Our mission team returned from Honduras at the end of October. Of the eleven travelers, six were first-time participants. Two of those newbies have written a reflection about their experiences, impressions, etc. Igor is from Latvia but has lived in Asheville for over twenty years. Amy is an ob/gyn who practices here in Asheville.
MEDICAL TEAM: Over 100 women came to the clinic at the local hospital on Saturday and Sunday to be seen by the medical teams. Of the 100+ women seen, 30 were operated on between Monday and Thursday. Some surgeries were straightforward, some were extremely difficult and complex. One woman was turned down for surgery multiple times by Honduran surgeons. Thankfully, she had a good outcome! Another surgery was atypical for us. An adorable 22-month old little girl, Selenia, had an abnormal growth on the side of her chest. The surgery went well and la niña (little girl) recovered well. We don't yet know the results of the biopsy. Please join us in praying for Selenia. Our CRNA, Martha, harbored plans to take Selenia home in her suitcase if necessary!
In addition to the moments of joy and thanksgiving, the sad truth is that not all the stories have a happy ending. Some women came to us hoping that the "Americans" could help. But sometimes, we have no help or solutions to offer. Those moments are heart-wrenching. I realize none of you know the patients that were seen, but please pray for them as God leads you, especially those whose only hope is in God. Thank you for praying for our medical team this trip.
THE HOGAR: We spent as much time as possible with the children. We enjoyed our traditional pancake breakfast with them on Sunday morning and our pizza party with them on our last night there. Some of us also took them to the local water park where they love to swim. Because a number of folks sent items for the kiddos, every child enjoyed their Christmas in October gifts. Valeska (raised at the Hogar) has found a better place to rent--hooray! It's not a lot bigger, but it's in a safer locale and she's pretty sure the roof doesn't leak.
THE UKRAINIANS: Another "first" for us was the addition of two Ukrainian pastors who traveled with us (Eugene and Vitali). Neither speaks Spanish, of course, but still they spoke in a number of places through an interpreter, or sometimes two interpreters, including at a local radio station! They had an important message to share about the battles we all face as we travel life's journey. They impacted nearly everyone who heard them or spent time with them.
MARBELLA: She has successfully completed her course work and her practice/internship at the local hospital where our teams operate. She is now looking into the next step that will probably include a job as well as continuing her educational requirements. Her graduation ceremony will be in March. If at all possible, some of us will try to combine her graduation ceremony with our spring trip.
Speaking of the spring trip, the dates are not finalized yet, but it will likely be March 1-8, 2024. Let me know if you are interested in joining us.
Thank you once again for your love and support of this mission to Honduras. We couldn't do it without you!
With gratitude,
Owen
