Canada de Balin

Friday, April 11, 2025

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the

Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17

Our final clinic day brought a smaller village, allowing us to wrap up a bit earlier in the day.  Despite the shorter day, we enjoyed caring for and connecting with a new group of patients.  The children were again a favorite part of the day - they spent the majority of the day running around the clinic, helping out where they could and discreetly trying to stick as many stickers as possible on as many volunteers as possible.  

Many crosses were given out on this final day, mostly to children who touched us in one way or another.  Several were given to children who ran over unprompted to give out hugs, while another went to a child with a cleft palate.  My last cross went to a woman facing an upcoming medical appointment for a breast lump, as a reminder of God’s presence as she faced a possibly difficult medical journey.  

After we wrapped up for the day, we enjoyed a final dinner out together, followed by a time of reflection.  We took communion together and reflected on our week, focusing especially on God’s gifts to us.  This week, we have enjoyed the blessings of unexpectedly cool and pleasant weather, safe travel on often hazardous roads, and productive clinic days.  We have especially enjoyed the gifts of friendship and community with each other and the Hondurans we have worked alongside.  Above all, we have enjoyed the gift of connection that we shared with those we met in the communities, the joy of spending time with the children, and privilege of being His Hands in caring for the patients we came to serve.

-Dr. Gabbi Beck