amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

snshinenor · 07-06-2008, 02:01 PM

I just returned from a mission in Haiti. It was an humbling experience and though this was my third time going there, each time is like discovering a hidden gem. Our medical clinic saw 1100 patients in 5 days, not counting the surgeries we did. Every person who came through our clinic also received a bag of rice and a bag of beans, not one per family, EVERY person. The poverty, illness & disease, and struggle to survive each day was overwhelming. But among its poverty is a wealth of faith, and a reminder to all of us of the blessings in our lives. Life changing?? Absolutely!!

Here are just a couple of the 1000 photos I came home with...

dudster74 · 07-06-2008, 03:06 PM

Wow!

That is awesome you were able to go! Those people are so blessed to have someone like you.

3Gs4Me · 07-06-2008, 03:24 PM

What an amazing experience and opportunity you have had to go there and be of service.

The pictures are great. I really like the last two. The last little girls eyes are amazing.

hadalamb · 07-06-2008, 04:55 PM

Was this a medical mission only? Or a religious one? It is my strong desire to spend time in Haiti. I'd love to go help in an orphanage. And now I'm a nurse, so a medical trip would be fabulous. I'd love to hear more details about how you do this! Those children are beautiful!

Raffi · 07-06-2008, 08:56 PM

Thats awesome! One of my close friend has spent the last 10 years on and off in Haiti..her parents founded a ministry there.
Your pics are great

snshinenor · 07-07-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hadalamb

Was this a medical mission only? Or a religious one? It is my strong desire to spend time in Haiti. I'd love to go help in an orphanage. And now I'm a nurse, so a medical trip would be fabulous. I'd love to hear more details about how you do this! Those children are beautiful!

This was a medical mission.... It's through Medical Teams International (used to be called Northwest Medical Teams) Medical Teams International: Providing humanitarian relief and development

I became a medical volunteer with them a few years ago. Last year I traveled to Southeast Asia on a medical mission and we had a clinic in an orphanage and in 10 days saw 2000 pts. To me these missions are the most rewarding part of being a nurse. I came home humbled, grounded, and realize that I have nothing to complain about... I am also on the disaster response team with MTI.

I applied with MTI on their website... MTI is based up in Portland OR, but you don't have to live up here in the northwest to be a volunteer with them or on a team. As a volunteer I pay my entire way; time off work, lodging, transportation, airfare, food, you name it. And the costs just depends on where the mission is. MTI has LOTS of medical mission teams, just depends on where you are willing to go.