“Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and truth.” (I John 3:18)
A mission trip is an expression of Christian love. On June 7, a group made up of St. Mark's parishioners, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and St. Joseph's Hospital will set out to do medical mission work in a rural community outside Santa Barbara, Honduras. We have a comprehensive team - medical, lay, and clerical - and we have gathered as much medical supplies as we can. While we have been given some insights as to what medical problems we may face, we have tried to prepare as comprehensively as possible.
In Honduras, according to the UN, 23.8% of the population lives on less than $1 a day. Another 44.4% lives on less than $2 a day - this is extreme poverty. 30.1% of the population receives no regular health care; 83% are un-insured (World Health Organization). The poplation of Honduras accounts for 60% of those in Central America who are living or dying with HIV/AIDS or tuberclulosis (W.H.O.)
R & R
Honduras
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Ok, the group split into three today so as for everyone to get their hearts desire for relaxation. So the following are some of the adventures collectively. This group, PJ, Sara, Aron, Kelli, Christie & Nick all went to Pulhapanzak- a fantastic adventure. 
The fallsI know it's "Krazy" but there we were and suddenly the falls called to us and before we knew it, we just took the plunge! Our pictures will do no justice, but the experience is etched in our minds. "A picture no artist can paint.” Liz and Doris made their way to Copan and explored the ancient Mayan ruins, while Mary Cate, Michelle, Matt, and Paul stayed local, spending time at the market and the hotel pool. I think we all got to see a side of Honduras we haven’t yet seen – it was a wonderful way to spend our last day here.
Our local support members: we could not have done it without them!
From the meeting at the airoport to the packing up, we are so blessed to be in the company of the many fine local people of the towns of San Pedro Sula and Trinidad. They are the most professional group of individuals and we owe them a debt of graditude for thier time and energy. Mucho Blessings! Lets meet them:
Celia Translator
Yury- (Deya) Traductor and student
Kenneth Traductor
Hector Madrid Presbitero
Sury Translator
Salvador Erv cargado Del Templo
Hector Translator
Elvia Translator
Pasar En elporton
Petroria A vetar pacieutes
Mary Secretaria
Who are we?
We are quite a group. We range from 26 years of age to 82, and from 6’6’’ to 5’1’’. We are Episcopalian, Catholic, and “other,” and our political beliefs span the spectrum. 
Sunrise over San Pedro SulaSome of us claim St. Mark’s as our home parish, while others do not. But one thing I know for sure, and that is that whoever we were when we arrived in Honduras, we are different now. How could we not be? 
Michelle treating a patientWe’ve traveled thousands of miles to get here; we ran a medical clinic and treated over 350 patients in four days of work (well, three-and-a-half, really). We’ve been greeted with the most open of arms by a small community that uses a beautiful yet run-down church as it’s epicenter, and we’ve seen levels of poverty that just don’t exist in the U.S. 
The church in TrinidadAnd so we did the only thing imaginable – we came together as a team and did our best to leave this place a little better than how we found it. What a privileged group we are.
Our best for last
We sure went out with a bang. It was by far the hottest day of our trip, and we were all fighting exhaustion as we arrived at Trinidad a little before 9 this morning. There were already 50 people waiting for us, and they were some of the hardest and most involved patients we’ve had yet. In addition to the usual parasitic infections and vitamin needs, we encountered severe dehydration, an infant with a defect that prohibited him from passing his stools, and a young lady who had attempted suicide and was living with an abusive husband. That women was especially difficult for us – it took the skills of our Deacon and the dedication of Padre Hector to assure her safety. We saw nearly 70 patients by lunchtime, and we were well over 100 for the day.
And it’s an especially good thing our boxes arrived, because in them was our equipment to start an IV for fluid resuscitation. This was particularly important to me (P.J.), because during lunch break it was the overwhelming opinion of our medical staff that I needed some IV fluids. Apparently in the chaos of the day, I forgot to hydrate, and I suffered the consequences. I am blessed to have traveled with an astute, caring, and capable group of professions.
We left Trinidad today infinitely richer for our time there, and the locals who helped us made sure that we knew their gratitude for our work. Hugs, kisses, and the promises of a return visit made our departure a moving one.
We are taking the day off tomorrow to explore some of the country of Honduras. It is an amazing place with a beautiful people – I can’t wait to see some of it.
(Sorry about there being no pictures - the internet is being funny; more later!)
Final push
It’s hard to believe, but we’re about to set off for our forth and final day of work at our clinic in Trinidad. We’re exhausted, I know, but I find the work we do equally energizing and inspiring.
Matt questioning a patient
Last evening, Deacon Paul read to us the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes – while at first there seemed like there was not enough food, suddenly there was ample food, and then so much that there were leftovers. When we were packing for this trip, we kept asking ourselves if we had enough medications and supplies. 
Amy examining a patientAnd then when our boxes got held up in customs, we had to purchase some things in order to keep us going. Then our shipments all arrived – a good thing, as we have already consumed much of them. But there will be leftovers. We’ve already arranged with the Rector of the church in Trinidad, Padre Hector, to take some of them to a local Episcopal clinic – and I’m sure he’ll gladly take the rest.
Liz taking a blood pressure
So off we go!