As a support person, I have been fortunate to witness each delegation individual in action throughout the week. I can’t imagine being on this journey with any other group of individuals. It warms my heart knowing that each of the medical delegation members have given up their time, family, and job to be here to help the much-needed individuals and communities. Some have experienced a trip or a medical trip to El Salvador in the past. For others, it is their first trip to El Salvador.
Our days are long. It is hot and humid. There is no air conditioning, fans, or even windows at times. Yet, everyone is here to share their talents, knowledge, and skills with our brothers and sisters. The individuals we see can share their stories of struggle, stress, and concerns. Some of these individuals have never known what it is like to be touched by a doctor – a touch on the face as someone looks at their nose/mouth or a touch on the shoulder as someone listens to them breathe. Through the delegations’ actions, words, and follow through the individuals in each community that we visited know that someone cares about them and their health. Ultimately, they know that they matter to someone. During one of our closing meetings, Wilfredo (San Isidro community member) said, “We are the ones that are thankful for all of you. I noticed that every person leaving the clinic was happy and smiling because you treated them very well. You being here and helping us, is not something that we can pay you back.” What Wilfredo forgets is the hugs, kisses, smiles, and mucho gracias (much thanks) that we receive from each of the individuals we saw. There are so many thank yous to share: Thank you to the Pastoral team who made this trip possible. Specifically, for the pre-planning, organizing, delicious meals, words of wisdom, and for traveling to each community each day! Thank you to our temporary mission co-worker for being our boots on the ground, keeping us focused on the work at hand, and for motivating us throughout the trip! Thank you to Our Sister Parish and the Presbyterian churches who financially supported the delegation. Without your donations, the medical delegation would not have had any medications to dispense to the patients! Thank you to our translators – without them we (literally) would not have been able to do our work or help the community members! Thank you to our drivers. They ensured no matter the weather, type of road, or time of day - that we arrived and returned safely! Thank you to our families and friends for your love and support as we ventured off on this incredible journey! Thank you to the medical delegation for traveling to El Salvador, providing care to those who need it most, and for showing your love to our brothers and sisters! Thank you to our readers! We apologize that we were not able to give you timely updates each and every day. We hope that our sights and stories have given you a chance to learn more about our brothers and sisters in El Salvador, our work, and why we chose to travel so far to help those in need. God bless! Kaela Phillips
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AuthorThese are our stories and the stories of our brothers and sisters whom we serve in the cantons of Berlin, El Salvador. Archives
November 2019
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