Thursday, February 26, 2026
Our team has a custom on our last surgical day to ask team members to share about the impact this mission trip has had on them. Pastor Dave added a 5th “H” to our daily devotions: Highlights.
Nikki (interpreter) – This is my first year, and I have been amazed at how kind and grateful our patients are. It is not only a life-changing experience for them but for us.
Mitch (surgeon) – This is my first trip. As a surgeon, I often don’t pay attention to those who work around me, but now I am seeing how impactful everyone’s contribution is to the team. I am amazed at others’ contribution to helping these patients.
Rollin (dentist) – Working in the dental clinic here, I have been impressed at the level of trust from the patients that I’m treating for the first time. This is a tremendous group, and everyone should be proud of what they’re doing.
Dani (anesthesiologist) – When I came on a trip 3 years ago, I was going through a divorce, a single mom struggling with finances, and then my car broke down. I almost didn’t go but felt that I really needed to be here. It was an amazing experience but also brought life changes in finding new love with
Rocky (anesthesiologist), who changed my life and my kids’ lives dramatically. These trips give me hope, gratitude for the patients, and gratitude for what I have.
Peter (orthopedist) – The trips are a challenge with preparation and working in a different environment with new people, but I continue to come because of the beauty in giving and receiving. When I return home, I take with me the vulnerability and trust the patients have with us and knowing we’ve made a difference. I’m not sure that our procedures change them as much as they change us. This is something I cannot experience anywhere else.
Connie (scrub tech) – This is my first mission, and it is the most amazing journey of my long nursing career, especially seeing the transformation that people have waited for. When I see people lined up for care, so hopeful and so appreciative, I am humbled and realize how much I take for granted.
Rocky (anesthesiologist) – The year was more stressful as I stepped into a team leadership role, but looking in people’s eyes and seeing their trust and vulnerability is why I’m here and why I keep coming back.
Melissa (gynecologist) – This is my 10th trip. On our first surgical day, I was relaxing before procedures, and someone remarked,” You’re awfully relaxed.” My reply was, “I’m home. This is my happy place.” I hope to continue coming for many years.
Daryl (gynecologist) – I have been coming on these trips for 20 years, and watching each team come together and love and care for one another is very rewarding, as well as trying to meet the hopes and expectations of our patients.
Traci (RN) – At home I work with Dr. Fagelman every Wednesday, and it’s my favorite day of the week. When I found out he was joining us on the trip, I wondered how he’d tolerate it. Yesterday he said, “We’ll put this on calendar for next year and help people however we can.”
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Victor, age 67, loves soccer. Unfortunately, about 8 years ago, he fell during a game, another player fell on top of him, and he injured his hand/wrist. He had surgery where a plate was put in, but it got infected, and the plate was removed. He spent 1 month in the hospital. He had gone to a private hospital because at a public hospital, they would have amputated his limb. He was calm before his surgery and more concerned about his wife Reina’s anxiety. Reina said that
Faith in Practice has touched all areas of Guatemala.
Floridalma, a 48-year-old woman, is getting a carpal tunnel release of her right wrist. She previously had the left wrist operated on. Her career as a seamstress has taken a toll on her hands and wrists.
Nataly, age 11, underwent a tendon repair to her upper right arm. She was born with this condition, and it prevented her from making certain arm movements. Happily she’s finally getting this repaired and can have full range of motion of her arm going forward.
It has been a week of transformation for all of us in getting to know the histories, heroes, heartaches and hopes of our patients and their families. The hardest part of returning home is knowing we may never see these patients again, but the memories will be in our hearts.
We concluded the day with a Celebration Dinner, celebrating the week’s accomplishments and thanking each person that was a part of it. We especially recognized the new members of the team, and the hope is they will return to serve again.
Therese Casterline Kiernan – Team Blogger
