From Suitcases to Service: Setting Up the Clinic

Our first full day in Orange Walk began with Michelle leading us in a morning devotion on the hotel patio. We need to follow Jesus’ example of showing mercy to others. The blue sky reminded us that God’s mercies are new each morning.

Next, all 15 of us piled into a van and were off to the home of Pastor Rios for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast prepared by Pastor’s wife, Ruth, and his sister Yolanda. There was a bit of competition between Christian and Reece to see who could eat the most pancakes! The fresh bananas from the local market that were offered seemed extra sweet.

The next destination was to the church just a few blocks away. The suitcases filled with glasses that we delivered to the church yesterday were unpacked and organized by prescription strength. It was amazing to see the hundreds of glasses ready to improve the eyesight of those who will come to the clinic!

Barbara reviewed the different “stations” we need to run the clinic and the responsibilities for each station. A rough set-up was done for each station so we could see how the clinic will flow. Final setup will happen tonight and Monday morning.

Victor, our van driver, arrived at noon to take us back to Pastor and Ruth’s home for lunch. American spaghetti was served, with an (onion/habanero/lime juice) cortido sauce that could top off the spaghetti. It was tasty, unless you happened to get a piece of the habanero, as Krista found out! Fresh papaya and boiled plantains were served as side dishes. Yum!

Our afternoon was leisurely, stopping at a local supermarket to check out some Belizian products or to pick up some snacks for the week. A quick stop at a beautiful Catholic Church in Orange Walk was made, also. Next, Victor drove us back to the hotel for some quiet time before church.

Back to Pastor’s home for dinner. Ruth and Yolanda made garnaches made with a black bean paste, cheese, and cabbage, similar to tostados. Some of us topped them with the cortido sauce left from lunch! Ruth was excited to share her pictures of her niece’s wedding last January, and we enjoyed her sharing that important event with us.

Divine Service began at 6:30 pm. Most of the service was in Spanish, but we could follow along in the service book that looked very familiar to many of us. We joined in singing the words to the familiar hymns as best we could, even though they were written in Spanish. Pastor Rios sermon was based on forgiveness. We should forgive others as God has forgiven us. Ruth provided coffee and cookies after the service, as we finished setting up the stations for the clinic.

Lutheran worship hymn sung in Spanish.

Back to the motel for debriefing and devotions. Jan’s devotion was based on Mary and Martha both serving their Lord, and our privilege hearing of God’s Word.

Off to bed, because the clinic will open at 9:00 am tomorrow! We pray that God will grant us a peaceful sleep so we will be ready for the tasks before us tomorrow.