The very first village our team visited was Planes De Italia on top of a very high mountain. As we approached the village, we were greeted by an anxious elderly lady on the side of the road, clapping her hands as we drove by. We quickly set up our clinics in a small school and were ready for our first family of patients. By the end of our day we had seen 289 patients in the medical clinic, had 39 dental extractions and fitted 26 patients with new glasses. In the glasses clinic, Fay was able to experience people seeing well for the first time ever. "Wow!" said one elderly man, smiling ear to ear; a universal language that we all understand.

In the midst of hard work on a hot day, the world stopped when tough guy Gary came around the corner with two beautiful twin girls wrapped comfortably in his arms. The children played with balloons, Frisbees and a soccer ball signed by each team member.

We returned to the Barnabas House moments before a downpour of rain. In the evening, we had our devotions before dinner, focusing on Psalm 78:13-16. We reflected upon God's presence and guidance throughout each step of our journey serving the people of Honduras; from fundraising to a lifetime testimony when we return to the US.

Following dinner, the team reviewed our favorite memories from the day. Without hesitation, a story quickly came from our youngest team member Paul (16) who gave away his wooden cross necklace today. Given to us at our commissioning ceremony on the first day, we were instructed to give the crosses away to someone with whom we have developed a special bond.

Paul is the type of guy who jumps right in with the willingness and confidence not seen in many teenagers. He proceeded to tell of meeting a 6-year-old girl in the fluoride clinic. They began to draw pictures back and forth. He drew one of a cross. With the help of a translator, he asked if she knew what that meant. She shook her head yes and they spoke another word that is the universal in our world...Jesus.

Paul proceeded to take the cross from his neck and placed it on hers. She smiled when he asked her to take care of it for him. With a firm grip on her new treasure, she went on to the medical clinic. There, once seen by nurse Teri, she became one of our two referrals for further treatment. She had a skin condition that appeared to be a parasite attacking her body. After further evaluation, nurse Teri discovered a significant heart murmur. She was sent for further evaluation in the nearest town. What a blessing. To all of us.

The entire community was a blessing to us all. They touched our lives as much if not more than we touched theirs. With great hesitation, we left the village to return back to the Barnabas House to a great meal, lots of stories and tired bodies. We are anxious to see what God has in store for us tomorrow in the next village.

Erica Vaughan RN BSN

Doris Fredricksen

Betsy Reid

Sharon Chandler

Jim Young

Schafer Wymond

Gary Gibson

Teri Baker

Fay Painter

Issac Wolfe

Kelly Bailey

Jennifer Cassell (via computer)

Cherie King

Sammy Cash

Paul Bird