Our family just celebrated our 6-month anniversary since loading the U-Haul to move as medical missionaries to Mexico’s Copper Canyon! We wouldn’t be where we are today without God’s grace and the support and encouragement of our friends and family. Here are 6 things we’re thankful for looking back:

1. In September, we launched our hospital’s first ever pediatric malnutrition treatment program and children’s backpack project! Over 100 backpacks have been donated to help malnourished children and their families- many thanks to those of you who contributed to the project!

2. We’re making progress learning the Tarahumara language- Jessee’s favorite Tarahumara word as a pediatrician is “Cho’mala” meaning nose. It’s taken from the root word for snot “Cho’má” so it literally means “the snotter.” How appropriate!

3. Our surgery services are expanding with the addition of endoscopy (a first in the Copper Canyon), and Willy is enjoying training local scrub techs.

4. Lucy is adjusting well and loves playing with her Mexican and Tarahumara friends. She especially likes mango popsicles covered in chili powder.

5. We are mentoring 3 Mexican medical residents and are enjoying training the nursing staff. We recently taught the Pediatric Acute Life Support course, and our hospital team used these skills to help save the life of a 1-year-old Tarahumara baby in respiratory failure.

6. In January and February, we had the opportunity to participate in medical outreaches to 2 villages, offering surgical and pediatric care. A big answer to prayer was receiving a Jeep (pictured below) which allows us to travel to these remote communities.

From our family and our Tarahumara friends, thank you for your prayers and support!

The Bustinzas