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Project Discussions:  Sharing my Community Service Project  |
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AussieChick
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Cindy
Esk
Queensland
Australia
68 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 14 2024 : 3:21:14 PM
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When contemplating a way that I could give back to the community, I wanted to find an organisation that could utilize my talents in the healthcare domain. I had always been interested in doing an overseas medical mission after heading a nurse speak at a conference about her experience in Nepal.
The first organisation that I researched was Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS). As a member of the Lutheran church, I would often hear about the projects they were engaged in. “ALWS envisages a world where love comes to life; a world where all people live in just societies; where we are all empowered to achieve our full potential, uphold our rights & the rights of others for a life with peace & dignity; where we are all inspired to remember, welcome & support those who suffer from poverty & injustice.” I had enquired about joining their medical mission team to perform eye surgeries in Cambodia. I went through the application process & joined the team at the end of 2019, only for our mission trip to be cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.
Shortly thereafter, my husband & I moved to the U.S., so I started researching other organisations with a similar vision. I had heard a lot about Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders). They are an organisation that brings medical care to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, & social exclusion. I looked at the application process but, unfortunately, they required a minimum commitment of 9-12 months &, at this stage, I couldn’t afford the time or financial commitment required.
It was then that a good friend & work colleague told me about Health Talents International (HTI). HTI’s mission statement is “to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching & healing ministries”. Their goal is a restoration of health, described biblically as wholeness in mind, spirit, body & social relationships. The work is focused on Guatemala, with outreach to Nicaragua. I joined their surgical mission team for the October 2024 trip to Clinica Ezell. The focus of our trip was gynaecological & general abdominal surgeries. Over the course of the week, we performed 53 surgeries for the rural Mayan & ladino population living in the area. I journalled each day of the trip in a book I had purchased before I left called “A Treasure Seeker’s Travel Guide: A Training, 30-day Acts Devotional, Travel Journal & Debrief Guide” designed for individuals as they embark on missionary work. I had the most incredible experience. We stayed in accommodation on-site, did 8 hour shifts each day, shared meals in a common dining area (we had an amazing team of local cooks & kitchen hands – some who even taught us how to make tortillas on the grill). My journal includes stories of the beautiful people I met each day; the stories of their long suffering with what we might consider a simple medical condition; the stories of their journeys to get to the clinic – usually hours on the back of a motorcycle; & the stories of their lives in this Indigenous community. On the final day of our mission, 10 members of our group joined Rita & Carey (U.S missionaries who now live full time in Guatemala), and we went to help serve meals in a feeding centre for local children. For some of these children, it’s the only meal they will get for the day. Others bring their younger infant siblings swaddled on their backs. They were so grateful for our presence.
This community service opportunity was so incredibly fulfilling. My patients were so affectionate – bestowing us with hugs & blessings as they left the ward. I went to serve & share God’s love with the people of Guatemala, but received so much more in return. So much so that I look forward to returning again in 2025.
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Farmgirl #6058
Farmgirl Sister of the Year 2021
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have". |
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sweettea59
True Blue Farmgirl
1291 Posts
Sherry
Longview
Texas
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2024 : 11:45:13 AM
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| Cindy, what a beautiful picture you have painted for us. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Thank you for doing what you do. Take care. |
Farmgirl Hugs & May all your Wishes come true.
Sherry
Farmgirl #2215 |
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darlenelovesart
True Blue Farmgirl
6121 Posts
darlene
Loleta
California
USA
6121 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2024 : 5:13:27 PM
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Cindy!That is so nice !
Enjoy every moment of it!
Hugs and love!
Merry Christmas!
Darlene |
Farmgirl # 4943
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for what he has done.
Philippians 4:6
Just follow God unquestioningly.
Because you love Him so, for if you trust His judgment there is nothing you need to know.
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quiltee
True Blue Farmgirl
4800 Posts
Linda
Terrell
TX
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2024 : 5:30:10 PM
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Thank you for sharing, Cindi. Medical mission groups such as the one you worked with do very good work.
My husband participated in volunteer medical missions for over 10 years in Honduras and had similar experiences as to how grateful and thankful they were for the help they received for their medical issues. |
Linda B
quiltee
Farmgirl #1919
FGOTM for August, 2015 and April, 2017
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Jokamartell
True Blue Farmgirl
1164 Posts
Karen
Kennewick
WA
USA
1164 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2024 : 4:59:21 PM
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| Cindy, thank you for sharing your experience! :) What amazing stories your must have! :) |
Karen :)
To quote one of my past preschoolers “Not one of those Karens, but a good Karen”! Haha |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
9785 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
9785 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2024 : 05:01:38 AM
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Cindy
What an amazing opportunity you were given to share God's love with those in need. I know after that you will never be the same yourself from touching so many lives. Things like this change us. I am blessed to hear this and to see God using you and your gifts in a special way to meet others needs. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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AussieChick
True Blue Farmgirl
68 Posts
Cindy
Esk
Queensland
Australia
68 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2024 : 2:48:18 PM
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| Denise, you are so right! It is an experience that certainly changes you. I can't really fully describe it, but it's a true blessing. I look forward to returning to Guatemala again in 2025. |
Farmgirl #6058
Farmgirl Sister of the Year 2021
"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have". |
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levisgrammy
Scattered Prairie Hen Honcho
9785 Posts
Denise
Ohio
USA
9785 Posts |
Posted - Dec 18 2024 : 03:35:43 AM
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| That is exciting that you are able to go again this coming year. What a blessing for you and for those who will be helped. I know this changes their lives in a major way. God bless all who will be going. |
Denise~~
Sister #43
"I am a bookaholic with no desire to be cured."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path"
Psalm 119:105
www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
Edited by - levisgrammy on Dec 18 2024 03:36:16 AM |
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StitchinWitch
True Blue Farmgirl
1351 Posts
Judith
Galt
CA
USA
1351 Posts |
Posted - Dec 18 2024 : 12:11:23 PM
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| Cindy -- I think what you are doing is wonderful. The people there are being healed by your work and you are getting to learn about different cultures and make new friends. A blessing for all. |
Judith
7932
Happiness is Homemade
FGOTM 6/21, 6/24 |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
3579 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Dec 19 2024 : 1:09:54 PM
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| Cindy, so happy to hear all about your meaningful trip to Guatemala! It is always rewarding to help others who live harder lives but who also give so much back to everyone. |
Winnie Nielsen #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Girl of the Year 2014-2015 |
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Project Discussions: Sharing my Community Service Project |
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Sharing my Community Service Project
