Day 3

We are the guest, “ghostwriters” for DAY 3 of our stay in Guatemala serving the special people of Chichi at El Buen Samaritano Hospital.  Bless Heidi’s heart for the very long day of not only operating on patients but teaching all of us along the way the ins and outs of  hysterectomies as well as communicating to the local people- including patients, families, hospital staff, and the Delta representative in Guatemala City who finally got the final suitcase that was promised to us on Sunday delivered today.   We had 3 successful surgeries including 2 abdominal hysterectomies and one vaginal hysterectomy late in the day who was supposed to arrive yesterday.   She was hesitant to come due to financial reasons, but after reassurance from Heidi that the fee was negotiable her family was convinced to bring her.  We have lots of fabulous photos showing Stephanie and Carol as primary surgeons….with Heidi guiding them through the cases very patiently.   Maria and Judy gained experience scrubbing in and learning how to cut sutures and suction.   The staff of the hospital have extended their kindness to us in every way by welcoming us every morning at the front door and allowing us to sing/pray/ and worship with them before the work day begins.   The operating room staff have been patient and encouraging as our “pack of 5” fills up their room with questions, lack of quick skills/experience, and giggles- but we greatly appreciate their kind words and smiles as we all were working toward the same goal of giving the best possible care to our patients.   The small children who are patiently waiting on their family members at the hospital have brightened our days as well.  Their smiles and laughter when we give them toys /treats and as we are interacting with them brings us all much joy and fulfillment.   Our group has been working diligently everyday; however, we have found time to enjoy the local cuisine from our homecooked meals at the hospital to our evening dinners out in the town.   We have not been disappointed.  Well, maybe Carol was a bit sad when her fish arrived as a fillet and not an entire fish.  We all made up for it with the fresh tortillas at every meal and the ice cream on the way home tonight after dinner.  Spiritually, we are blessed to have God guiding us to work together, be humble, and support one another in all that we are doing.  There is no one complaining or being negative---now that is pretty rare when you get 5 women together and you are all tired and in close living /work spaces.  Truly God is with us and we thank you for continuing to pray for us.