It took us two days to travel from Minneapolis to Tetjutla. We performed 131 surgical procedures, including 15 cleft lip and palate repairs during the next five days. As with every mission, we had our highs and our lows, but through it all, we grew in faith and in compassion for our team members and especially for our patients and the people of Guatemala.

One such patients was a young boy named Orson. He was a beautiful child approximately 6 years old. I will never forget his eyes. They were gif and grown and reflect the knowledge only pain can teach. Orson's eyes looked directly at me through the scars of a severely burned and disfigured face. HE and his mother sat outside our surgery waiting area for two full days., the temperature rising to 85 during the day and falling to 40 during the night. Members of our group were snapping photos of all the adorable children. I did not see anyone take Orson's picture. When he was finally admitted for surgery to release the burn contracture that did not allow him to fully straighten his arm, I asked his mother if I could take his photos. His mother allowed me to photograph Orson, but I could not get him to smile for the camera. When I had taken the picture, I showed him his image on the screen, he then smiled broadly at me, only to quickly cover his crooked face with his hand.

Orson and all the people like him are my motivation to participate on a mission trip. It is not what I can give or bring to them, but what I receive from them It is an experience that is difficult to put into words or photos.

Thank you to the Fairview Foundation for the monetary support that enables me to continue this mission work.