Day 5
Thursday was our final day at the clinic and sadly, my last day of blogging this week. After our habitual morning devotional – which was, once again, beautiful – we hopped on the bus to our clinic.
A beautiful young girl named Rosita came into the clinic early morning. At just 15 years old, Rosita lives with cerebral palsy and faces challenges that many of us could never fully understand. What made our meeting even more special was the fact that we had met Rosita before, at the hotel where we were staying that morning, nearly 20 miles away from the clinic. It felt like one of those small and unexpected moments that reminds you that sometimes people cross our paths for a reason.
Rosita arrived with an old, worn-out wheelchair that was much too small for her. Her wheelchair was not only uncomfortable, but it also limited her ability to participate in one of the things she loves most: playing bocce ball. Bocce is a sport that can be adapted for wheelchair users and requires precision, strategy, and skill. For Rosita, it is more than just a game – it is an opportunity to compete, connect with others, and be an athlete.
One of our leaders invited Rosita to come to the clinic so that we could provide her with a brand-new wheelchair, completely free of charge. She arrived accompanied by her mother and two of her coaches, all of whom were visibly excited about what this new chair would mean for her.
The moment Rosita was carefully placed into her new wheelchair, her face lit up with the most beautiful smile. Her coaches explained to me that this wheelchair would make a difference far beyond her everyday life. It would give Rosita greater comfort by giving her more space in her wheelchair, while also allowing her more mobility as an athlete. Watching her smile as she settled into her new chair was a smile I will never forget.
Back inside the clinic, the atmosphere was filled with the sounds of laughter and friendship. Brynna, Lyndsey C’s daughter, was playing soccer with a handful of children. The kids chased the ball around the clinic, laughing and enjoying one another’s company while the adults nearby watched, smiled, and captured the moment on their phones. In the middle of a busy medical clinic, there was suddenly this little pocket of pure childhood joy.
As the clinic began to wrap up, I watched our team mingle with volunteers, patients, and families who had become so familiar to us throughout the week. There was a sense that none of us were quite ready for it to end. Over the course of just a few days, we had shared conversations, laughter, hard work, and countless moments with people we had only just met. I was even gifted a beautiful portrait drawn by my talented friend Kathy—a small but incredibly meaningful reminder of the people and moments I will carry with me long after leaving Guatemala.
For our final dinner together, we dressed up and rode a train to a private dining experience. After several long and busy days at the clinic, it was wonderful to sit together, enjoy an incredible buffet, and simply talk. We reminisced about the week, shared our favorite memories, and reflected on everything we had been fortunate enough to experience.
We also heard some incredible statistics from our time at the clinic: in just four days, our team was able to serve 836 patients.
Eight hundred and thirty-six people.
Behind that number are 836 individual stories – families who traveled to see us, children who smiled and played, and people who trusted us enough to let us be a small part of their lives. While the number itself is incredible, I think what matters most is remembering that every single patient was a person with their own story and seeing how much impact a team can make.
As our week in Guatemala ended, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful. Grateful for our incredible team and the work our leaders had put into ensuring we had the best experience. Grateful for the volunteers who worked alongside us. Grateful for the families who welcomed us, and especially for brave individuals like Veronica, Alvin, and Rosita who shared their stories to remind us why this work matters.
What started as a week of service became so much more than that. It became a week of connection that I know I will carry with me for years to come.
What an amazing team – and what an unforgettable week. Until next year, Team Sawyer!
