Sunday was all about learning, unpacking, organizing, and getting ready for clinic. We rolled up our sleeves and worked as a well oiled machine. 

And thanks to YOU, our incredible supporters, we have a lot to work with!

💊 $16,000 in pharmaceuticals were purchased for this mission.

Which means…

📦 Count.

📦 Sort.

📦 Pack.

📦 Count again.

📦 Pack some more. 😂

Every medication was carefully organized and prepared for the patients we’ll be serving.

But preparation wasn’t just about medications.

We spent the day learning about the culture, the community, the needs, and the logistics of setting up and running a medical clinic in Utila.

We learned that the people of Utila have been without Metformin, A medication needed to help manage Type 2 Diabetes. We have brought over 3000 tablets to share! 

In the afternoon we had a chance to take a golf cart ride to the clinic to set up our stations for the week. The total absence of cars is replaced by an abundance of scooters and motorcycles that whizz by at high speeds without warning. ⚠️ 

We arrived to clinic with lots of women & children ready to be seen. Among the various encounters, we treated abscesses, repaired lacerations, managed chronic illnesses, and cared for orthopedic injuries. 

A woman arrived to our clinic today in need of a laceration repair after being attacked by her husband that very morning. Moments like that are a sobering reminder that medicine is about far more than diagnoses and procedures. Sometimes it means simply showing up, listening, and offering care when someone is hurting in ways that go far beyond the physical.

🤍 Our OBGYN & ultrasound techs had the special opportunity to scan many first-time moms who got to see their babies for the very first time! 🥹🤍

The quality of care being provided here is exceptional.

The people of Utila have been incredibly gracious, kind, and patient. There is a beautiful humility in the way they wait, receive care, and welcome us into their community. We are continually reminded that we may be here to serve, but we are also here to learn.

And because every clinic day apparently needs a little adventure…

Allison managed to get herself locked inside one of the clinic rooms. Thankfully, Luke came running to the rescue. Every good medical mission needs a hero. 😂

Meanwhile, Dorian discovered that his professional experience as an educator served the people in other ways. He spent time teaching the clinic staff how to make repairs they hadn’t previously known how to do.

And then there are our servant volunteers.

They have worked endlessly in the hot, humid air—caring for the people waiting to be seen while somehow also managing a dozen other responsibilities. They have translated, transported, supplied, organized, encouraged, cleaned, problem-solved, and cared for patients and one another. 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23 🤍