Yesterday was our last full day of work for 2011 at CURE Honduras. We had a busy day of removing lots of casts and making new appointments for after the new year.

Jasmin

It’s always a joy to see the finished result of our patients after a long journey of treatment. We had two of those today, Jasmin and Astrid. Jasmin had nerve damage in her neck and arm, and before her surgery her left arm was practically useless. She wasn’t able to move it from her side. Now you can see that she has strength and can lift it to her face!

Astrid

Astrid was born with undeveloped hands, meaning all of her fingers were connected like a paddle. After multiple surgeries, she now has all of her fingers on both hands, and it was beautiful to watch her thank and hug Dr. Bridgeman for what he has given her. Seriously, that moment was just about the best Christmas gift I could ask for. There’s nothing like the gift of healing!

Today, our last day of work for the year, we only had a few patients in the morning, and we ended the day with a bang! We hit the 11,000 mark for how many patients we’ve seen with the two new babies that came in today, patient numbers 11,000 and 11,001!

Akon

This is little Akon, one of the new patients, an (extremely adorable) two month old who will be having surgery for his undeveloped hands.

This afternoon we celebrated Christmas and finishing another year of work with a great celebration. We had a big lunch feast, and each department of the hospital (O.R, ward, clinic, administration) each put on a Christmas performance. We had some pretty good LAUGHS! I think I work with the funnest and funniest people ever.

And now tomorrow I fly back to cold Pennsylvania to see the snow and my FAMILY! I’ve never ever been so excited to go back home before and see all my family. And I get to meet my new baby nephew, Levi! I’m also looking forward to seeing the snow, which I never thought would happen. Yes, I’m thankful that I can wear shorts and sandals all year round here and that we decorate our palm trees with Christmas lights, but I’m ready to bundle up and see the snow for a bit. The only missing piece will be my sis, Emily, who will be staying in Rwanda. :(  But we know that there is a time and a place for everything, and I’m glad that she will have a great African celebration.

Said goodbye to my dear hospital until next year...

As excited as I am to see my family and friends, there is still the slightest twinge of pain leaving everyone here. I would love to spend the holidays with my Honduran “family,” but we can’t be everywhere at once, and we all have to enjoy each moment to fullest wherever we find ourselves.

I pray that the closing of this year brings back lots of good memories and lessons learned for all of you, and as we think about the new coming year that we will remember to live for what really matters most and for what has lasting impact.

Originally posted at: http://annagracehaas.blogspot.com/2011/12/end-it-with-bang.html.