…and we are off!

Written by Kim Hiniker (11/6/24)

Day two! Here we go! Feelings of nervousness and excitement pumping through my

veins as I got ready for my first day of seeing patients outside of an actual real clinic

setting. We started our day with prayer, reflection and breakfast. I wanted my voice to

be heard, but instead I kept my thoughts to myself as I wanted to focus on what I

needed to at that very moment but made a promise that I would let the mission group

know how grateful I am to be here.

It was about a 30-40 minute drive to our first village.

To start off our trip we were able to see a volcano (Mount Fuego) with smoke coming

out of it and that was very awesome! We then got to where we needed to be and tried

our very best to get everything situated while having patients already waiting for us. To

say the beginning wasn’t rough would be a lie because of all of us trying to get our

ducks in a row, but in the end it went much smoother and ended with rain showers.

Thirty-seven patients in a matter of about four to five hours I felt was so amazing. It was

day one out of four and I’m so excited to see the progress we all made. The amount of

appreciation that we received today put me in disbelief. From hugs, gum, soft kisses on

the cheek and words of thankfulness made me realize how appreciative they were for

all of us and made me feel so much more grateful for my job and realize how important

it truly is.

A little special shout out to Jessica who I truly just met who already has a

place in my heart. She is my partner in crime in all of this and through the hiccups of our

day, we worked so well together.

To finish our day, we went and had ice cream, re-

organized our supplies, and got ready for dinner. Tonight, it was our job to wash dishes

for other missionaries’ groups and staff and it made me realize just how blessed we

really are in so many aspects of our lives. I look forward to day three and continuing to

make a difference in the beautiful country of Guatemala!