Day 1: Take the risk.
These three words blinded the perspectives of many patients coming into our Faith in Practice clinics. Before coming to Guatemala, I was unaware of how much one surgery and decision can impact someone’s trajectory. Growing up, surgery seemed just like a simple procedure behind closed doors that people experienced just to become healthy.
However, I have realized that it is so much more than that. These surgeries not only bring people positive health, but they result in opportunities growing, independence increasing, and confidence expanding. Many of the patients I met during the consultations had travelled for hours just to be faced with the opportunity for surgery. Despite the risks and communication barriers, they put fear aside and looked toward the positive outcomes.
They spoke through smiles and gratitude, even though many were experiencing excruciating pain. One of the patients I met had traveled over ten hours just to be able to meet with one of our orthopedic surgeons. He hobbled into the clinic, barring all his weight on two weak crutches. We later learned he had been living like this for over two years. After speaking with him and offering him surgery, his face lit up and he was overfilled with joy as he would have a second chance of life.
He stated how he was beyond grateful that God gave him this opportunity and that he was able to take the risk. These moments are what truly highlight the purpose of Faith in Practice. I am so beyond excited to see where these surgeries take people and to be a part of their new path to healing.
Samantha and Chalotte/Blogger & Photographer
