Day four of this journey began, as many have, with a devotional from Dr. Bucky Farrow. He reminded us that God knows us, loves us, and is not willing to leave us unchanged. The challenges we face are not without purpose, they allow us to grow and deepen our understanding of His love.
As he said, “We are not good because that is how God made us. God will make us good because He loves us.”
Later that morning I saw the visual proof of the impact that Faith in Practice has on the people of Guatemala.
Alongside Grant, our photographer, and Kevin, our translator, I visited Casa de Fe, a program that provides free housing, meals, and comfort for patients receiving surgery through Faith in Practice. We went with the intention of listening, of sitting with patients and gaining a deeper understanding of the emotions that come with such life-changing care.
In every conversation, one phrase was repeated:
“Estamos muy agradecidos.” We are so grateful.
Gratitude filled every space. While the beds and food Casa de Fe provides is essential, what truly defines it is the sense of community within its walls. Strangers become family, and fear is softened by connection.
One woman, Lydia Evelynn, shared, “It’s a blessing. I’ve learned so much about love, fraternity, and the union of our people.”
In a time to be scared, to be nervous, to shut the world out, they filled the room with laughter and stories of where they were from and the families some left behind, sometimes for up to twelve days, in order to receive these surgeries. There was strength in their vulnerability.
Another patient, Lillian Madrid, beautifully expressed the mission of Faith in Practice. Referencing James 2:26, she said, “Faith without works is dead.” Her words served as a reminder that you cannot just wait for faith, it calls for action, for time, and for a willingness to serve others. Here, that faith becomes something tangible.
After visiting Casa de Fe, we returned to the PACU and hospital wards. Patients spoke with optimism about their recovery, regaining strength and reconnecting with loved ones. There was a shared sense of hope present in every room.
Finishing the day by watching some unique procedures involving the removal of kidney stones, a lipoma, a Gartner’s duct cyst, and a uterus all in four rooms right by each other. Each procedure carried a deeper meaning: a chance at healing, at relief, at a better life.
True community lies at the heart of this program. It brings together people from different regions of Guatemala and neighboring countries, volunteers from around the world, and families who are separated and then reunited through care.
Healing isn’t just found in the operating room, it is also found in the love that surrounds it.
Tori Schenkelberg, Team blogger – Farrow 896
