But, You're Not a Doctor

About the beginning of October of last year {2012} a member of my church announced that there would be a medical mission trip traveling to Haiti around the beginning of 2013. There were spots for 10 members, but for the most part, from what I interpreted, would be filled with medical professionals. So, I decided to join the Facebook group for this mission trip and I expressed a "like" on some of the group posts. There was one informational meeting on a Sunday afternoon after church for those interested in this mission trip. I was planning to attend, but I spoke to a couple people on my way there and they explained that it was mostly for medical professionals, so I didn't attend. I was bummed, but at the time, I was still trying to put my life back together from the crazy, rough months I had prior to October, as well as working on my Comp. Exam to finish my master's degree. 

Almost out of the blue, the next day, I decide to check my Facebook messages. I'm not exactly sure why, but I went to my 'other' messages. The 'other' messages that don't ever notify me since they come from a Facebook group. The message was from the head leader of the this mission trip asking me what my interest level for this mission trip and if I would like to go, there was a spot for me. I was immediately in shock. There was no way I was going to let this amazing opportunity pass by, so I quickly responded with a "Yes! I'm very interested!" I also apologized for the delayed response... as in a day. {Yes, I'm usually a quick responder to social media, in general}

We have had three group meetings, thus far, and our first meeting with the entire group of 10 this past weekend. It was great to meet everyone on the team prior to departure! Our main purpose in Haiti is to provide dental care to the Haitian patients through the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission {UMVIM}. Our mission site will be on a very small fisherman's island called lle de la Gonave. This will be the first time these patients have ever seen a dentist. We will also find simple ways to spread dental care and hygiene while patients wait in line {i.e. create a song in Haitian creole about brushing your teeth}. While our dentist and other medical professionals are working with patients, we will also be training local Haitians in the medical/dentistry field, which will create more jobs for their economy! I cannot wait to have this experience!

"But... you're not a doctor!!" - That's right. I'm definitely not a doctor {very far from it, actually}, but I know how to capture moments with a camera that tells a story. I know that this mission experience will entail many stories and memories. So, along with several tasks I'll have as a lay member on this mission, my main one will be the photographer!

I've already started packing!! With my Africa experience under my belt, the preparation has been a breeze having all the needed vaccinations complete and out of the way. So, here are some of the items I've already gathered:

My battery-operated portable fan, small quantities of toiletry items {including dry shampoo}, cleaning wipes, cocoon sack and travel wallet... Oh, and let's not forget Malarone {Malaria medication}! 

Scrubs! {Yes, I'm a little excited that I get to wear scrubs!}

 God works in mysterious ways... I know, I know... this is nothing new, but His timing really is His own and it's perfect, always. When this opportunity came along, I was so focused on graduating, I was destined to find a job in my dream location. I had two pending positions in my dream location that I was hoping to receive an interview, but resulted in...{well... let's just say I'm still searching for other opportunities}. This opportunity came to me almost as if God wrote it on a note and slid it to me under my door. Like I explained earlier, it was almost like I found our head leader's message to me by coincidence and I think it's totally awesome. It's like He knew I needed a trip like this to do His work to not only help others, but to put things in perspective in my own life. 

"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." - Proverb's 19:21

"No-one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see." - Corrie ten Boom

"Travel Light; Live Light; Spread the Light; Be the Light." - Matthew 5:14

"We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls." - Anais Nin

I cannot wait to share my experience and pictures once I return! 
Stay tuned!

Love.