June and Home Vacation!
These past two months have been a rollercoaster, as I wrapped things up in June to prepare for a month-long vacation at home in Minnesota!
Summer Volunteers
We welcomed our summer volunteers to the Finca, and they brought with them a fresh vibrance and joy. They helped in many ways—teaching, assisting in the clinic, taking the boys to soccer practice, and simply loving everyone here so well. Their presence also made it possible for us, the long-term missionaries, to take our vacations.
Pictured here is our “Desert Day”—a time set aside for prayer, reflection, and self-care in silence at a location away from the Finca. We always close the retreat with a Holy Hour on the beach.
Other June Joys
June Medical Mission
Medical patients: 540
Dental services: 354
VBS students: 170
Donations of clothing: 400
Baptisms: 2
First Communions: 17
Confirmations: 15
These are the numbers from another medical mission in the mountains. This particular group was from Houston, and they have been faithfully coming for 15 years! It was incredible to work alongside such holy and passionate people. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Kim, an emergency medicine physician, as her translator—a truly invaluable opportunity to learn from her.
Translating on medical missions has become one of my favorite experiences here in Honduras. Not only do I learn from the doctors and their assessments, but I also get to share meaningful moments with the patients. It allows me to connect personally with the people living in the mountains and, when possible, help ensure they receive follow-up care.
My favorite part of this medical mission is that its true priority is to share the love of God and to see the whole person. Every member of our team first loved with the love of Christ, and only then tended to medical needs. I witnessed this most beautifully in one of my patients, Steven.
Steven is a bright, joyful 5-year-old who cannot walk without assistance. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and there wasn’t much we could do for him medically. One afternoon, after we finished seeing patients, we went down to the road where Father was celebrating Mass. I slipped into a seat at the back of the church—and there in front of me were Steven and his mama. I opened my arms, inviting him to come sit with me.
When it came time for communion, I asked if he’d like to walk up with me. His face lit up with excitement. I stood behind him, his hands in mine, holding him steady, while he did the rest—moving his little legs forward step by step. We were the last to go forward, which meant every eye was on this beautiful boy making his way down the aisle toward our Savior. He received a blessing, and together we returned to our pew.
The next day was our final day of clinic, and Bishop Jenri made a special visit to offer Mass and the sacraments. Once again, Steven and his mother were there. What I didn’t know until that moment was that Steven was to receive his Baptism. But this time, instead of carefully walking, he joyfully danced down the aisle with the Bishop, radiating pure joy from his whole being.
Time at Home
My time at home was wonderful. I was able to attend a friend’s wedding, reconnect with my college roommates and other friends, and soak up precious moments with my family—especially with my niece and nephews!
