Monday, February 23, 2026
We awoke today in eager anticipation of the first of four surgical days. During devotions, Pastor Dave continued with the 2nd of the “four H’s” – heroes. He asked each of us to share a lifetime hero. Many mentioned a parent or grandparent, someone who shaped their life into who they are today.
Jesus taught a message of heroism through humility. In Mt. 20:16, Jesus stated the first will be last and the last will be first. He gave us examples in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted because of righteousness.”
The Guatemalan people demonstrate great humility. They wait patiently, bravely face medical procedures in a strange environment, and show immense gratitude for any help they receive, regardless of outcome. Their faith is deep and inspiring.
The phrase “not all heroes wear capes” comes to mind. When we look through Jesus’ lens, we can see “heroes” everywhere: our medical providers and team members, Faith in Practice employees and in-country volunteers, the staff at the Obras Hospital who are continually at work, cooking, cleaning, and providing patient care.
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
This year we are utilizing five OR rooms: 3 orthopedic, 1 OB/GYN, and 1 general surgery.
Dr. Peter Apel assisted by Dr. Zohair Zaidi – hand surgeries
Dr. Mitchell Fagelman – shoulder surgeries
Dr. Michael Howard – upper extremity surgeries
Drs. Dennis Eisenberg & Melissa Bailey, assisted by Dr. Daryl Greebon – gynecological surgeries
Dr. Kristin Stevens – general surgery (including gallbladder removal and hernia repairs.)
We also have a dentist, Rollin Sarradet, DDS, who is serving in the dental ward.
One of our most captivating patients was Aylin, a 5-year-old girl that was having a right thumb repair by Dr. Apel. She was all smiles in preop, clutching a fuzzy teddy bear. When we visited with her in the postop ward, she happily displayed her cast, and was very excited to take photos with everyone.
Another little girl, Yasmin, four years old, underwent a procedure to repair a syndactyly condition where one’s fingers and/or toes are attached to each other.
This is a great visual of Mt. 19:14, where Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
In talking to 28-year-old Karla in preop, she expressed her apprehension about removal of a mammary cyst, worried it was cancerous. Dr. Stevens was able to reassure her after the surgery that it was benign, and she now returns home with that anxiety behind her.
Drs. Eisenberg and Bailey performed three uterine prolapse repairs. Here in Guatemala, ladies often go for years without this condition being diagnosed or repaired, living in extreme discomfort. Our Faith in Practice village teams travel to remote areas of Guatemala, provide exams and diagnose these conditions, after which surgical teams such as ours are scheduled for the repairs.
Let’s all look for heroes in our daily life – people making a difference in small ways and big ways. Show them appreciation. We are surrounded by them here!! Look for ways that you too can be a hero through serving God and serving others.
Therese Casterline Kiernan – Team Blogger
