Gratitude, new faces, and hearts hungry for hope
The morning began early, the air crisp and filled with quiet goodbyes.
We woke early today as we were heading to another village to set up our next clinic. Breakfast was at 6:30, and Mosheh led our devotions. He shared how deeply he’d been moved by the people here — how they seemed as eager for Bible teaching as they were for medical or dental care. That thought stayed with me all morning.
Breakfast kept being interrupted, but in the most beautiful way — a steady stream of villagers came by, bringing baskets of strawberries and potatoes as thank-you gifts. Their generosity was overwhelming, especially given how little they have. Most of the offerings were given to Pastor Edgar, but we all felt the love and gratitude behind each gift.
Such humble, heartfelt gifts — more precious than gold.
After loading up the van, we set off for the next village, about half an hour away. The scenery was breathtaking as always — rolling hills, quiet fields, and the occasional curious llama watching us pass.
Once we arrived, it didn’t take long to set up and begin seeing patients. My first patient had hypertension and very waxy ears — a fairly simple start — but as the day went on, I saw much more serious cases. What struck me most again was how hard people’s lives are here, and yet how much resilience and tenderness they carry.
There was a child who was intellectually delayed, and his mother blamed herself. My heart broke listening to her. Then another woman came, bringing her daughter who seemed to be struggling mentally and emotionally — “going crazy,” the mother said. The daughter had two young children she couldn’t care for, and the situation was heartbreaking. It’s hard not to carry those stories with you.
After supper, the heaviness of the day lifted as eight children came to the church. They coloured, made rainbow loom bracelets, and watched a short Bible story. Their laughter filled the room — the perfect ending to a long, full day.
Joy in the small things — colour, laughter, and love shared.
Reflection
Today reminded me that healing isn’t only about treating bodies — it’s about tending hearts, both theirs and ours. The villagers’ gifts of strawberries and potatoes were more than food; they were offerings of love and faith. And even in the middle of exhaustion, the laughter of children reminded us why we come — to share God’s love, in word and in deed.