Saturday, February 21
Our 889 Faith in Practice team members departed from their respective home states on Saturday, February 21. We are the 889th Faith in Practice team since it was founded in the mid-1990s. The majority of our team members departed from DFW Airport, while others came in from Virginia, Idaho, and Chicago.
Months of careful planning behind the scenes preceded our upcoming week of surgeries. Approximately 25-30 large trunks of medical supplies and surgical instruments accompanied us on our flights. Upon arriving at the airport in Guatemala City and clearing Customs, we boarded buses for the 1 ½ hour ride to Quinta de las Flores, our home for the coming week.
Once we were settled into our “casitas,” we met for orientation. Yvonne Anzueto spoke about the genesis of Faith in Practice and the impact it has had over the past 25+ years. In addition to medical care and surgeries, Faith in Practice provides transportation to the patients from areas all over Guatemala, as well as providing shelter and food at Casa de Fe, their “Ronald McDonald House.”
Ivonne emphasized the role that is played by others back home – spouses, family members, coworkers, house/pet sitters, as well as those who have supported our mission through their generous donations – everyone who makes it possible for each team member to make this trip. Thank you! You too are part of Team 889.
Faith in Practice Surgery Coordinator, Maria Jose, went over what we can expect this coming week and safety protocols to observe.
We then enjoyed traditional Guatemalan cuisine and retired early in preparation of meeting the coming week’s patients Sunday morning. Those who stayed up a little later observed the Lenten procession arriving at the Posada de Belen Church across the street … and we all heard the fireworks that were part of the celebration.
Therese Casterline Kiernan, CSR, RMR, CRR- Team Blogger
