Then we spent one day at the only orphanage in our area and treated all the children, some employees and volunteers and villagers from the neighborhood. It was an extremely hard day, as the owner had not provided medical treatment for months. But we were fueled by the excitement of an answered prayer. For the first time in three and a half years we were finally given permission (by a new director) to share the Gospel at the orphanage! In the past we were welcomed to medically treat the children but the orphanage owner would not allow us to pray with them or to "say anything about God or Jesus". She doesn't want to offend her donors and doesn't think children have to know about God. We praise God for the opportunity to share that day!
The next day was a little shorter. The team did a half-day clinic in a village in the Boqueron canyon, a bumpy forty five minute drive from Rio Dulce. On the way back to the Rio we stopped at a beautiful river with a hot waterfall. A little lunch and R&R were in order and "Team Calvary" (Dr. Doug, Dr. Rhonda, Dr. Frank, Asst. Sarah, Pastor Art, Asst. Kevin, Nurse Patty, Asst. Nancy, Nurse Katherine, and Nurse Becky) earned it! Translators Eddie & Anthony, Assts. Paul & Linda, Asst. Pascal, Mike & Karen of the "Ground Support Team" enjoyed this much needed respite as well. God sure made some beautiful places for us to rest in Him.
The next day was the last work day on the river, spent in the village of La Esmeralda. This is the village where we maintain the clinic that you have all helped with. The people had been looking so forward to meeting the team. No matter how often the clinic is open, many more patients show up for treatment when the visiting doctors and nurses come from the USA. God blesses us all with different specialists and new faces glowing with Christ's love. The people are still thanking the Lord for sending "Team Calvary" to them last year!