Today was our last day in the Canilla clinic.

One of the notable patients was a 7 or 8 year old girl with a mid-shaft clavicle fracture. All of the students gathered into the X-ray room to see the image on the computer screen. The girl was in a lot of pain, but after being splinted we were assured her prognosis was good.

We spent some time after clinic learning about the hospital lab. Manuela, the lab technician, showed us all of the instruments and even tested the red blood cell count of some students. For lunch, we were treated to tortillas, chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables in the hospital.

After lunch, the students heard the testimony of Prosper and Miriam, who have been living and serving at the hospital for nine months. Prosper serves as an OR nurse and Miriam as a midwife. They moved here from Zimbabwe and we learned how God provided for them through the many struggles of immigrating from Africa to Guatemala.

We went to town in the evening to play soccer with the many kids in the ministry as well as the adult hospital staff. The friendly competition is both a way to unwind and build community.

We finished the night hearing about the experience of a 3rd year family medicine resident, Caleb, who arrived at the hospital from Wichita, KS two days ago. We ate doblados (Guatemalan stuffed tortillas) and ice cream while discussing the pros and cons of what a career in healthcare entails.

Today was full, but God’s blessings were abundant.