September 24, 2024
September 24, 2024
Tuesday morning, September 24, began with the realization we had lost our beloved teammate Carol Brittsan. She had passed peacefully in her sleep, safe in her bed resting after such a wonderful day serving the Roatán community. Heavy hearts spread rampant as we learned the news.
After a circle of prayer honoring Carol and sharing in hugs and tears, we knew she would have wanted us to continue the good work we set here to do. There were already 150 patients waiting for us at the school that needed our help. Wiping away our tears we headed to the school ready to take on the day in her remembrance. It poured down rain on us as we sifted through patients, as if the universe was shedding tears with us. But oh how Carol lived on. Countless patients were able to be helped because of the supplies only she brought. We thought of her with every wound we treated and knew she was smiling down on us—these patients had no idea they were being treated by an angel.
We saw a couple hundred people, some even traveling by boat to get to us. The Honduran people have proven to be warm and kind, passionate and resilient, and so grateful to be seen and heard. We were able to use donations to obtain more medications for those that had none. Some were able to receive their first pair of glasses and lit up knowing they are now able to read their bible, which they so desperately wanted. The children ran around playing with their tennis balls and soccer balls, all so graciously given by our friends and family. We saw a smattering of diseases, from hypertension and diabetes, joint aches and pains, parasites and dengue fever, and lots of pregnancies and babies. Although we’ve all gotten plenty of Spanish practice in, we couldn’t provide the best care if it weren’t for our wonderful and hardworking interpreters. They volunteer their time and work tirelessly—we have gained true friends in them. It was our last day at the school and in this neighborhood for clinic—tomorrow we will move to a clinic across the island.
Upon arriving back to the hotel we found that the hotel staff had put together a memorial for our sweet Carol. We were all brought to tears and spent the night sharing in stories and prayer. Carol came into this world doing mission work and she lay to rest doing the same. She was beloved by our team, her family, her friends, and her patients. She will be sorely missed but we feel blessed to have had our lives touched by her presence. Though the thought of carrying on without her is heart breaking, we know she lives on as our angel. Thank you, Carol, for all that you are.
After a circle of prayer honoring Carol and sharing in hugs and tears, we knew she would have wanted us to continue the good work we set here to do. There were already 150 patients waiting for us at the school that needed our help. Wiping away our tears we headed to the school ready to take on the day in her remembrance. It poured down rain on us as we sifted through patients, as if the universe was shedding tears with us. But oh how Carol lived on. Countless patients were able to be helped because of the supplies only she brought. We thought of her with every wound we treated and knew she was smiling down on us—these patients had no idea they were being treated by an angel.
We saw a couple hundred people, some even traveling by boat to get to us. The Honduran people have proven to be warm and kind, passionate and resilient, and so grateful to be seen and heard. We were able to use donations to obtain more medications for those that had none. Some were able to receive their first pair of glasses and lit up knowing they are now able to read their bible, which they so desperately wanted. The children ran around playing with their tennis balls and soccer balls, all so graciously given by our friends and family. We saw a smattering of diseases, from hypertension and diabetes, joint aches and pains, parasites and dengue fever, and lots of pregnancies and babies. Although we’ve all gotten plenty of Spanish practice in, we couldn’t provide the best care if it weren’t for our wonderful and hardworking interpreters. They volunteer their time and work tirelessly—we have gained true friends in them. It was our last day at the school and in this neighborhood for clinic—tomorrow we will move to a clinic across the island.
Upon arriving back to the hotel we found that the hotel staff had put together a memorial for our sweet Carol. We were all brought to tears and spent the night sharing in stories and prayer. Carol came into this world doing mission work and she lay to rest doing the same. She was beloved by our team, her family, her friends, and her patients. She will be sorely missed but we feel blessed to have had our lives touched by her presence. Though the thought of carrying on without her is heart breaking, we know she lives on as our angel. Thank you, Carol, for all that you are.