Other patients had illnesses such as children with stomach aches from drinking too much coffee, adults with high blood pressure and some with vision problems that received eye glasses. New mothers and moms-to-be received education as well as hand sewn baby kit bags filled with t-shirt, diapers, hand knit hats and booties, a blanket, a bib and a beanie baby. The bags can be used after the baby grows for a school bag or for groceries from the market. All received parasite medication, vitamins and hygiene supplies.

One patient in particular stands out among all. She was a one-and-a-half-year-old girl with a severe case of meningitis. She was brought to the clinic by her mother with hopes for an American doctor to help. It was very difficult for the doctor to tell her there was nothing he could do. We didn't have any medicine to treat it and it was too late. He gently told her that it was time to bring her daughter home to let her die peacefully. He gave her about one day to live. Although so many cases were difficult this year, we all felt that we still made a difference to so many other here. We hold Honduras close to our hearts with hopes to help more next time, along with deeper relationships.

Great progress has been made in this area. Monte Horeb has been transformed from an older shelter for abused women and children before Hurricane Mitch to a Training Center for students of middle school age and up. This has slowly happened over the past six years. They come here to learn skills in welding, brick making/laying, construction, theology, baking/cooking, beauty school, hygiene care and sewing. There goal is to either get a job somewhere or to start their own business someday. Hopes and dreams are held high with pride. Our goal for them, whether it be through clinics or the Training Center, is to help them care for themselves medically, the importance of teaching the Honduran doctors and nurses the continuity of care and to learn the skills of a trade for income. Our various groups throughout the coming years will continue to work in this area until goals are accomplished.

It was a joy to spend some time traveling to Finca De Los Ninos Orphanage in the Valle De Angeles for a few hours and to see familiar faces from last year. We played with the children; saw some classrooms and where they slept. Taking photos together was a very special time. On a different day, we spent some time at a nearby elementary school where we visited with the children and donated school supplies.

What I take with me from this mission journey is a realization that when you step out of your comfort zone to care for others, your cup of joy runneth over and over! Little do they know how much they have given back to me. It makes one really look closer at what's really important in life. Patience is a virtue, racing through life has no meaning, be thankful for what you have and whether you are in Honduras, Kenya, Romania or the United States, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all children of God given life here on earth to care and lover one another.

In closing , I end with Ephesians 3:17, "Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him," and Ephesians 4:2-3, "Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."

Thank you Fairview Foundation for assisting me in my medical mission journey. I appreciate your generosity making it possible for me to use my hands in such an amazing opportunity and experience that will be part of me for the rest of my life.