Working in ministry can be a tricky thing.

You have the responsibility to share what is going on with the folks who support and make possible the work.

You also have the responsibility to protect the privacy of whose whom you serve. Anyone working in a medical capacity has this second responsibility doubly so!

Guatemala does not have a law protecting a patient’s rights for maintaining the privacy of medical information.

While this may not set legal obligations, consider- what could destroy relationships faster than anything? A felt or actual breach of trust.

Hence, the “careful photos”.

While these may be vague and not very interesting, they are a safe way to meet one responsibility without failing the other.

This is also why you may have noticed that, although living 4 hours away now, many of my updates still focus on the group homes and their happenings.

There are safe parameters for sharing in this area too, but much more can be shared. Plus, I really do love sharing about the kids!

It is a lot easier to share about happy child development stories than a potentially life threatening complication.

It is a little less complicated to share happenings with our friends in the remote villages around town because, they are friends rather than patients.

Intentional time has been spent here. Relationships have been built.

We talk together, laugh together, and can take photos together within proper context.

The thing is, how to you share updates about medical care at a clinic?

Some stories we ask permission and share. And when a child needs formula, their family is asked permission to share the need so a sponsor can be located.

Of course, everyone loves when their chunky baby gets to be the center of attention and a photo shoot!

But what can’t be shared?

What won’t you see in updates because we love and respect the ladies whom we serve?

You won’t see faces of folks who are struggling and vulnerable after losing their baby.

You won’t see sensitive and uncensored photos of folks who have come in crisis and are afraid of the future presented to them.

You won’t see what would violate the trust we work so hard to establish.

It all depends on the depths of relationships.

You will see moments with babies and friends who come to visit- as they have been asked about photos.

You will see projects and nondescript photos around the clinic.

You will hear stories about victories and struggles with permissions, and with quite vague photo references and details.

It’s easier to share about our kids in the homes because the relationships and limits are well defined.

It is quite a lot harder to learn what can be shared in a clinical context!

So, in light of all that Can’t be shared, Please be assured, God is on the move here.

He is doing powerful things, even when what is happening can’t be shared!

There are powerful moments of prayer, and encouragement. There are victories shared and struggles as well.

With that in mind, here’s to all that can be shared.

Things Like a mother of 8 who came to the clinic form the surrounding mountains.

She was accompanied by her elderly midwife for a better look at how her baby was doing. This same midwife delivered all 8 of our patient’s babies at home!

Laughs were shared, and excitement. Mom was surprised when we recorded her information and informed her that it was her birthday!

And her sweet comadrona shared with us her weaving. This is her constant activity in any situation where she may find herself waiting.

She waves fragile reeds into the strong strands that will make up mats, fans, or other useful tools.

What a lovely moment that CAN be shared!

Mom and baby are doing great by the way.

God is so good!