Today we got the chance to really begin the mission. Patients were seen, children were entertained with games and stories about God, and construction at the church site all took place. The entire team worked hard at it all day, yet we were still smiling at each other by the time we closed up and headed back to the Seagrape to rest. I do not know what I expected from the day, nor do I yet know what to expect out of the rest of the week ahead. But I know that if we work hard, are patient, and share our faith, then only good can come of it. As we worked today in our temporary quarters, we had to improvise and use the materials on hand to make conditions workable and to accomplish our goals. It made me think about the people here in Roatan and how they have to make their lives workable out of the limited resources they have. Just as the buildings and houses here are all pieced together like somewhat of a patchwork quilt, the people are pieced together by what they have. They use what they can to survive and have to go without many times. While our team only has to deal with improvising and substituting for a few brief days to get by, they do this every single day and yet they are the kindest people despite the hardship and the strife. They wait patiently without complaining for medical care and the children are quick to smile and hold our hands. Perhaps by the end of the week this whole experience will turn out to be a new patchwork quilt of sorts- one that is a collaboration of two cultures making a mark on each other. The only way to demonstrate that this is possible is to sign off today by sharing a pic of my new little friend, Elvis, who just so happened to share my love of running and ran circles around myself and Randy at the beach today! Goodnight and ma'na'na (until tomorrow)...