El Cacao

Friday, February 21, 2025

 This was our last day of the mission trip, and we visited the community of El Cacao. We were able to help 35 families with many different needs. 

Our day always starts with a prayer with the entire community. Carlos and Shayne did special prayers for anyone that needed a little something extra. They were able to pray over a woman that was having a hard time, physically and mentally. 

When we are all ready to start seeing patients, they came to the vitamin and anti-parasite station first. Jeanne has been able to handle all sorts of people from young to old. Some of the younger kids weren't keen on taking the antiparasitic medicine; however, she was able to find a way for them to take it. 

Kids under 13 gets weighed and measured by Chris. Chris had a bag of crosses that she wanted to pass out only if there was enough for all of the kids. Halfway through she noticed that she might not have enough but continued on her mission. When she was on her last two patients, she noticed that she had two crosses left! The exact number of crosses for all of the kids! God knew exactly how many she needed. 

When the people are done with those two stations, they move on to the medical clinic to see our nurses and doctors. Without Nita, April, Martha and Joanne, many families wouldn’t have the means to get basic medications. Carlos has an important part in this station because he is able to communicate with the families. It helps bridge the gap between medical staff and the families. If any medication needs prescribed, the nurses are able to get it from Peggy along with many other items from the pharmacy. One patient that was seen today was an older gentleman that had bad arthritis in his hands and gout in his feet. There isn’t much that can be done in that environment however his story touched Martha that she gave him her cross. 

When the families reach the dental clinic, the children get fluoride treatments done by Shayne. Shayne was doing such a great job that a kid bit down on his finger. Dr. Bo was able to see multiple people that needed fillings. He did such an amazing job that one of his patients decided to hangout in his clinic, just smiling away. Of course, he could not have done it without his amazing dental assistant, Jodi, and instrument cleaner, Sassy.

When everything was done in the community, we headed back to the house for a surprise birthday party for the staff and one volunteer, Nita. It was such a great time that we were able to laugh and kickback with all of the staff and volunteers. 

To end our day, we went to a local restaurant in which we invited the kitchen staff from our house. They were so appreciative that we invited them to join us. We wanted to show how thankful we are for them and everything they do for us! They work just as much as we do during this week of missions. 

1 Peter 4:10-11

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace“

-Chris Hofler