9/13/19

Early this morning, AfS mission, consisting of nineteen talented and experienced volunteers, arrived in Retalhuleu, Guatemala.  Team members are Mission Director, an Assistant Mission Director, two Surgeons, two Anesthesiologists,  a Pediatrician, a Dental Hygienist, a Lead Nurse, two OR and two PACU Nurses, a Ward Coordinator, Record Keeper, Photographer, Anesthesia Intern, Journalist, and AfS President.

This is the first time AfS will be bringing the magic of new smiles and new lives to Guatemala.

Despite long flights, delays and other pleasures of modern air travel, everyone was energized and eager to make the four-hour drive to see the hospital facility that will become our home for the next week, and meet the local team that was just as eager to see us and help us settle in.

The drive took us through beautiful countryside, backdropped by steaming volcanoes.  After lunch, a beautiful, sunny day turned into a thunderstorm and a downpour in a true tropical fashion. That did not distract the team from getting busy at the hospital unpacking and organizing supplies and workspaces for the opening clinic.

Everyone is looking forward to truly starting the mission tomorrow when we see the first hopeful patients who are about to have their lives transformed.