Tuesday, August 13th, 2024
As the sun rose this morning, the Joy Brigade began their day with a heartwarming devotional led by Louisa. In a touching gesture, Louisa distributed "Pocket Quilts" to each team member, each one containing a small cross sewn inside. The quilts, available in both English and Spanish, were a symbol of comfort and hope, encouraging us to keep one for ourselves and pass the other on to someone in need.
Our journey today took us to Santa Fe Abajo, an area rich in history and culture, inhabited by many descendants of the Lenca tribe. The day's experiences were a profound reminder of the impact of kindness and compassion in the lives we touch.
Cate had a moving encounter with a little boy who has a cleft palate. As someone studying speech therapy, she was fascinated to hear him speak and delighted in playing soccer with him and other children, seeing firsthand the joy that simple activities can bring.
Alex also connected deeply with the boy and admired how his friends supported him in communication. Another highlight was meeting Cristian, a young soccer player who may well become a future star.
Yolanda was diligent in identifying cases of undiagnosed hypertension, emphasizing the critical nature of our work in addressing health concerns that often go unnoticed.
Louisa found joy in working with weights and measures while spending time with the children, her interactions reflecting the spirit of service that defines our mission.
John had a poignant moment when he gave a cross to a 10-year-old girl, whose heartfelt reaction was a testament to the small but significant differences we can make. The girl's struggle with an infected molar was challenging, but the experience underscored the importance of our support.
Teresa met an 81-year-old widow dealing with knee and back pain. She provided a rosary packet and was moved by the lady's resilience, reflecting on the strength it takes to endure such pain at her age.
Marc was impressed by the skill and effectiveness of the dentists he worked alongside. His experience as an assistant allowed him to appreciate the high level of care being provided.
Shirley cherished the interactions between Cate and Katie with the boy with the cleft palate, particularly as he is scheduled for surgery soon. She was inspired by the compassionate support the team provided.
Robyn met several grateful community members who expressed their appreciation for the Joy Brigade and the Friends of Barnabas Foundation. Their heartfelt thanks reinforced the value of our mission.
Reeves made a significant impact by creating his first pair of glasses and referring a child with retinoblastoma for further care. Spending time with Fernando and Giovanni was a highlight of his day.
Billy was deeply moved by the children's affection, giving away two pocket quilts to young girls. The day’s most touching moment for him was receiving a heartfelt hug from an older lady, a gesture that nearly brought him to tears.
April discovered a newfound passion for taking blood pressure measurements, feeling a sense of accomplishment and purpose in her role.
Katie enjoyed both playing with the kids and working in the clinic, appreciating the opportunity to learn new skills from her team members.
Lindsay had a meaningful experience meeting a young man with Down syndrome and his mother. She prayed over them and exchanged pocket quilts, sharing love and encouragement.
As the day came to a close, Shirley led us in a devotional that drew inspiration from a story about resilience and adaptability. In the tale, a mother uses boiling water to demonstrate how carrots soften, eggs harden, and coffee beans transform the water into coffee. The moral of the story is clear: In challenging circumstances, we can choose how we respond—by changing our environment like the coffee beans or becoming hardened like the eggs. The message was a powerful reminder to remain resilient and adaptable.
As we prepare for another day of service, we carry with us the lessons of today and the spirit of giving that defines our journey.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. Thank you for your support and prayers!
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