August 12,2024
Today was nothing short of extraordinary for the Joy Brigade as we continued our mission with the Friends of Barnabas Foundation. Our journey was marked by powerful moments, heartfelt connections, and a reminder of the profound impact of faith and service.
A Devotional That Struck a Chord
Our day began with a moving devotional led by Billy. He shared a story that perfectly set the tone for the day’s work. Billy recounted a farmer’s prayer that always ended with, “Prop us up on our leaning side.” The farmer had a pole barn that began to lean dangerously, but with a few pine poles, it was propped up and secured, even though it still leaned. Billy connected this to Isaiah 41:10, reminding us that while we might still lean or struggle, God’s support keeps us from falling. It was a beautiful metaphor for our work and the challenges we face.
Adapting and Overcoming
Our plans hit a small snag when the first village we intended to visit was busy with coffee harvesting. Not one to be deterred, we swiftly pivoted to another community called Los Hules. The community had installed AC units and fans yesterday, which was a welcome relief in the heat.
The community leader welcomed us with gratitude, noting, “God sent us here because there are so many who are sick.” Their health center was lacking in essential medicines, making our presence all the more significant.
A Journey Through Time
Louisa had a deeply personal moment when she realized that the dirt road we traveled was familiar. It was the same road she had traveled in 2018 when Los Hules was last visited before graduating from the program. She found photos of a child she had seen as a one-month-old, now six years old, and it was heartwarming to reconnect with the community and see how they had grown. Louisa’s was relieved when she was able to participate in the physical therapy, using a TENS unit, and getting a massage from the Physical Therapist.
Eye-Opening Experiences
Katie had a series of enlightening experiences. She conducted a urine test and discovered a woman’s blood sugar level was dangerously high at 433. Guiding her through the diagnosis and care process was profoundly rewarding, knowing this intervention could transform her life.
Cate delighted in distributing vitamins and deworming medications to children, and her joy was evident as she painted their nails and saw their happiness. She also dealt with some challenging extractions but found the experience rewarding.
Compassion in Action
Teresa faced the heart-wrenching task of caring for very sick children. One little boy had severe nasal and ear issues and a high fever, which was difficult to witness. Another touching moment was seeing a three-month-old boy with his loving six-year-old sister, who was attentive and caring despite their circumstances.
April enjoyed the lighter moments, like watching kids play and making their mothers laugh. She appreciated working alongside Besta, who handled challenging situations with professionalism and compassion.
Dental and Medical Insights
John found the dental work vastly different from previous visits. He admired how Billy communicated with the children, using gestures that calmed them. The friendly demeanor of the dentists made a significant impact.
Marc found joy in watching Billy interact with the children and mentioned a less pleasant task—dealing with a "blood and guts" bucket, which he humorously described as a “10/10 do not recommend.”
Teamwork and Personal Growth
Robyn celebrated the team’s collaborative spirit. Diagnosing and treating a lady with diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as a man with a 20-year rash, showcased the depth of our collective expertise and compassion.
Yolanda’s expectations were surpassed by the routine wellness checks, and she felt grateful for the smooth day despite initial concerns.
Reeves, working in optometry, had a positive experience getting acquainted with the equipment. He successfully helped with cases like lazy eye and calcium deposits, feeling positive about the educational aspects and connections made with the team.
Shirley was deeply moved by her interpreter, Jose, who was her first interpreter and helped diagnose a woman with diabetes. The story reinforced her belief that our work is guided by a higher purpose.
Alex found joy in playing with the kids and communicating in Spanish, which allowed her to connect more deeply with the families. She formed a special bond with a new friend, Savannah, and enjoyed learning about the community’s culture.
A Devotional That Resonated
Yolanda’s devotional was a poignant end to our day. She shared the story of Dr. A, who, despite an unexpected detour and an emergency landing, found himself at a house where a mother was praying for her child with a rare form of cancer. Dr. A was exactly the specialist needed, and this serendipitous encounter underscored the message that while we may have our plans, God’s plans are always greater.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up today’s reflections, we look forward to our visit tomorrow. Each day on this mission reaffirms our purpose and reminds us of the incredible difference we can make together.
Stay tuned for more updates as our journey continues!
With gratitude and hope,
The Joy Brigade
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