Day 1
Bienvenido a Guatemala! Our first morning began with early wake-up call and a warm welcome in the form of a breakfast buffet. The spread featured a variety of authentic Guatemalan favorites including fresh tropical fruits, grilled proteins, traditional beans, and my personal favorite – sweet perfectly cooked plantains. It was a wonderful way to begin a week dedicated to serving the people of Guatemala.
Following breakfast, the team gathered for introductions and a devotional led by Teri Prince, this week’s loving spiritual leader. As I glanced around the room, I saw new friendships beginning to form. Smiles were exchanged between individuals from diverse backgrounds, professions, stages of life, all brought together by a common purpose that was difficult to understand the significance of. Teri reminded us that every role on this mission matters. Whether it be providing direct patient care, building wheelchairs, or simply offering encouragement to our teammates, each act of service has the potential to change lives. Our mission is simple – to extend Christ’s love to His children in Guatemala through meaningful service.
One of the most exciting elements that I noted of this year’s mission is its astounding growth compared to last year. Team 917 has doubled in size from a dedicated 14 members to a bold 28 members. This is phenomenal. The new and returning team members bring in a broadened range of experience that can help extend our reach across
Guatemala. Throughout the morning, I was able to interact with various volunteers. I spoke with Paul, a pediatrician returning for his twelfth Faith in Practice mission, whose years of dedication are a testament to the deep impact of this work. I also met Zadie, a fourth-year undergraduate student whose deep family connections to Guatemala have inspired her passion for serving its people. Our team is even further strengthened by the addition of two talented physical therapists who will be leading a mobility clinic to significantly extend the care we can provide to patients throughout the week.
The rest of the day was spent traveling to our clinic site in San Felipe and preparing for the days ahead. There, we were able to meet the “red caps,” or local students who volunteered their time to aid the mission by checking in patients and moving the process along with fluidity. Together, we unloaded supplies, organized equipment, and transformed empty spaces into clinics that will soon welcome hundreds of patients. Though the work was physically demanding, the excitement lingering in the air never faded.
After a full day of travel and preparation, we returned to the hotel for a well-earned dinner and the opportunity to rest before the week truly begins. Conversations laced with anticipation and stories of past serving experiences flowed over the dinner table. This team of volunteers is extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the community of San Felipe.
The journey has only just begun, and we are eager to witness the ways God will work through each member of Team 917 in the days ahead.
