Today’s medical mission built on the momentum that began yesterday. Despite it raining all day, the team was able to serve 93 people! For some patients, the problems were simple, and for others, the issues treated were more complicated. For all, the medical care they received was a blessing that they had prayed for for a long time. One 15-year-old girl came in with a problem with her vision. The issue was severe enough that she wouldn’t be able to continue in school, as her parents wouldn’t be able to afford glasses for her. The team was able to provide her with a new pair of glasses. On the dental side of the medical mission, Sarah and Dr. Nancy saw a significant increase in patients today. Throughout the day, Sarah was touched by the care that Dr. Nancy gave to each patient.

Two nurses, Cheryl, from our team, and Ana, from the Honduran team, were sitting together portioning out medications during a lull. They were two people with the same profession; one didn’t know English, the other didn’t know much Spanish. Yet they were both working together to achieve the same goal - to share the love of God through caring for others’ medical needs. As Ana got up to take a quick break, she placed her arm around Cheryl - a reminder that though we may come from different cultures, we are called to love all as Christ loved them. The moment touched Cheryl and reminded her of why she was here and how their acts of service were bettering the lives of so many people so profoundly. These are only two of the countless stories from today.

Today, the education team began their VBS program, where they served 33 children. They had the privilege to do so at El Pescadero United Methodist Church, which is one of Danli Central UMC’s four daughter churches. It was a blessing to connect with more of Danli Central’s family; as they were welcomed with open arms. The team would also like to give many thanks to Noemi and Dilcia, the two Honduran VBS teachers from Danli Central that joined them today. They were amazing in spreading the word of God to the next generation of believers. During the craft time, there was an older child who wasn’t as engaged as the other children. There had been a dog that was near him since the beginning of VBS, which they found out was his dog. Lisa, with the help of a translator, began forming a connection with him through their shared interest in dogs, which encouraged the child to become a more active participant for the rest of VBS that day.  Truly we were touched by the smiles, laughter, and spirits of the children.

The first brush strokes of the mural were placed upon the Sunday School wall at Danli Central UMC today. The team worked together with Mabelin, a member of Danli Central’s congregation, to create much of the foundation for the mural.  While they were painting, they enjoyed singing songs of praise and worshipping our Lord. The mural has been developing beautifully, and they are on track to have it finished tomorrow.