Reflections from Laka Tabila
As I wait for my delayed flight back to Texas, I reflect on the remarkable volunteers I had the privilege to lead on a mission trip to a remote village in Honduras. The Miskito people residing in the Laka Tabila area along the country’s eastern coast have limited access to medical and dental care, making our service vital to the community.
The all-female team from the U.S. included two physicians, a pharmacist, a physical therapist, a phlebotomist, a nurse, a lay volunteer and one Honduran dentist. We were fortunate to have several Honduran interpreters who facilitated communication for our team by translating between English, Spanish, and Miskito.
One young patient remains fresh in my mind. A 4-year-old boy visited our makeshift clinic and was in need of a large abscess removal. His bravery and stoicism were amazing, despite the look on his face of the pain he was experiencing. It’s for reasons like this that I know my serving on a mission team is making a difference.
Our physicians provided care to 411 patients, while the dentist attended to 156 patients and performed 232 extractions— Wow! These ladies rocked! In addition to our healthcare services, in collaboration with the Days for Girls international program, we offered training and distributed 271 hygiene kits to young girls at five different locations in the region. As well, through the Dressing a Girl international project, handmade dresses and shorts were provided to students at the local school.
Many thoughts continue to go through my mind after I return from participating in these mission teams. It includes the people we serve, the beauty of the country and the humbleness and gratitude shown by each community. It is a privilege to be able to help even in a small way.
As shared by co-team leader Eliza Saunders
