Reflections of Our Missions Trip

by Linda Blakely

Okay, so I know more than a little Spanish and can make my wants known in a Spanish speaking country. But after Kenny asked me to go with the medical mission team to Honduras, my confidence in myself as a translator fell to a very low point. I had said yes I would go, now I began to question whether that was the right decision and was on the verge of backing down. My husband had no fears with my abilities and gave me encouragement. Even Daniel Moore, pastor of La Iglesia Bautista de Statesville had confidence in my Spanish. How was I ever going to learn all the medical vocabulary! Beverly Wright had the answer to that because she had a book, Spanish for Health Care Professionals, which she loaned me. I knew most of the words for the parts of the body that one can see, but those on the inside of the body were another matter. I began using the method I taught my students in Spanish class, making small flashcards with the Spanish word or phrase on one side and the English on the other. On the flights to Honduras I was still studying.

In Psalm 34: 4 David wrote, “ I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears.” After arriving in Tegucigalpa and meeting Steve and Elaine, our North Carolina coordinators I felt that we were in God’s hands in this foreign land and they were our guides, walking along with us. They gave us advice (Do not drink the water or put your toothbrush in it.) and explained some cultural aspects that we would observe (Hondurans do not require as much personal space as we Americans do. They hug more than we do).

I am sure God prepared the way for us in every aspect, from the places we were to set up the clinics, the individual people we would see and even to the two young ladies who served as our Honduran translators. I was assigned to the pharmacy area with Paulette and Kinnan along with Linda Meadors. It was my job to tell each person who received medicine what kind of medicine they received, when to take it and for how long. If I needed a word in Spanish that I could not think of, there was always a translator or someone who could help. We were the last of the team to have contact with the people. They were so appreciative and patient. It continually amazed me how they stood in the hot sun waiting for hours to be seen in the clinic, traveled many miles on foot and yet had beautiful smiles on their faces. They always thanked us and asked God’s blessing on us. It was a blessing to be able to provide a packet of Tylenol, Advil or vitamins, some eye drops, an antibiotic or cough syrup. Often someone would ask me if we had eye glasses so they could see to read. It was so sad to tell them we did not have any. I thank God for giving me this wonderful opportunity to serve on this team and meet all those who came to the clinic. I met many new brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray the people we served who are not Christians will come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him for the rest of their lives. To God be the Glory.