Sheri Kretzschmar serves in Guatemala as a missionary nurse with Health Talents International. She and her colleagues work with the local Churches of Christ, conducting mobile medical clinics in surrounding communities–where together, they demonstrate Jesus’ compassion.
Sheri lets us lean over her shoulder during an uncharacteristically busy surgery week of patients from local villages.
Sunday, February 11
Let the surgeries begin!
I met everyone at the airport yesterday as their flights arrived.
Last night we began the consults and things went smoothly. Today we finished with four plastic surgeries and four GYN cases.
It was a day to get all the medical professionals who’ve flown in acclimated. We have several new people with us and I believe that they will rise to the occasion.
All of the patients from the Chichi and Panajchel areas arrived without any problems.
It’s been a full day but things have gone well.
We will continue to pray for each patient at the end of the day and give praise to God because all has gone well.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
The OR cranked up early this morning and ran pretty much non-stop all day.
We are so thankful to God that all of the surgeries went well today.
Tomorrow, we will start early and have fourteen surgeries planned.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
What a day! We finished ten GYN cases and four plastic cases without any problems and it was good. We are so thankful and acknowledge God because we know that is where our strength and abilities come from.
Yesterday evening, we had a severe burn patient that is thirty-nine years old. Her name is Esperaza and she has epilepsy.
Surgery was done to help regain some function of her neck movement. Everyone has been concerned about how well she would do. We were thrilled this morning that she continued to do well through the night.
The babies are not quite up to playing yet but it will not take long for them to recover. They have been resting and eating their fair share of cherry and grape popsicles.
I hope that everyone rests well tonight: patients, families, the surgical team. Tomorrow will be another adventure.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Another wonderful day with patients, families, the Guatemalan staff, and our team.bWe finished the day with nine GYN cases and three plastic cases.
This is Yefery. He had a motorcycle accident a few years ago that damaged his nose and created difficulty in breathing.
Dr. Philip helped Yefery and he is so very thankful. He likes being with us. Yefery had the option of going home on Monday and he opted to stay until tomorrow when the vans return for the babies.
He is a really good guy and it has been a pleasure to help him!
The babies will be discharged in the morning. The drivers know to come and pick them up. They will receive their discharge teaching and have a follow-up appointment with us in Lemoa on March 5th.
It has been a great week thus far and I believe that tomorrow will be the same. God has been with us every day.
Thursday, February 15
Today was the day that the parents have been waiting for: traveling home!!
What a great week it has been! All of the patients have done well. These babies will have a couple of weeks to heal and will come to the clinic on March the 5th to see us.
We are so thankful for the team that came and spent a week with us. We had many seasoned staff and also some new members–seeing 52 patients and their families.
Surgical Week–And Why I’m Still a Missionary Nurse
Preparing to go into a surgical week can be draining before it even begins.
But that’s what motivates you to continue. You can see past the week of long, hot days.
We begin to evaluate babies and children six months before the surgical week. We need to be sure their weight and lab work allows them to be surgical candidates.
Seeing that child finally placed in a parent’s arm after life-altering surgery is revitalizing. And then the tears flow.
Not all children can be helped. And that’s hard. Some parents are afraid and do not return for surgery. Some parents have waited a year for surgery and then when they arrive, the child has a fever or has another problem, and the surgery needs to be postponed.
That’s discouraging and painful for all of us.
Still, a week of a surgical clinic that transforms a child, a family, is something you must experience first-hand. Reading and hearing about it doesn’t do justice.
I can assure you: You’ll leave the clinic a different person than when you arrived. You’ll want to share your experience with others.
Being hugged and thanked by these parents and children gives you chills. The care and love you provide changes the life of that person, their home, and eventually their community–not unlike Jesus changes each of us.
Interested in medical missions or becoming a missionary nurse?
Sheri loves to answer questions.
Reach out to her at fscubarn@aol.com.
Like this post on a week in the life of a missionary nurse? You might like
Your Last-Minute Medical Missions Equipment Checklist
Medical Missions: Ordering Your Equipment
Your Career, Globally: “How can I use my arts degree overseas?”