Our bags are packed and we’re ready to go!
SLT mission team in action!
A team of 22 Medical Missions Foundation volunteers will depart April 2nd for a week-long mission to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. This will be our seventh annual mission to San Lucas, which is located on the shores of Lake Atitlan, about three hours west of Guatemala City.
Including missions to Antigua, MedMissions has organized and led 24 medical missions to Guatemala since 1998. We have performed nearly 2,000 surgeries and treated more than 12,000 clinical patients. This does not count other audiology and dental services, which have been part of many of our missions.
Mission rookie Dr. Ashley Bennett (left), with mission veteran Dr. John Alley.
In preparation for our trip, we had our traditional “Pack Party” on a recent Saturday — donuts provided courtesy of Mission Coordinators Cindy and Mike Rudolph.
The photos may look like mayhem, but there is method to the madness. To reduce cost and ensure timely delivery, we rarely ship medical equipment and supplies. Rather, we pack our well-worn, distinctively-red suitcases to within a few ounces of the 50-pound weight limit for free checked luggage.
Mission rookie Noe Aguilar (left), learning from long-time mission volunteer, Kevin Hashman.
Medical specialists (doctors and nurses) pack exactly what they will use in Guatemala, dictated by the needs of our local partners in San Lucas. Detailed lists of what is in each suitcase are prepared, to meet customs requirements and ensure that everything we need travels with us or, in some cases, is purchased in-country.
Each mission member, whether a medical professional or not, checks a 50-pound bag. Everything in the bag is medical gear. Personal items are limited to our carry-on luggage, which for me means just one change of clothes. I am told that there is laundry service in San Lucas. Let’s hope so… or it will be a long week for those around me.
Mission Coordinator, Mike Rudolph, working hard… on his donut.
Stay tuned! While we are in Guatemala, you will see regular updates here and on Facebook — about the mission, its participants and the people we meet. Share our journey!