San Lucas Toliman: Wednesday – Halfway Through Our Journey

We started the day with rounds, checking in on all of our patients and continuing to see encouraging progress in their recoveries.

Our surgical lineup included 10 general cases and 5 OB/GYN cases, along with one incision closure from a patient operated on yesterday, after her sutures did not hold. We also had one OB/GYN cancellation due to the patient experiencing chest pain and a history of heart issues, including daily aspirin use. Her safety comes first, and she will be evaluated further before any procedure is reconsidered.

One of our patients, Pedro, a 59-year-old from San Lucas Tolimán shared a beautiful glimpse into his life. He is a father of 12, and all his children create traditional huipil blouses—intricately embroidered garments worn by Indigenous communities that reflect identity, culture, and heritage. Three of his children accompanied him today while his wife remained home caring for their household.

We were also blessed by a visit from Fuente de Vida, who came to the hospital to share food (tamales) with patients and their families and to pray over those recovering from surgery. It was a meaningful moment of encouragement and community support.

Tomorrow’s schedule will be slightly lighter, giving our team more time to connect with the local staff and reflect on the week together. It will be a meaningful opportunity to recap all that has been accomplished, share experiences, and strengthen the relationships that make this work possible.

A small ceremony will also be held to celebrate the service we’ve carried out side by side—a moment to recognize the dedication, collaboration, and impact of everyone involved.