From: Jeremy - Today was our second day here in La Union and the presence of compassion was even more present than yesterday. The smiles, the laughs, the appreciation from every infant, child, and adult that we intervened with was so evident, the feeling was overwhelming. The emotions that were demonstrated this evening as we read the posts to our blog showed us how much our family and friends are with us through this enlightening experience. Thank you to all for your support and prayers! Much Love!

From: Heather – Yes! We got some sleep last night. I think that all of us were showered (yes, no hot water) and asleep by 9pm. The day was sunny and 80 degrees. The children were delighted to see us and we were just as excited. There were many belly laughs today from cute little kiddos. We treated more children than adults. Dr. Ernie lets us nurses do some evaluating and diagnosing on our own….that was fun! I was filled with so much emotion today. I miss my beautiful children and husband, but I know you all are doing well and sending prayers. I love you Mom! I look forward to tomorrow (not necessarily being up at 4am) when we travel to Antigua for a day of exploration. Keep posting…WE LOVE READING THEM! (ps. Thanks Terry for your kind words) Adios!

From: Brigitte-This trip has been amazing so far, and it’s only day 3. The clinic days have been amazing, but even more amazing are the children we have been able to treat. This trip has taught me so much about what it takes to find joy when you have so little. These children found joy in the simplest things, like drawings of mariposas and pollo that we created for them. I wish that everyone could see their faces and their smiles, and to quote Heather, their “belly laughs”. I want to thank you all for following our journey, and to keep us and the people we are so privileged to be able to help in your thoughts and prayers. I love you all! Ps. As I was typing this the team thought it would be funny to point out a very large cricket that hopped onto the table next to me. As those of you that know me know screeching ensued, at least it wasn’t a cucaracha!

From Ernie: OK, it’s the 3rd world no doubt. Road travel is insane. I won’t talk about the bathrooms. But, last 2 evenings we are in the company of Amparo and Sr Ronnie and their great restaurant / home and loving every second of it ! Over 180 kids in the last 2 days and like last year it’s scabies, parasites, and a whole assortment of infections. But it’s worth every minute when the parent gives you a thank-you hug as your probably the only medical professional they have seen in their village in well, ….since last time we were here. Working with an amazing group from FIL and CHW !!!!! Talk back to us on the FIL blog, we really appreciate it ! Talk to y’all soon.

From Joyce: what a great trip so far. It was 80 degrees today The old men in the town said that this is their summer weather and very unusual for this time of year. The children are awesome—we have seen so many and wish that we could do more. When I am back at work in CHW’s ER, I will never have to ask the MD if the rash I am looking at is scabies or something else—so many kids here have them. Watching the kids get their scabies wash was a stitch—many of them cried but they will be better off without the constant itching. Dr Ernie and I –ER co-workers back home—triaged and treated 80 children in 2 ½ hours this am—wish we could do that in the USA. Learning more Spanish will help me with my work at home too. I have made new friends and want to come here again.

From Patsy: Hello all!! This trip is more than I ever could have imagined!! What a wonderful group of people to work with and learn from!! The people of this area are amazing! They welcome us with open arms and are so thankful for the small amount of care that we are able to give them. I am overwhelmed with the beautiful children and loving parents and grandparents…and also the beautiful mountains! This experience is amazing and I am thankful that all of you are interested and following this blog! Thank you!! Dios Los Bendigas (God’s Blessings!) …I am trying soooo hard to learn Spanish!!


From Sonia: Hi all I am having a great time it is so serene here. Traveling is very different, small roads and way TOO big trucks. Guatemala has been a great place, it is so beautiful. The people are very kind. It has been a great experience. Yes it is very sad, but once you see the happiness and appreciation you get from the children, I know why I was called here to complete this task. This trip so far has been worth it! I do have to say the weather has been picture perfect. Thanks to all of the bloggers. We enjoy reading each one every day!!! Buenos Noches!

From Karla: Hola all! These past two days have been some of the most ridiculous and fantastic experiences I’ve had in my entire life. From nearly falling off the side of massive cliffs in buses, to devouring delicious Guatemalan dishes, to treating adults and children in tiny mountainside villages; this trip has been amazing thus far. We finished up in La Union today and tomorrow will begin another adventure in Antigua (5AM! YIKES.). My Spanish is still terrible, but I’m catching on better than I thought I would. This place is truly incredible as are the people. I miss you all back home, thanks for the support and can’t wait to fill you in on the many stories and pictures..(300+so far, heh.) Love love! Buenos Noches!