was long but full of movement. After a four-hour flight, we landed in Guatemala City, greeted by warm air and even warmer smiles. From there, we loaded into a bus and began the six-hour drive through the mountains. The scenery was stunning filled with lush green hills, winding roads, and glimpses of rural life that reminded us how far we were from home, and how close we were to something meaningful.
We arrived at IRTRA, our home base for the week. IRTRA is hard to describe, it’s part resort, part retreat center, and entirely unexpected. With colorful buildings, gardens, and even a small amusement park nearby, it feels like a hidden gem. After a long day of travel, it was the perfect spot to rest and recharge for the week ahead.
Meet the Team
Our team is a beautiful mix of talents and backgrounds. We have members from surgery, anesthesia, medicine, pharmacy, and nursing—as well as a team interpreter, a chaplain, and our incredible Faith In Practice staff. All are united by a shared mission to serve. Some are seasoned veterans of medical missions, while others are experiencing this for the first time. What we all share is a deep commitment to compassionate care and a belief in the power of healing.
Team Leader: Laura Hammel
Surgery:
Matt “Pogo” P.
Tabitha O.
Paul M.
Brenda M.
Anesthesia:
Laura H.
Andy D.
Lindsey B.
Emily M.
Kaya G.
Austin G.
Medicine:
Danielle G.
Nursing:
Becky M.
Joe B.
Sherry M.
Kim H.
Juliana R. L.
Pharmacy:
Jeff F.
Chaplain:
Sarah K.
Translator:
Jeff H.
Faith In Practice Staff:
Rodolfo “Fito” A.
Bryan A.
Daniela M.
Carol F.
I’m Austin, and while I usually work in anesthesia, this week I’ve taken on a second role: team blogger. I’ll be capturing the stories, moments, and reflections from our time here. both inside and outside the hospital. It’s a new challenge, but one I’m excited to embrace
The Week Ahead
Tomorrow, we’ll begin our work at Hospital Hilario Galindo, a local facility that partners with Faith In Practice to provide surgical care to patients who might not otherwise have access. Here’s a quick look at our schedule:
Sunday: Triage & Prep day – meeting patients, reviewing cases, and setting up for the week.
Monday–Thursday: Surgery days – full days in the operating rooms, with multiple cases each day.
Friday: Post up rounds on patients, breakdown of the ORs & day trip to Antigua
Saturday: Return to the U.S.
Each day will bring its own rhythm, challenges, and rewards. We’ll be working closely with local staff and volunteers, and we’re grateful for their partnership and hospitality.
A Few Adventures Already
Even on day one, we’ve had a few fun moments. During our drive, we stopped for snacks and got our first taste of Guatemalan culture and food. At IRTRA, we met up with Fito, received our briefing for the week, and enjoyed a much-needed dinner. It’s a surreal contrast to the work we’ll be doing, but a welcome one.We’re here to serve, but we’re also here to learn, grow, and connect with each other and with the community around us!
Austin, Blogger
