Medical Mission Trip to Guatemala City, Guatemala June 1-8, 2019

In June, Dustin's Dream sent a team of 17 to Guatemala City where they saw approximately 180 patients daily for general health care and dental needs. Additionally, they provided a Vacation Bible School for approximately 100 children each day. They also participated in a time of worship and feeding for the homeless and feeding those living in the settlements. Deondra and several team members share about their experience serving there.

Team members: Cassie Bartlett, JBU Student (Biology), Barbara Billy, Children’s Minister, Ana Castillo, JBU Student/Translator, Danae Chamberlain, Graduate Student/Translator, Deondra Chamberlain, RN, Dr. Scott Clark, Family Practice, Molly Clark, HS Student, Dr. Carl Duncan, Family Practice, Kambryn Duncan, HS Student, Kyler Duncan, College Student (Harding University), Veronica Martinez, Dental Hygienist/Translator, Dr. Trent McCord, Dentist, Brittany Pierce, RN, Cesia Rodriguez, Graduate Nursing Student JBU, Andrea Rollins, RN, Diane Spear, RN, and Tasha Watson, Dental Hygienist

Today as I reflect back on our time in Guatemala during the first week of June, I can only think of gratefulness.  Each visit I am blown away by the gratefulness the people living near the city dump possess and radiate. Whether it be during an encounter with a patient, a conversation in the "prayer circle" while they wait for medications, a home visit, or a feeding in the settlements, they all are so thankful and joyful. By the world's standards, they have very little and are poor; whereas, we might be described as "well-off." However, each trip, I'm reminded that these people are rich - rich with joy, love, and gratitude. It points me back to what is truly most important in life. ​

Someone asked what the highlight of the trip was for me and all I could reply was "which one"? My heart was filled with joy as multiple patients prayed and accepted Christ. Some had never heard about Jesus and what He has done for us. The youngest I had the privilege of telling about Christ was a 12 year old boy who doesn't go to school, because he has to work in the dump in order to make a living for his family. After we shared with him about God, he prayed and asked Christ into his heart. Please pray that the seed sown will continue to grow and that he can impact his community for Christ.  ​

​Another highlight for the DD team was being able to gift a young mother, Micaela, with a full/twin bunkbed. We learned of the need while working at the clinic one day. She is raising three young children, and her husband was tragically killed when she was pregnant with the youngest. Micaela had one broken twin bed at her house. Each night, she and her three children would place their upper bodies across the bed and their feet on chairs as they slept. One of the chairs they had was made with plastic, 2-liter pop bottles. There were many tears of gratefulness shed as Micaela accepted our gift.
There are countless more stories to tell. Ultimately, our team has walked away from this trip in awe of the work the Lord did in our week there. We want to thank you so much for your continued support of Dustin's Dream year after year. You are affecting so many lives for the Kingdom. We could not do it without you! 

Deondra Chamberlain, Dustin's Mother and founder of Dustin's Dream

The first day of clinic, for me, was filled with anticipation and the desire to serve the families living near the dump. Before we opened the doors, we all circled up; the 16 other people on the team, doctors, and translators. Dr. Duncan gave us a “word of the day” in hopes that we all follow in incorporating it into our service. His word for the first day was small but valuable… “love,” he said, “these people want nothing more than to be loved”.

The whole week I had the privilege to work with the kids who came from both the clinic and the school. As soon as they saw us blowing bubbles and handing out chalk, we were bombarded with big hugs and beautiful smiles.

All the children that we interacted with came from such poverty, and it made our service be put into perspective. I learned that making a difference doesn’t have to be making immediate changes, but it can stem from loving others.

​Cassie Bartlett, Dustin's Dream Mission Team Member June 2019

Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Throughout the week I was privileged to serve along side my sister, Deondra, in Guatemala, this verse kept coming to my mind.  It was so encouraging to see how God has used a tragic situation and turned it into something beautiful.  The people we ministered to in Guatemala were some of the most grateful and loving people I've ever taken care of. 

The very first patient I had on Monday morning said her husband had gone to the clinic at 3am that morning to get in line to make sure she could be seen.  It was one of the many instances I realized we take so much for granted her in America.  It was so fulfilling to use my nursing skills helping these people.  Then, to be able to worship with and serve the homeless near the clinic was a blessing.  The joy and the blessings I received from this week was far more rewarding than any earthly pay I could ever get.  While in Guatemala, it was a joy to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Thank you to Dustin's Dream for listening to God's call and continuing Dustin's legacy in Guatemala.  

​Diane Spear, Dustin's Dream Mission Team Member June 2019

This young man came into the prayer room after having a tooth extracted.  I don't remember his name but can not forget his face.  He is 21, the same age as my oldest son.  Aurora interpreted his story to me.  He received Christ when he was younger but became involved in a gang in his teenage years.  During this time he participated in activities unpleasing to God.  During this time he received a gunshot to his face leaving one side of his face paralyzed.  He felt because of his physical and moral condition God did not want him.
I got to share with him the beauty of the gospel and about Christ's unconditional love and forgiveness.  We remembered together the story of the prodigal son.  After praying together his face began to look different.  Despite the numbness from his extraction and paralysis on one side, a smile began to emerge along with a presence of peace.  Isn't he handsome!

Barbara Billy, Dustin's Dream Mission Team Member June 2019

Thank you for supporting and serving with Dustin's Dream! We could not do it without your love, prayers and financial support!