by Jayne Mittan, Guatemala Team Leader

This article is part of our series, “Global Glimpses: Spotlight on Our International Missions.” In the coming issues of Tidings, we will highlight and give updates on each of our mission partners across the globe, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Zimbabwe. 

We had a small team this year, but that’s alright because we joined forces with the group of students from FSU and TCC Wesley Foundation.  What a joy it was to work along side these young, caring, and enthusiastic young adults.  Our travel to and from Guatemala was surprisingly uncomplicated, as all of our flights were on time.

One thing I noticed right away was that, for the first time since I’ve been going down, it was HOT in Panajachel.  Despite being just above 5,000 feet, someone did not get the memo that it’s supposed to be cool in the evenings and at night.  It was still the dry season, although the rainy season was supposed to start any day.  Never before have I prayed for rain like I did that week.  I think most of the Guatemalans were also praying and doing rain dances as they were all waiting to plant their crops and get a break from the heat.  But I digress.

We started our first work day on Monday with the construction team going to work on Feliza Juracan Solis’ house near Conception.  Feliza is a single mother with 3 children.  She suffered physical and psychological abuse by her ex-husband until she fled, with her children, to her parents’ house.  They were able to live there in a single room.  

What a pleasure it was to meet them and work side-by-side with them to help build their new home.  But, more important than the physical labor were the relationships that developed between the team and the family.  There was a lot of playing with the kids, laughing, and love that crossed the cultural and language barriers the whole week.  There may have even been a gringos versus Guatemalans soccer game that took place, although I have yet to verify the final score.  I’m not sure anyone was really keeping score.  

While the construction team was working, so was the medical team.  We traveled to 3 different Mayan villages and provided free health care, including prescriptions, to about 375 patients.  Our clinics are completely portable.  We arrive at the designated site and set up a triage station, space for our providers to see patients, and a full pharmacy.  At the end of the day, we pack up and head back to Porch de Salomon.  It is truly an honor and a privilege to be trusted by our patients with their health care.  Many of those we saw had never had health care before in their entire lives.  I love being able to spend time with each patient, hear their stories, and get to know them a little as I address their health concerns and issues.  They really seemed so appreciative that we would take the time to listen to them and help them as best we could.  I saw the face of Jesus many times during the week in adults and children alike.

By the end of the week we were all physically tired, but emotionally rejuvenated by the opportunities we had to serve. The whole experience really helped us to see the difference between needs and wants, and to appreciate everything we have in our daily lives.  We learned a lot about gratitude and happiness from people who, by our standards, have nothing.

Trinity will definitely be sending another team in the next year, so here’s your opportunity to join this amazing ministry. The only qualifications are an open heart and a willingness to serve.  God does not call on those who are equipped.  He equips those whom He calls.