Archive for the ‘Medical Trips’ Category

A mission well done!!!

10.20.10

On October 2nd the Iaomai Medical team set out on a journey to the Highlands of Guatemala with Helps International. Our team made way to Huehuetenango, Guatemala an area nestled in the valley of the highest mountain range in Central America. Along the way we saw and experienced the fragile conditions left by heavy rains. We witnessed up-close the devastating effects of massive mudslides, eroded out roads with steep drops below, flooded out villages, and those who suffered the consequences of such turmoil. The destruction was apparent and far from being over as the affects from the storm were still unfolding.

Only hours into our trip we saw first hand a massive mud slide that avalanched down onto the road in front of us. Two hours later the roads were still being dug out. In contrast, we also experienced the longest stretch of sun light in Guatemala since May 2010. I was asked about this coincidence and could only respond by saying, “sometimes you just have to put up your hands up and thank God.” God surely blessed us; one of our many prayer requests was for a break in the weather that we would have an entry and exit – we did – thank you God.

Today marks a week that we’ve been back from the incredible mission – “one for the books” as a volunteer put it. God was awesome. He was awesome through all of you and the people we served. It was so impressive seeing all of you in action and the team unity was incredible. We have so much to build upon as we continue to move forward in spreading the love of Christ to the poor through advanced health care.

The Iaomai Medical team included 55 from San Diego, 7 from St. Louis, 5 from Los Angeles, 2 from Little Rock, 1 from Phoenix and 1 from Norfolk – a total of 71. Along the way we added 1 volunteer from Jackson, Mississippi, 1 Canadian, 2 from Lake Tahoe and 10 Guatemalan student translators from the International school in Guatemala City. This brought our team total to 85.

The team experienced many successes during the course of the mission. The team treated a total of 2,054 patients, performed 112 surgical procedures and there were 8 decisions for Christ made (2 of which came from our own team).

Thank you for all of your effort and sacrifice on this trip. I pray God continue to bless each and every one of you. We also want to thank and acknowledge all of those who helped make our trip possible from family support to corporate donors – we thank you.

In His Almighty Love,
Sean

10 Days to Guatemala 2010

09.23.10

As we approach the one week mark all is looking good on the preparation side. We are going with a team of 70 medical and non-medical volunteers from all over. In total we represent 7 countries around the world, 10 states and a number of US cities. All medical supplies have been ordered. We are still waiting for a few supplies to come in so please pray for “on time” deliveries.

Guatemala:

If you have been following the news you may have seen Guatemala pop up a few times. Heavy rains continue to devastate Guatemala which has created more of a need in the area we are going – Huehuetenango. Our trip “has not been compromised.” The roads we travel are safe and secure. We continue to keep a close watch on the conditions. Please keep the weather as well as the community in your prayers.

The Fundraiser:

We want to send a heart felt “Thank You” to all of you for giving us a successful 2-day fundraiser at La Especial Norte in Encinitas. We received tremendous financial and prayer support. We couldn’t do what we do without your continued support and prayers. Thank you.

Do you Tweet?

Follow us on Twitter. Our Twitter account is up and going and we are actively tweeting. We are thrilled that we’ll be able to keep all our family, friends and supporters up-to-date as we prepare, serve and identify places to do medical outreach. We want to share of all the blessings, prayer needs and miracles as they occur.

Thank you again for all your support

Blessings,
Sean

Do Medical Outreach – Guatemala 2010

05.18.10

Count down to Guatemala 2010 – the Highlands of Healing

Can you believe it? In less than 5-months we will be returning to the Mayan Highlands and serve the community of Huehuetenango. I am so excited about our 2010 Helps San Diego Team. We experienced our share of challenges last year; however, we came together and found a way to overcome them. This has built confidence and given us a great deal of energy. On the heals of one of the most successful medical teams I’ve ever been a part of we are poised to make an even greater impact in 2010. Many of you are now veterans, we will rely on your experience. We also have a good mix of new medical missionaries which keeps the balance of freshness and enthusiasm. We all remember our first experience serving; it always seems more dramatic and exciting. But I can assure after 14 years my excitement is richer than ever, I imagine this is true for you as well. I look forward to seeing you on May 22nd @ Sharp Memorial Hospital.

~Sean

2010 Iaomai/Helps Guatemala Medical Meeting Recap:

03.31.10

San Diego Med Team,

It was great seeing all of you and the many new faces at the Guatemala medical meeting on March 20th. The planning is going well. We are on track and hitting our goals. In addition, we have a wonderful team coming together that is very specialized and lean.

A brief recap of the meeting:
We are heading back to the Mayan Highlands on October 2nd, 2010. You can read more about the trip under Where We Serve – Guatemala. Our team size will be approximately 65 to 70 volunteers.

Our medical team specialties will be focused in the following areas:
Surgery: General, GYN, Plastic and Oral
Clinic: PEDs, Women’s Health, Primary Care/Internal Med, Dermatology, Dental & Optometry

Applications have been emailed out; click here if you still need one (the website will be updated soon.) The team is pretty full this year, so please be sure to get your applications in to secure your spot on the team. You’ll be notified once your application has been approved – you can submit your initial deposit after you receive confirmation.

Reminder send all applications and checks to:
Helps International
15301 Dallas Pkwy. Ste. 200
Addison, TX 75001
Or fax 972.386.4294
All checks should include a memo: San Diego (team #1019) – Applicants Name

And the best for last – with much excitement I present the…

2009 Guatemala Team Video

Thank you for all the feedback and compliments regarding the 2009 Team Video. Awesome right!!!…props to Levi and Loida Guevara (my adopted Filipino parents) who put a lot of heart into making the video. From all of us…thank you!!!

If you haven’t seen the 2009 Guatemala Medical Team Video you can view it here.