Time is moving at a fast clip here. We are in our second day of busy surgeries, at our second of four villages, and working hard on the house to get it ready for a Tuesday dedication.

Teams gather in morning to find the right van to get to their site.

Teams gather in morning to find the right van to get to their site.

The Village Team of 29 traveled to Carmelita on Saturday. It was like a homecoming for those who have been on previous trips. They were surprised to see so many familiar smiles. One Mom said, “I always wait for your team, because it was your group that saved my child with an ear operation years ago.” That sort of loyalty is humbling but not uncommon after years of making friends and helping them with their medical needs along the way. Today the village team is in August Pine Ridge. With eight people seeing patients as doctors and eight more as nurses, the capacity to see larger numbers and the ability to not have to rush through people, has been a huge encouragement this year.

The construction team had the room mostly done and was working on the siding by mid morning Sunday.

Scott in front of house Saturday morning

Scott in front of house Saturday morning

They really enjoyed the family being home from school to interact with the last two days. IMAG1414 The kids are so excited to see their new home coming to reality and are wanting to help in any way, getting nails or aiding the guys. We have a really competent team of construction team guys this year, so the work is going quicker than ever. The team is hoping to help dig and lay block for the footer of a chapel on the grounds of the hospital in Corozal. This will be a fifteen feet wide, 20 feet long, small place to reflect and connect with God in times of stress for patients or their families.

Three men and three hammers, Don, Steve and Dustin.

Three men and three hammers, Don, Steve and Dustin.

The surgery team has the most packed schedule in years. They have a wonderful facility and lots of help from the local surgery team.

Tammy is now in surgery helping as a CRNA but just two days ago, the schedule was just a hand written list on the floor

Tammy is now in surgery helping as a CRNA but just two days ago, the schedule was just a hand written list on the floor

In the morning, some of us are getting up and running or biking. In the evening there is a time for sharing during dinner of a short summary of each team, but we also are breaking into five groups across various teams to share moments that impacted and touched us in a powerful way. There is a lot to process with so many experiences here in a different setting and culture and working as a team for just these few days.

Relaxing on Tony's Back deck before dinner

Relaxing on Tony’s Back deck before dinner