First, a medical clinic was led by the two doctors and one nurse practitioner on our team, with others assisting with pharmacy and administrative duties. Over 700 patients were seen during our stay, most of them babies and small children. Ailments ranged from routine to acute. Worm medicine and vitamins (remember helping to package those?) were handed out liberally, and many of the problems stemmed from malnutrition.

Second, a dental clinic was led by our team dentist, and for a few days he was accompanied by a Honduran dentist, both assisted by other American and Honduran team members. Over 1000 teeth were pulled. Unhappily, except for handing out toothbrushes and trying to educate about dental hygiene, pulling teeth is about the only treatment that can be given, since no follow-up treatment is possible. But it is also one of the greatest healing activities, as so many individuals showed up with severe toothaches and abscesses.

Third, Kerry directed an eyeglasses clinic, assisted by American and Honduran team members. We fitted about 300 people with glasses, and when we ran out, measured prescriptions for about 50 more that we will try to fill here and send with the next team to Yorita that leaves next month. While a focometer was used to measure acuity and any astigmatism, proper reading glasses were determined by having the patient read different size print in a Spanish Bible, or sometimes threading a needle for those who could not read.

Fourth, a construction project was conducted to put a roof on a new worship and missionary building. This was a joint team of American and Hondurans working together, overcoming the communications barriers, and literally building the future for church activities in this village. This will also house the sewing machine ministry that will use the 19 machines provided by Good Shepherd.

Megan played a simple but powerful role. She made about 100 balloon animals each day, and gave them to each child being treated, as well as the many village children who just hung around watching us every day. The effect was to quiet the crying children, and delight everyone. She was known as the "boomba" (Honduran for balloon) girl.

A fifth area of ministry was conducted by three Honduran evangelists who were with us every day. After each person was treated at one of the clinics, one of these three would talk and pray with them, and offer each a Spanish New Testament. The evangelists reported that 91 individuals gave their lives to Christ while we were there, and many more renewed their commitment.

It's easy to describe the facts of what we did in Honduras, but there is no way to describe how we felt and were affected by all of this. So many times we witnessed an obvious intervention by the Holy Spirit, and the God-incidents were daily occurrences. At least once or twice a day I observed something that brought me to tears. How humbling and wonderful it was to serve our brothers and sisters that live at a level of poverty that we have never seen before. And how happy these people seem in spite of their hard lives.

We will want to share with you some special times. Like an amazing spirit-filled worship service that we attended in an even smaller village, followed by converting the worship tent into a medical/dental/eyeglasses clinic for the rest of the day. The 96-year-old practicing midwife who needed to see a doctor herself. Holding the babies. The dentist's amazement at the extent of the pain that was endured without complaint. The albino child who needed the dark lenses that we had inadvertently brought along. Singing and playing games with the children. So many emotional experiences.

We're going back next year.