Tiffany Edmiston, RN is a critical care nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach, Calif. This is her second year serving on the mission. Her experience with the community last year fueled her passion for nursing.
Coming back to Guatemala for me is a continuation of helping those who don't have the resources that I am accustomed to. I see how the people here receive healthcare and how we give healthcare back in the states and I think: This is so difficult for them. They wait for us to come, and hope for our help. We in turn listen to their concerns, give them appropriate medicine and a therapeutic touch they have never felt. When I get to do that, it makes leaving the comforts of home worthwhile.
Tiffany takes vitals for a patient in Timushan.
The few days we have been here so far have been challenging, which I anticipated and expected. I see the challenge and want to be of service. The question I have everyday that I am here is: How can we best serve this community with the scare resources available? We try our best and I am glad I can be a part of a team that contributes their skills and creativity with the limited amount of time we have with each patient. Guatemala is a beautiful place with beautiful people and I hope we can make a sustainable difference by being here.
The work I do here is so different from what I do on a daily basis. It is frustrating at times and difficult for me to get through the language and cultural differences. Yet I find that my teammates help me through it and everyday I learn more. Giving my services to this special community is very rewarding. I feel that every smile and hug I get from a grateful patient is a payment that can never be measured.
With the long days you all must be having, I'm sure that God will provide you the strength to keep going!
Thank you for the mission blog, it's great to be a part of your day-to-day journey.
God bless you all in this incredible journey of human kindness!
Posted by: Mari Chavez, Glendale Central Business Office | October 19, 2010 at 09:52 AM
To those I have served with on past missions, Dr. Frank, Tiffany, Dr. Brian, Liz, Tricia, Pam, Nancy, Mama Bea, Mia, Jennifer, Mary Carol and Herbert (hopefully I did not miss anyone) I miss you all and am glad to see that so many of you have returned. I am sad that I could not be there to try and finally figure out how to take a picture where Tiffany was not somehow hidden in the shadows (or any picture half as good as the ones Dr. Brian takes) or to see Mama Bea and Mary Carol with their babies. Despite the fun we have on these missions, each of you arrives with your heart in the right place and time and again I have been impressed with your skill, compassion and utter determination to do the right thing no matter the cost, effort or time.
To those that are new, I have been following your stories and am likewise impressed with your commitment. It appears you have taken up the spirit of the effort. My advice to you, learn from those that have been there, know that you cannot save the world with every patient (but try anyway), and cherish these moments you have to connect with and serve your fellow man. There may be lines, mosquitoes, heat, exhaustion, and frustration. However, through it all the people you are serving desperately need your help and they are so very grateful.
Posted by: Andy North | October 19, 2010 at 11:43 AM
I am so proud of Tiffany and everyone else who made the effort to make
this trip possible. Keep up the good work!!!!
you all are an inspiration!
safety, love, and strength
from Lorin and Chris Hazlett
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