In July 2006, a medical mission team from Trinity Baptist Church and Faith Baptist Church left Searcy for El Triunfo, Honduras. This was a follow-up mission trip from the previous April in which a team led by Pastor Tim Smith held a crusade in El Triunfo. As a result, relationships were formed with area pastors and plans set in place for the four day medical clinic. Over those four days, the thirteen member team saw over 1200 people with various medical needs. But one little girl stood out among those 1200, and this is her story.

Norma Natalia Huete Martinez, aka “Nati”, arrived at the clinic with her mother and two older sisters. Her mother knew Nati had a heart condition but nothing could be done at the clinic for her. But after talking with the physician it was learned that they had a video cassette of an echo of Nati’s heart. Her mother brought that to the physician who in turn brought it back to Searcy.

If you have ever been on a mission trip before, you understand how it is so easy to get back into the hustle and bustle of your life and put good intentions on the proverbial back burner. But that was not the case this time! This physician had such a burden on his heart for Nati’s situation. He made numerous phone calls and contacts to work out a way to bring her here. That led him to a fellow Searcy physician who had tried in the past to get help for a Honduran child. Then God worked His plan. With the help of Helping Hands for Honduras, American Airlines, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a date was set for Nati’s trip to the US.

On the night of November 10th, Nati and her father Santiago arrived at Little Rock Airport with only a backpack, to a crowd of 14 Searcians with welcome signs and a big stuffed dog. Thankfully we had a translator who introduced everyone. They were tired and overwhelmed but mostly apprehensive for what lie ahead. You see, this was quite a leap of faith for Santiago. He left his country, his pregnant wife, and his two daughters to come to a foreign country with a very sick daughter, not knowing the language or what could be done to save her life. Also, as a result of this trip he lost his job, which was huge considering the unemployment rate is over 60% in Honduras.

We traveled “home” to Searcy and got Nati and Santiago checked into a motel. He wanted to call and let his wife know they had arrived safely. However, he got a surprise. About the time their plane landed, his wife delivered a healthy baby boy – Santiago Jose Huete Martinez.

This was turning out to be quite a day! Nati got her first tub bath and long, warm PJs. The rest of the weekend was a flurry of activity with trying new foods and attending church services.

On Monday, November 13th, Nati went for her first appointment at Children’s Hospital. She met with the cardiologist and the dentist. Her diagnosis was a mix of total pulmonary vein anomaly and atrial septal defect. She would also have to have extensive dental work to eliminate possible infection. The next day Nati underwent major dental work with 4 extractions and 9 crowns. Then 3 days later she underwent cardiac surgery. There was a strong support team from Searcy with Santiago and even though a language barrier existed for some, he knew he was surrounded by people who loved him and were lifting Nati up in prayer. After a 4 hour surgery, the nurse announced the great news – Nati was doing great! Her levels were adjusting quicker than expected and her heart was operating like a charm!

Miraculously, Nati was discharged and came home to Searcy just 5 days later, in time to celebrate Thanksgiving! She looked like a different child! Santiago and Nati stayed with a family in Searcy during her recovery and experienced the true meaning of fellowship. Everyday Nati grew stronger. And her hold on all of our hearts grew stronger. Nati celebrated her 4th birthday on November 30th with a big birthday party, complete with cake, ice cream, and lots of presents!

During the month of December, Nati and Santiago were able to get out and enjoy Searcy. There were trips to Walmart. Nati got a special haircut. They got to experience all kinds of new food. And of course, there were Searcy’s Christmas lights. They got to visit church services and attend a Christmas cantata. There were even play dates with special friends. Most of all they got to experience an incredible outpouring of love and support. During December Nati went back to Children’s for a dental check-up and a final cardiac evaluation. She was given a clean bill of health with no further medications needed. Santiago packed all of their new belongings – they certainly wouldn’t fit in a backpack! On December 18th, just 6 weeks after arriving, Santiago and Nati left their adoptive home of Searcy to head back to Honduras. This would be the first time Nati’s mother had ever seen her healthy! After a long flight and a night in Miami, they arrived safely with many stories and tons of photos to share with everyone in El Triunfo.

You may have wondered why no specific names were mentioned in this article since there were so many people involved. There was one common sentiment that everyone privileged to be involved in this adventure shared: that God and God alone would get all of the glory and honor and praise for this miracle. Every detail was taken care of and every need provided by His mighty hand! We are so blessed to serve an awesome God! Even with all of the major issues in this world, He saw a little girl with a broken heart in a small village in Honduras and used the people in a small town in Arkansas as His vessels!

Update: I spoke with Santiago and Nati on January 9th, and they are doing well! Nati is playing and everyone is amazed at her recovery. Baby Jose is growing fatter everyday! Santiago has asked that his Searcy family remember him in their prayers as he continues to look for employment.

Helping Hands for Honduras - Arranged visa and flight.