Day 2 of Clinic in Callalli
We began the day once again with devotions at 6:15 a.m. Dr. Hank led us, sharing about some of the songs he loves to sing and the meaning behind them. It was a sweet and grounding way to begin the morning, finishing around 6:50. After another delicious breakfast, we boarded our bus and headed to Callalli.
The drive was breathtaking — winding along the river with the Andes rising high around us. At one point we were stopped by a herd of llamas crossing the road, which felt like such a perfect Peru moment.
Being here in the mountains is something I can hardly put into words. Surrounded by such grandeur and beauty, it feels impossible not to sense God’s presence. The vast peaks, the endless sky, the quiet valleys — creation itself seems to declare His glory. Sharing God’s Good News in a place like this feels especially powerful. The same God who shaped these mountains knows every person we meet and cares deeply for each one.
Callalli is a beautiful little town, and we set up our clinic in a local school. A number of patients were already waiting when we arrived. Today Riley, a nursing student, worked with me. She was delighted to hold a baby while I examined the mom — such a tender and joyful moment in the midst of a busy day.
We saw a wide variety of concerns: Osgood-Schlatter disease, severe teeth grinding, anxiety, and many worried moms seeking reassurance about their children. But alongside the physical complaints, there were deeper burdens. We met elderly patients living alone, with no family nearby to help care for them. There was a quiet sadness in some of their stories — loneliness that medicine alone cannot fix. Others shared experiences of hardship, including difficult home situations and emotional struggles. Anxiety was common, and in some cases there were signs of mistreatment and brokenness that weighed heavily on our hearts.
It is humbling to sit with people in those moments — to listen, to pray, to offer encouragement and hope. In this setting, high in the mountains surrounded by beauty, the contrast between the majesty of creation and the pain some carry feels especially profound. And yet it is also a reminder that God sees it all. His love reaches into every home, every fear, every silent struggle.
It was a full and meaningful day. In the evening, we relaxed by playing Spoons, and the Peruvian team joined in. There was plenty of laughter and friendly competition — a wonderful way to end a busy day of serving together in this beautiful place.
Thank you for sharing this. Reading it is both humbling and moving. It’s a powerful reminder that while many people come with physical concerns, there are often deeper burdens beneath the surface.
Your willingness to not only address their physical needs but also to sit with people in those moments—to listen, pray, and offer hope—is such a meaningful ministry. Thank you for being present for those who need compassion and encouragement the most.