Hello, faithful prayer partners and supporters! Thank you so much for all of your prayers as I traveled to Honduras this past July! I returned early in August and I am pleased to report that it was a very successful trip. I grew in both my veterinary skills and my desire for the Lord, and forged some incredible relationships with team members.
Our team consisted of six veterinarians, four North American students, three Honduran students, and a myriad of translators, non-veterinary family members, drivers, and our in-country missionary. This team traveled to villages each day and set up spay, neuter, and vaccine clinics for dogs and cats. We also sent a smaller team to vaccinate and deworm large animals, primarily cows and horses. In total, we performed over 100 sterilization surgeries and vaccinated several hundred cattle and a smattering of chickens.
People came out in droves for our clinics, and it was encouraging to see how animal care has improved since we first started coming to this location four years ago. It was powerful to see many of the owners bring towels or tarps for their animals to lay on as they recovered from surgery. The general treatment of the animals was much improved.
I got to assist and perform several surgeries, and the doctors were patient and helpful as the other students and I grew in our confidence. I have a much better grasp of spaying and neutering, which will help me immensely as I continue year two of veterinary school.
Every time I go on these trips, I am inspired to grow in my walk with God. Many of my team members provided words of wisdom through our daily devotional time, and one veterinarian even gave a talk about how to foster a Christian work environment as a practice owner. This was especially helpful to me as I consider what my career will look like after veterinary school.
We passed out Bibles to many Hondurans, and one team member read Bible stories to the kids in each village. I hope that Christ’s love was evident through our actions and attitudes.
Thank you once again for your prayers and support! I feel so blessed to be a part of this fruitful mission again.