Day Five- Our Final day
Thursday morning began with an abrupt rush. The line outside the clinic stretched longer than on previous days, and the crowd was noticeably denser. Through the hardwood doors, faces pressed forward with anticipation, their eyes filled with hope as they waited for the day’s work to begin.
There was, however, a palpable weight in the air. Many of our providers were faced with emotionally demanding cases—stories and circumstances that left a lasting mark on both patient and caregiver. Still, amid the challenges, the clinic was alive with warmth: countless photographs captured moments of connection, hugs were freely exchanged, and smiles lit the rooms as we began the bittersweet process of wrapping up our time here.
One particularly touching story from the week involved Asher Chamberlain, a bilingual seventeen-year-old volunteer from California assigned to assist in the pharmacy. On the first day of the clinic, he met Carlitos, an energetic eleven-year-old local boy. Carlitos and his family had arrived early and waited patiently for over seven hours to be seen. During the long afternoon, Asher and Carlitos passed the time by playing soccer together, their laughter carrying across the corridor.
From that day forward, Carlitos returned daily—not for treatment, but to see his new friend. It was only later that we learned he had lost his father and had essentially father figure in his life. In Asher, he found an older role model to admire and emulate. On our final day in Quesada, Carlitos stood outside the bus, waving goodbye with an earnest smile that said far more than words could. This simple friendship was a testament to the warmth, hospitality, and openness of the Guatemalan people.
Another case that left an impression was that of a man I mentioned in yesterday’s update—the gentleman suffering from a severe leg infection. While we could not provide an immediate cure within our temporary clinic, we were able to ensure he was referred to a local medical facility capable of offering him the sustained treatment and resources he needs for recovery. This referral gave him a much better chance at healing and avoiding further complications.
As the clinic winds down, stories like these remind us that while medical missions are measured in the number of patients seen or treatments given, their true impact lies in the human connections formed and the hope sparked—often in ways that extend far beyond the walls of the clinic.
As we close the chapter on this week in Quesada, we leave with hearts that are both full and heavy. We came to provide treatment, but we leave having received something far greater: the privilege of being welcomed into a community that embraced us as friends and family.
The week reminded us that healing goes beyond medicine. It’s found in listening without hurry, in standing beside someone during their pain, and in forming connections that give hope where it is needed most. Truly, the mission is far from over, however, the relationships built and lessons learned will remain with us, continuing to shape the way we serve others—wherever we go next.
Andie Prince, Blogger
