Health Talents International
|
|
Marvin the Marvel
Every so often we encounter a stark reminder that we live in a broken world; a world darkened by superstition and fear. We say to ourselves and others, education is the answer and I 100% agree. I just believe the language of love trumps all other messages and the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best lesson plan!
Marvin Daniel Calel Sis
was born in June of 2019 with a cleft lip and palate, then was promptly abandoned by his mother believing he was cursed. That is the dark side of superstition and fear…but nothing could overcome the love of his father or our Father.
Marvin’s father, Carlos Calel Marcario did not see him through the lens of fear, only love.
Where others saw sin, a curse, he saw a child, his child. He had faith in his family to help him raise Marvin, most notably his sister, Marvin’s aunt Josefina. Carlos found hope in the ministry of Health Talents, and he saw love everywhere he turned from the moment Marvin was seen by Dr. Lisa Dunham, to the time he entered the spiritual oasis that is Clinica Ezell.
Surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, caregivers and translators surrounded Marvin, Carlos and Josefina with kind attention and care. Marvin was a Rockstar!
|
We marvel at the before and after photos of Marvin; we marvel with Carlos; we marvel at our God and the words of the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.
Marvin the marvel
will be a patient for years to come, returning for additional surgeries and speech pathology care. We will be his loving place…now go love someone! Rick Harper
|
|
Nurses Erin Perrin (L) and
Bailey Shelton
find Marvin hard to resist!
|
|
Why I GO!
This February marked my fourth trip with Health Talents International, but my first trip as a real nurse. I had previously been on two HTI trips to Clinica Ezell and one mobile clinic trip during my time in nursing school. This year, as a newly registered nurse, I was frequently asked “You’re back! How is it coming on a trip as a real nurse?”.
Conversations like these led me to contemplate my experiences with Health Talents and why so many students like myself get hooked after one trip and keep coming back. One reason students return to Guatemala time after time is because the experience is so enriching. Oftentimes, nursing students (and other pre-professional health students, I have heard) are made to feel unwanted or like a burden when observing in a clinical setting. However, even after just one day at Clinica Ezell, that is clearly not the case here. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses alike are all eager to teach students, accommodate them in the OR, answer questions, and entrust them with their own patients. The Guatemalan staff, auxiliary nurses, and local missionaries are gracious and kind as they translate, show us the ropes, and set an example of Christlike servanthood. Instead of hierarchy or competition, American and Guatemalan health care professionals alike come alongside students with an attitude of camaraderie and loving guidance.
This type of acceptance and support encourages, builds confidence, and ignites a passion in students and new professionals. We are inspired by those around us as we see God work in them though their patience, humility, graciousness and love. It makes us eager to return to this environment rich in learning and service.
In myself, I have also seen it create a desire to “pay it forward”, and to now do my part to invest in those around me. Guatemalan patients remind me to be grateful and rejoice in the Lord always. Compassionate doctors and nurses motivate me to treat my patients and future students the same way. People in all of these roles inspire me to now be the best nurse I can be both at Clinica Ezell and my job at home. I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV), “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” At Health Talents we are not just shown this example, but encouraged that we have the capacity to exemplify it ourselves. Bailey Shelton, RN
|
|
I’m Here to Serve
One of the items on our bucket list has been to be involved in a short term mission. That dream came to fruition this past February as we were involved in a medical mission trip to Guatemala with Health Talents, International. Great memories and new friendships abound, so we want to share.
It was amazing to observe the superior organization and administration of details of a trip of this magnitude. A true demonstration of planning, coordination, rhythm, execution and follow-through to make the trip a stress free (almost) experience. We were amazed at major accomplishments of “I’m Here to Serve”.
One of the great experiences was to be with such caring and loving people. We walked away with a greater respect for professionals in the medical field who voluntarily contribute their time, skill and talent to help those with medical needs but have no resources. We also have the greatest admiration for the sixteen students and/or graduates of the Harding University School of Nursing. Wonderful young people, who are living the creed, “I’m Here to Serve”, and to the many other volunteers who were a big part of everything going on. True “servant hearts”; being the hands and feet of Jesus while serving the people of Guatemala.
To the people of Guatemala we met: blessings for their gratitude, their spirit of love and faith. Smiling faces everywhere...expressions of seeing and feeling the hands and feet of Jesus.
James and Juanell Teague
Richardson, Texas
|
|
|
|
WE NEED NURSES!
WILL YOU HELP?
OR Nurse - April 18-25
3
OR Scrub nurses or surgical techs;
5 recovery room nurses
May 9-16
2 OR Scrub nurses or surgical techs
June 6-13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
