The team had breakfast with the staff this morning which was very special. Nury introduced each staff member, telling us something about each one and how they serve Friends of Barnabas. Today, the team headed for Terreritos about an hour away from the Barnabas House. This was an exceptional day for most everyone as we were all touched by the people of Terreritos; their kindness, their strength, and their gratefulness.

As is the custom, each team member was given a cross necklace to give to an individual who, during the mission week, touches their heart in a special way. There were five team members who were so touched on this day.

Burt gave his cross to a young mother who had given birth to a baby boy five days ago. She did this with no medical assistance, tying the cord herself. She then walked quite a distance with her newborn to get to the clinic today. Burt assisted with cleaning up the cord. He was so inspired by this courageous mother that he presented his cross to her.

 

Bob, who worked the eye clinic today, evaluated an 86-year-old man who had only one functioning eye. Literally missing one eye, this gentleman had to be led into the clinic. After many, many attempts and failures to find a pair of glasses that would work, Bob had only one pair left that could possibly work. The man put the glasses on and his face lit up. With a tremendous grin of gratitude he told Bob, "I can see!" Bob was so moved by this very grateful elderly man that he presented his cross to him.

Dr. Will treated 4-month-old twins who were ill with a respiratory condition. They were struggling to breath, and were immediately treated with a nebulizer. Dr. Will was so touched by the look one of the little boys gave his mother; it was a look of great love and trust. He gave his cross to this brave and caring mother.

Dr. Jimmy, the dentist, was impressed by Diedre, who is 8 years old. Diedre walked into the clinic alone, with no shoes. She fearlessly hopped up into the chair! Diedre showed no tears through the entire procedure which so moved Dr. Jimmy that he felt compelled to give this young girl his cross.

Sandy, who worked in the anti-parasite clinic, had a 6-year-old boy who stayed by her side all day. While she worked with other kids, he would follow her and sing to her. Being a musician herself, Sandy was moved by this little singer and gave him her cross.

Finally, at the end of the day, Dennis came into the dental clinic to observe as the eye clinic was now closed. The dental clinic was also closing but there was one little girl, Isis, whose sister, Miley had just seen the dentist. The mother was told they did not have time to treat Isis. When Dr. Jimmy looked at her mouth, he said she had to be treated. While sitting up in an old school desk, this 7-year-old, Isis, let the doctor anesthetize her and then pull her tooth.... there were no tears! As Dennis had only one cross, he called his wife, Sylvia, to come so that they could together present their crosses to both girls as their courage and trust in our team touched us all.

 

That evening at the house team members shared their heartfelt stories. Stan, the maintenance volunteer for the facilities, did a very inspirational devotion for the group. We have become a real family here and look forward to the next day with love and excitement in our hearts.

Bring it on!