July 2008: Medical Mission from St John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida

A medical mission sponsored by Saint John's Cathedral of Jacksonville, Florida visited Guatemala for the second time this year. However, this was their first visit to Xela.
The team visited the village of Santa María de Jesús on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by an experienced team of mid-wives who were trained by our parish priest, Padre Roberto Armas. Padre Roberto is also a medical doctor, he was the co-coordinator and primary physician for the mission. Laurel translated for the after-care team, which provided information to the patients concerning their treatment and medications. The mission group from St. John's Cathedral, assisted by the mid-wives treated over a hundred patients.


On Tuesday the we visited Chuatuj (near the border with Mexico). Chuatuj is a small, friendly village, still without running water. The hospitality of the people and the mayor was more than impressive. We were served an exceptionally delicious steak lunch.

The team treated over 160 patients throughout the day. Before we left the sector mayors presented each team member with a beautiful individualized Certificate of Appreciation. We were also provided with a police escort for the 2 hour drive back to Xela, since we were traveling after dark.

On Thursday the group from Saint John's Cathedral had a productive meeting with Padre Roberto considering the future relationship between God's people in the cities of Jacksonville and Xela. One of the topics discussed was Padre Roberto's dream of establishing a community center for the elderly at our church.