The Laurel Hill UMC Mountain Medical Mission team sends you greetings from Honduras.  Our 4th day, Thursday began with a beautiful clear sunrise revealing the spectacular mountains.  After breakfast and a team picture, we made our way successfully to Terrero Blanco.  The team set up the various clinics in La Escuela Mariano Vasquez. 

 We had a very busy day today, especially in the eye clinic area.  The pace of the past four days has strained some bodies, but the team spirit has remained strong in the Lord.  The number of people seen and treated this week in the clinics has continued to grow.  The team worked late into the afternoon.  The people of Terrero Blanco were very thankful for this mission.

On the way down the mountain, a burro in the middle of the road seemed locked into a battle of wills on who belonged there, but finally moved so that the bus could squeeze by.   Continuing on, our driver Melvin began to sing hymns in Spanish with his deep and rich voice.  Donaldo also treated us to more of his very expressive singing.  Their singing for us has been a real blessing and the team feels their passion and love for the Savior.

In the evening after supper was finished, Pastor Norman spoke on scripture from the Gospel of Mark chapter 1.  Norman asked thought-provoking questions including how we had exercised faith and reached out to others during the day.   May the Lord allow each member of this team to understand more fully His Love and His Grace as we continue to enter into a deeper relationship with Him.

Several team members spoke about their cross-sharing moments.  Sara Nelson, dental clinic assistant,  shared her cross with a special needs adult in her early 20's.  Sara explained that this occasion was special because she is a substitute teacher in Special Education and has an affinity for helping special needs individuals.

Our director, Nury, shared her cross with a little boy she had observed.  She found out that the boy's mother had left and moved to Spain about a year ago.  His grandmother is now raising him.

Joe Corley, who has worked in the de-worming clinic this week, shared his cross today.  He gave it to an older man, who Joe determined was a field worker with many years of labor.  The man had brought his two grandchildren into the clinic.  Joe explained the meaning of this moment to the man, through his translator Rafael.  Joe reported that the man was moved and was very appreciative. 

Please understand that though this Thursday journal may be brief, the team has touched many lives, and has been touched more than we can write into a daily account.  In the future days and weeks ahead, additional time to reflect will reveal many more insights.

We surely feel and appreciate all the prayers of our faithful friends and families and ask that you continue to lift up this team and its mission.  On Friday Day 5, we will travel to Las Nieves for medical ministry there. 

May God the Father through His Son and Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you richly with His Spirit in the days ahead.

Dr. Judy Bunin

Joanne Corley

Joe Corley

Suzanna Cuellar

Phil Deane

Theresa Duke

Cindy Funk

Bud Funk

Ceci Harris

Stan Michael (repair team)

Lois Miller

Eileen Neary

Sara Nelson

Norman Ramsey

Anita Toone