Day 3 – Wheels, Words, and a Celebration of Service
Faith in Practice –Robinson Medical Clinic 860 | May 13, 2025
We began this morning the way every great day should begin: in gratitude and celebration. At breakfast, our team gathered not only to fuel up for another full clinic day but also to honor someone who embodies the heart and spirit of Faith in Practice—our team leader, Wendy Robinson.
Today is Wendy’s birthday, and as we sang and celebrated her this morning, the gratitude in the room was palpable. Wendy has been leading trips like this one for years for Faith in Practice, dedicating countless hours behind the scenes organizing every detail, from team logistics to making sure each volunteer feels ready and supported, and all while also working to oversee the flow of the clinic and checking in patients every day of this week at Triage. Her leadership is marked by humility, grace, and unwavering dedication. Today wasn’t just a birthday—it was a moment to recognize the woman who made this trip possible and who inspires us to serve with purpose and heart. Happy Birthday, Wendy!
After breakfast, we made our way back to the clinic in Aguacate, arriving around 8:00 AM to find another line of patients already forming outside the gate. The morning started a bit slower than yesterday, but by late morning, the flow had picked up, and long lines were formed outside general medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, IVAA, and mobility. The team got right to work, each station buzzing with care, compassion, and a steady sense of urgency.
I spent the first part of my morning with Dr. Marie and her translator Javi at the mobility station. Here, I witnessed just how life-changing a simple assistive device can be. In this region of Guatemala, access to wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches is rare; many patients are carried on the backs of their family members or rely on makeshift supports. Watching people receive a properly fitted wheelchair or walker, sometimes for the first time in their lives, was a powerful reminder that dignity and mobility go hand in hand. The smiles that spread across their faces were full of relief, pride, and possibility.
Elsewhere in the clinic, the education station was busy fielding patient after patient with newly discovered or undiagnosed diabetes. Many of these individuals had never received proper information about their condition, and our education team worked tirelessly to teach them how to monitor their diet, understand their medications, and take steps to protect their health going forward. These conversations were just as critical as any prescription, and a great reminder that healing starts with knowledge.
One of the most touching moments of the day came in the pediatrics room, where Dr. Ana, our pediatric cardiologist, met two young brothers with physical disabilities. After thorough assessments, one received a walker and the other a wheelchair. Watching the brother with the walker light up with joy, laughing, walking faster than ever before, and even playfully chasing Ana around the room with a ball, was unforgettable. His joy was infectious, and the room felt transformed by his laughter and excitement.
Our other specialists were equally hard at work across every corner of the clinic. The gynecology team provided critical care to women, many of whom have never had access to preventative exams or much reproductive health education. One patient today, a 15-year-old girl, came in reporting that she felt like “her uterus was falling out.” Dr. Mindy quickly recognized this as a case of uterine prolapse, which is a rare and often misunderstood condition where the uterus descends into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. With care and compassion, Mindy and the education team explained the nature of the condition and educated her on pelvic floor exercises, “Kegels”, that can help manage her symptoms. Mindy and the education team also discussed her longer-term options, including surgery, which may be needed after she has children. This encounter was a powerful reminder of how critical access to education and early diagnosis can be, especially for young girls navigating unfamiliar symptoms without guidance.
In general medicine, our providers saw a wide range of both chronic and acute health concerns, from respiratory infections and gastrointestinal issues to hypertension and diabetes. The lines were steady all day as patients sought answers, relief, and reassurance that our doctors provided. At orthopedics, David and his team stayed busy evaluating everything from joint deterioration to untreated injuries, doing their best to relieve pain and restore function. Around the corner in the ultrasound room, I observed Andrew, our radiologist, working with calm precision. He moved through patients methodically, identifying hernias, cysts, gallstones, fibroids, and other internal abnormalities, or, in some cases, providing the immense relief of confirming that everything appeared normal. His ability to offer both diagnosis and peace of mind in real time was remarkable.
Meanwhile, the pharmacy team was an essential hub of the clinic’s operation, working nonstop to fill prescriptions for nearly every patient who passed through. They carefully explained medication instructions, ensured accurate dosing, and answered questions. Their work not only equipped patients with tangible treatment but also empowered them to take the next step in their healing journey. They also worked to distribute reading glasses and vision aids to patients with vision challenges. For many, even a simple pair of glasses meant the difference between struggling and seeing clearly, for reading, for work, for living fully. It was a joy to see people slipping them on and watching their faces light up with clarity and excitement.
Every station was a testament to the power of teamwork and shared purpose. Each provider, translator, and volunteer played a part in delivering whole-person care, addressing both the visible and invisible needs of those we’re here to serve.
We wrapped up the clinic around 5:30 PM, but the day wasn’t over yet. Back at the school, we surprised Wendy with a birthday dance party, complete with music, dancing, and laughter shared between our team and the local Red Hat Faith in Practice volunteers. It was a beautiful, joy-filled close to a long, meaningful day.
Later that evening, back at our hotel in Jalapa, we gathered again for our devotional, led by David. He opened and led with scripture, but the heart of his message came from a story. Yesterday, David had worked alongside Javi, and he joked that while he—the doctor—was giving diagnoses and doing the medical work, it was Javi who received the hugs. The patients were drawn to the voice they could understand, and to the warmth of connection in their own language. David reflected on what this taught him: that success isn’t always about performing or doing, it’s often about being. About showing up with authenticity, stepping back, and letting relationships take center stage. His message was a reminder that true impact comes from human connection, and that’s what this mission is all about.
We closed the evening with dinner and, of course, cake for Wendy’s birthday! We sang once more and ended the night in laughter, full hearts, and a deep sense of team spirit.
Day by day, our rhythm grows stronger. The days are long, but the meaning runs deeper. Tomorrow, we return—ready to give more, love more, and see more.
Miya Macnew, Team Blogger
