Does It Do Any Good?

The following expresses the views of one team member, and is not intended to express the views of the team in general.

Good afternoon. We hope that everyone is having a great week, and has some amazing plans for the weekend. With the rain, so many of us have remained busy with yard work, but it has led to a beautiful, green end of summer.

Time is racing forward. And with it, there is much to look forward to. The kids back to school for some, the turning of the calendar to another month, another season, and another year. Won't be long before the nights turn brisk and that white stuff will be falling yet again. Time to recharge and regroup, and prepare for the turning to yet another January and another year, with its bright hopes and rosy outlooks. And for our team, the return to the place that owns our hearts.

We are working on fundraising for this trip, but it is slow. Seems that it is always this way, but maybe a bit more so this year. I read an article the other day, about short-term mission trips. And have you ever read something that instantly seemed like a road-block to you? Well, this is what it was like with this article. See, the comment regarding short term medical missions is that it is like applying a bandaid to a problem. And I guess it wouldn't have been such a statement if I hadn't heard those words from a person very close to me not that long ago. And it got me thinking..is this the truth?

We don't go on our trip with the thought of saving hundreds of lives, or turning a culture around in a few short days. Each trip is building on the past one, learning from it and working to make the next one better. Better with more staff, more supplies, more education, more medicines, and a greater understanding of the culture that these people live in daily. But are we actually doing any good long-term? Are we making a difference? Are we reflecting our Heavenly Father in our actions? Does anyone really even care?

I have spent the last few days rereading the blogs that we have posted. And the single theme that rings through them is...doing what we feel we are called to do, and what we are able to do within our limits. We don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to build schools, clinics, or hospitals. And if we did, we wouldn't have the staff to work in them. We are such a small team, with such limited resources, that we struggle just to pay for a trip. We go with such good intentions, and return feeling a strong connection to the people we have just left behind. But are we just a bandaid to the problem? And are we really doing any good with these trips?

We work hard at fundraising. Sometimes the event is a success, sometimes it is a failure, but we keep working at it. But are we being fair to our families and friends? Do we spend too much time struggling to raise this money, that we leave other important things out of our lives. And how do we address those that totally do not agree with what we are trying to do, even though it is so dear to our hearts. When a friend won't support you in this task, how do you resolve that in your own life. This is helping someone who has nothing, who has little chance of ever having something, and often little chance of surviving in general. I know for me, it causes those heels to dig in, and really stop and think about it all. The battle inside wages over how to setting the fight, and live with whatever the decision is. That is one I am still dealing with.

Every time I log onto social media, there is yet another person or team asking for donations. Many to go to another third-world country to try to help those less fortunate. If a person tried to donate to them all, one would be broke! Yet, without donations, many of these people or teams would not be able to make the trip. So what makes our team different? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. We have goals set, and plans for into the future with our team, yet they probably do too. They have a passion for what they are trying to accomplish, just as we do. They look forward to making an attempt to help others, just as our team does. So how do you stand out from all the others? Well, if I had that answer, we probably wouldn't have so much trouble making our funds. And than wouldn't have to spend so much time away from family and friends. And maybe some of our friends wouldn't be so negative where our team is concerned. The only thing we can do different is to show people what we see while we are down there, what we do while we are down there, how hard we work to fundraise, and what we plan to do in the future. The rest is up to everyone else.

So does it really do any good? I guess that is still to be determined. I don't want to be a bandaid to a problem, I want to be a solution to it. And not one that will happen in 1 trip, or even 10. But one that will eventually make a difference to this country. All I can do is to continue to lean on our Heavenly Father, and try to follow where He directs me. Sometimes that is so very hard, but it really is all that there is. And hopefully others will see and understand, and decide to get involved. And that some day, everyone will stop looking only inside, will look up and will see what is out there, and how they can help to make a change, to make a difference, to make the world a better place to be. And that maybe someday, that bandaid will really be something larger that will circle us all and unite us back into the family that God has always wanted us to be.

Another trip....and what?

We want to start by saying thanks to all who were a part of our trip to Haiti this year. There is no way that we could make this each year without all of our family, friends, and supporters helping us along the way. And now that we have returned, we once again take time to reflect on our trip, what went right, what needs to change, and what else we can do to help those that we have come to care so much about, in a country so far away, sometimes forgotten by others.

We stepped up our team this year, adding one additional team member. For him, it was his first effort in medical missions, and we hope that he will be willing to write a little about his experiences, because the first one is always such an eye opener. Not everyone comes away feeling as if this is right for them, and that is ok. If your heart isn't touched, if you don't desire to return with a force that surprises you, if you don't wake and wonder how to make each trip better, and if you are not humbled by what you see, than this might not be what you are directed to do. Only each person can make that choice, only each person can do what they feel called to do.

Each year, clinics are different, for a variety of reasons. The situation changes, your outlook changes, your feelings change, and what you hear whispered changes. The goal is to take all of these things, to combine them into something which works, and to return to institute the changes, and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others. This year was no different.

We started by having a formula drive. So many of the children in the Carrefour area are malnourished, and so many of the mothers can not produce enough milk to provide the nutrition these babies need. We can't afford to buy a lot of formula, so we did the only thing we could do, turn to social media. We posted for donations of baby formula (powdered) to take with us on the trip. And the people around us didn't let us down! More than 40 cans of formula, some premixed formula, baby cereal, some toddler meals, some diaper rash cream, and some jars of baby food. All presented to Children's Health Ministries to help supplement their supplies, and to make a difference in these little lives. So to all who donated, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

But the trip is over, and we have returned. Returned to our lives where we are surrounded by the comforts lacking while we were gone. We can turn on the lights and not worry about the (solar) batteries running down. We can flip on the faucets and drink from the tap, not worrying about getting sick from parasites that might be in the water supply. We can sit around in our houses with the air conditioning running, and not sweat while watching the television. And we can take a hot shower without having to turn the water on and off, because we don't worry about the water running dry. Hot coffee, iced tea, cold water, milk, or juice. Oh ice! Such a simple thing, but so rare in a land where the temperatures rarely dropped below 80, and often were in the mid-90's.

And as I sit here thinking of all of this, I also reflect on what we left behind. Of the people we saw, of the lives we touched. Of what we were able to accomplish, and of what is left undone. And as always, I reflect on whether we are doing any good at all. Do we do these trips for the right reasons? Are we trying to make ourselves feel better? Or are we bringing temporary hope to a land where often there is none? Would our efforts be better served somewhere else, in doing something different, or by just donating the money to another charity and letting them worry about others in need? Sometimes my head tells me one thing, sometimes another. But my heart always leads me one direction. But is it the right direction? And is it something that I should continue doing? Or should I just let it go and go on to the "next big project in my life?" Does this take too much time away from my family, from my other projects, or from my life in general? Sometimes it is hard to decide what to do, which path to walk down, which way is right.

Our team has grown over the last few years. And in doing so, it gets more costly to send our team to Haiti. This means more fundraising, more events, more presentations, more thought and worry. Not to mention the recordkeeping! To try to promote our team on social media, on our website, and in our blog posts. These all also take away from life in general, time where we could be visiting with family and friends, sitting under the stars, watching a baseball game, or sitting around a fire at night. So much to think about. So many questions. So many decisions to make. Trying to know what is best is a hard task at times, so hard.

During this writing, I keep changing from I to we...there is a reason for that. These thoughts written here are mine and mine alone. But without the other members of my team, I am nothing. I can't do this alone, and wouldn't even try. No one is more important than the next person on the team. We succeed, we fail, we do it as a team. I don't make a difference, WE make a difference. For those that feel it in their hearts and souls, it will always be a WE.

We have started talking about another trip, but what would be the point? Would it make a difference in lives? Did this one? Everyone has to make that decision, and whether they will continue. We have been blessed to be a part of this medical effort, in conjuncture with International Medical Aid. With each person doing what they do best. They handle the logistics, we bring the muscle. And together we classify the clinics a success. But were they?

During the clinics, one thing became very clear. There is a need for education. In eating habits, in hygiene, in controlling chronic disease processes. We know this is a long-term plan, one that won't be accomplished in a single trip, or even in a few. But as healthcare providers, are we not suppose to try to make the attempts to educate. And by education, the future becomes better. And eventually things will improve for the next generation. So what is our plan? Only time will tell. See, told you there were a lot of decisions to make. But we know that God will lead us where we need to follow, of that I have no doubts.

And as for this trip, did we make a difference? There were not massive amounts of high fevers to treat. We didn't see a thousand patients. We didn't have a trauma patient come in, nor did we make any earth-shattering discoveries while there. We saw regular patients, with regular problems. High blood pressures, skin irritations, coughs, worms, malnutrition. So this was another trip, and what difference did we make? What life did we touch? What good did we do? If there was one person who experienced a difference for us being there, the trip was a success. The prayers over sick babies that one of the Pastor recited, the blessings that were given to the parents as well as the child. The knowing that someone cared for them, and that God is so aware of their pain and trials. And for one little girl, another chance at life. A child who, even though not out of the woods yet by a long shot, has a fighting chance because this clinic happened. Who would probably be dead now without God's intervention which brought her to us those days. And who remains surrounded by the prayers of thousands, that she will continue to improve and grow up into a beautiful young lady. And who we know will always be surrounded by God's love and His angels.

So will there be another trip? For this team member, the answer is a resounding yes. All the hard work, the worry, the efforts...they are all worth it. To make a difference in one life, to touch the lives of others, to remind them, and ourselves, that God is always in charge of what happens. To make new friends and to renew old friendships. And the prayer that some day, these trips will no longer be necessary. And that the families will have all the things they need to survive, and the added things we enjoy which make our lives so much fuller. To God is the glory, and to Him I thank for all He has given.-Sharon

Never Doubt

Seems so hard to believe, but 3 weeks from right now, we will be sitting in our house in Haiti, preparing for our first day of clinic. So many memories of previous trips, and so many feelings of wonder. For several of us, it will be a renewal of old friendships. Seeing those people who make our time in Haiti very enjoyable. Catching up on their lives, and working again with them like we had never left. For one team member, this will be a lot of firsts. First time flying! First time out of the country. First time on a mission trip. And the first time not having all the technology we are so used to right at our fingertips. Oh how spoiled we often are! Because this is "down and dirty nursing." This is "Florence Nightingale" nursing. This is using only your head, your heart, and your hands to care for people. It really gives you a chance to see what you are truly made of. And it gives you the chance to really make a difference in the lives of others. And that is why we keep going back!!

Seems, in some ways, that we just got back yesterday. And in others, we have been gone a long time. We have been fundraising almost since we return, and have been able to fund our trip for this year. We will admit, we are already working on ideas to raise the money for next year's trip...and don't tell anyone, but for the 2017 trip as well. Wait...tell everyone you know!!!! We never started this to be a one-time thing, and have looked to the future..and know what we must do. And so, even as we are preparing for this year, we are preparing for several years in the future. And for projects close to home, as well.

As we have talked about before, we in this country are really blessed in our lives. We don't often know true hardship, true hunger, that not knowing where you will be living or even if you will be living next week, next month, or next year. We often take for granted the little things in life, and focus on those things that, in the long run, will not even matter. Being able to wake in your own house, surrounded by family, and knowing that tomorrow that will happen again, and next week as well. And that there will be food on the table to eat, safe water to drink, and a future that is generally bright. But for many people, this is a dream that they have, and one that might never be lived. And this is especially true for the littlest ones, the ones with no choice, no voice, and often no hope.

One of the organizations we partner with works closely with the youngest and most fragile population in Carrefour, Haiti. And one thing that they see is hunger. Mothers unable to feed their babies. Babies not receiving enough nutrition. Babies literally dying of hunger. And our team wondered what we could do about that. Formula was the answer. But, anyone who has purchased baby formula knows how expensive it is, and that seemed so far out of our reach.

We worried about how to help with this situation. We talked, we thought, we prayed, and we thought some more. So we did the only thing we could do. We turned to Facebook, and sent out a plea to others. For those with access to formula that they were not using. To see if anyone would be interested in donating a few cans that we could take with us, to help feed the hungry babies. No baby should ever starve to death. And images of Ode came back to us. And we prayed some more.

Were we able to get a few cans donated? Nope. We received more than 30 cans of formula donated. All types, all brands, many sample cans. All ready to feed the hungry babies. And we have word that more is coming. More that can make a difference, more that can save lives. To say we have been over-whelmed with emotions is an understatement. We never expected to see this outpouring from our small community. And feel even more blessed to be living in our small part of the country, where people are willing to help others, even those they will never meet.

So as we continue to prepare for our trip, there are many parts we are still not sure of. Some questions we haven't had answered yet. Some continued wondering of how things will go. But there is one thing we are absolutely sure of....we will NEVER DOUBT the amazing things that our Heavenly Father can do. He has guided us to this point, and He will not leave us now. He is the reason so many people responded. Because He whispered in the ears of those amazing people to help out. Because He has a plan, and through us, that plan will be accomplished.

So the next time you have worries, concerns, trials, or tears, NEVER DOUBT that He is with you, and that He loves you. He will never leave you, nor will He ever stop loving you. Of that, you can be sure, and of that NEVER DOUBT.

Getting Closer!

Good morning to everyone out there! We hope that you have some outside plans for this weekend, because it is shaping up to be a beautiful day. Spring has sprung, and the trees and flowers are starting to show it. Buds forming, the grass is greening, and the air has a fresh kiss early in the morning. What better way to show God's love for us than the rebirth of the season. Everything is new, and it puts your thoughts to what can be accomplished in the following year.

We are less than 10 weeks away from our departure back to Carrefour, Haiti. 10 weeks! Wow, where has the time gone. But we are so anxious to get back down there, to renew old acquaintances, and to make new. And to introduce Dustin to what drives us so much. We pray that his experience will equal ours, and that he will strive to return with us yet again.

It has been a long winter, but it has been productive. We have done several events to try to introduce ourselves to the community, and to try to raise funds for our trip. We have done several presentations over the last 10 months, all which have been well received. We think that we have opened eyes to the problems that are there, and a way that we can help this nation get back on its feet. We would love to see the day when we can return to Haiti for a "vacation," where we can explore the beauty this country has to offer. But as long as there are people in need, children who are starving, people who can not obtain healthcare, and where there is such a large portion of the population in need, we pray to return each year to continue what we have started.

We recently held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. We were honored to have the support of a couple of local churches helping us out. These wonderful ladies did the cooking and serving. The youth groups carried the plates to the tables, cleaned, and refilled coffee cups when needed. One young man even played the piano during the dinner, and it was absolutely wonderful. So to them, a huge THANK YOU!

We have a 5K run coming up in 2 weeks. We have been working hard to get this going, and hope it is well received enough to be able to repeat it again next year. Getting the chance to combine our efforts with the benefits of exercise and enjoying the day that God has given us. So much to be thankful for.

But is there another reason that we do this? The main one is the whisper that we have all heard in our ears. The one to help each other, to do good for others, to try to make lives better. Do you have to go to a third world country to do this? Absolutely not. There are needs here, in our state, even in our county. And we are working hard to be able to start doing things locally as well. Need knows no season, no area, and no age. But we had to start somewhere, and we choose Haiti. And we know that, as we spread the message to others, they will start to see, and than start to help. And that is when the change will happen. When we all start doing what we are suppose to do, to help.

Recently, in talking to a friend, the comment was made that people are still saying that they don't understand why we are spending the time and money to go to Haiti, that there are needy people right here. We thought about that, we have been thinking about that a lot over the last few years, and we know that there is. And we hope to be able to help.

So I challenge you this. We offer people the chance to help in what we are doing. We have never forced anyone to help. If you don't want to buy anything we are selling, you don't want to come to the dinners, you don't want to participate in the runs, that is fine, that is your right. But my challenge to you is this: What are you doing to help? Who have you given to this week, or this month? What have you done without to give to others? What organization are you supporting with your means? Where are you making a difference in the lives of others outside of your own family? Everyone has to follow their own heart. If your heart isn't with ours, that is fine. But please, find what is in your heart and help. Do what has been whispered in your ear, and reach out to help others. Just Do Something to make other lives better. Reach a hand out to help others up. Make your life an example for others to follow, and than lead the example. You decide which direction it goes. Make it the right one.

Its Beginning To Look Like A New Year

A few more hours and it will be 2015, and where has the year gone? Seems like the time has just flown by. Sometimes don't you wish that things would just slow down a bit? But the world turns and time moves on, and each year rolls into the next.

For our team, this has been an amazing year. We organized, worked hard at our last medical mission trip, seeing more than 900 patients in the few day we were there. We worked at fundraising, doing several different events to earn money towards our goals. We worked at a lot of paperwork, and achieved our 501(c)(3) status. And our work has only begun.

2015 will present us with more opportunities to try to make a difference. Our next trip is scheduled for May, which is only 5 months away! In addition to our returning team members, we have 2 people very serious about joining us. Another is a maybe. And a few more are considering it. Wouldn't it be incredible to take a team of 10 or more? Think of the number of people we could help. But God knows what we need to do, and He will provide the crew. He always does.

We have talked about long term goals, about what we would like to be able to do later in the year. About fundraisers we plan to do, hope to do, and need to do to help raise the money necessary to achieve our goals. About events we hope to do in 2016, which we can hopefully repeat each year. About plans we have that will hopefully bring in more funds, so there will be more available to us to be able to help others.

Will it ever be enough? To that we ask these questions. Will need finally disappear? Will the children in Haiti have enough to eat, have clean water to drink, and have medicines to help heal their bodies? Will children here in this country have a safe home, clothes to wear, and be able to enjoy their childhood? Will children everywhere be able to sit down to the table, and find that there is plenty of good food to eat? We look forward to that day! When all children know love and happiness, have a safe home and plenty to eat. But until that day, than the answer is no, it will never be enough. And as long as we have the ability, we will continue to strive to earn as much as possible, and to be able to help as much as possible. We can't save them all, but we will work to save as many as possible. And with the help of our Heavenly Father, we will make a difference.

Our Team Pushes Forward

Sitting here, working on the website, gives the perfect opportunity to reflect on what we have been doing since our last trip. And taking the chance to look ahead to the future, to the trips yet to take, to the people yet to be introduced to the cause which touches our heart so, and to those who have a need for what we can do. Sometimes it can make the brain hurt! But it always makes the heart more open, knowing that this is a calling to do for others, to help repay the great gifts which we have been given, and to try to make the world just a little bit better than it was yesterday.

We have been very excited to learn that our team has been granted our 501(c)(3) status. For us, we can now look towards other resources for our funds. We can issue donation receipts to people who support our organization financially. And we can plan for more activities in which we can hopefully help others and start to make that change everyone needs to start down a better path, a better life. A hand up, to show others that they do mean something in this world. And hopefully inspire others to help as well.

This time of the year, thoughts always come back to family, friends, and the blessings we have received. As we decorate the tree, and plan the fun activities, let us not forget the real meaning of the day, the birth of our Savior. And let us remember His teachings, and how we are suppose to help others less fortunate. Facebook has become such a way of life, both good and bad. But recently, I saw a "friend" post that, in memory of his departed and current puppies, instead of sending out cards which would just be thrown away, he was donating dog food and treats to animal controls, so that the "unwanted" babies would know they are special. What a wonderful idea! Maybe instead of buying more "stuff" that will be tossed, think about donating to the food pantry, a women's shelter, or an organization that is doing good in the world. Make the dollars count for so much more, for someone with so much less. And...you don't have to wrap it!!!!

We have been working hard on fundraising. None of us are rich, much as we would like to be. And money is tight for everyone. So we have struggled to find ways of making money while providing something to the person who is donating. And to do things different than everyone else, so that we are not just one in the crowd, but one a little bit different. And doesn't that really describe us? We are different, each unique in what we bring to this team. We each have our own reason to belong to this amazing team we have created. Each different and very special to the person. And each person brings a unique personality and a different "resource" that together binds us in our goal. Whether working on a fundraising event, planning a trip, working on the website, or even making products to sell, each member of this team has heard the whisper to Do Something! It is easy to always talk about change needing to be done, easy to wait for others to start the process. Even easier to sit back and say "why bother?" Too easy, sometimes. But for the members of this team, we know that change will only happen with us. Change in the world, and change in our own hearts. Now is the time, today is the day, and the future is just ahead of us. And with our Heavenly Father, we can make a difference, we can Do Something! And we can start the process of changing the world, one person at a time.

Life Changes, We All Move On

The last few mornings, it is really apparent that winter is pushing her way into our lives. The frost on the ground, the temperatures into the 20's at night, the wind whipping around and bringing to mind the snow falling onto the ground (not yet, but soon!) And now, the "fall back" of the time, where it will be darker earlier in the evening, and bringing home that winter is here. But not all is bad about winter, not at all.

We look forward to gathering with our families, of celebrating the holidays, of the times spent together. And of celebrating the birth of Jesus, and the knowledge that only through Him can we have everlasting life. Through Him we know our Heavenly Father, and His love for us. And His plan for our lives. Yes, there is a plan, we just don't know it yet. And if we don't listen, we never will.

Life changes, everyday. For team member Tiffany, it has changed in a wonderful way. Tiffany married her life partner, the one that was sent for her. You have to know Tiffany to know why we are so happy for her. She is one of those people that just has the biggest heart, and cares for so many people. And in the process, she gets her heart stepped on and broken. But she continues to care for others, and is the person that she is. And now she has found a love which will last a lifetime. She married a man who is supportive of her, and her dreams. She has gained another son, to join her own 2 children, and has a new extension of family that she loves. We are so proud to call her team member, we are so proud to call her friend. And we wish only the best for her in this next stage of her life.

Life changes for this team as well, but we hope in a good direction. We grow stronger as a team, as each day brings us closer to returning to Haiti, and seeing the faces of our friends again. We have a strong alliance in Haiti, which makes these trips easier. We have a strong alliance here in the states with International Medical Aid, which unites with us for our trips to Haiti. And we know the faces of the ones we will be treating, even if we haven't seen them before. They are the faces of those with little hope for the future. Their lives change as well, and often not for the better. Their hearts are full of love, while their stomachs are empty of food, and their bodies are not optimized to prevent disease. And some won't see next year, some won't see next month, some might not even see tomorrow. A very sad thought when we are looking forward to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

We learned from our last trip that we can't save them all. We can only save the ones that we can. So we continue to strive to do that very thing. We have a goal in front of us, and we continue to push towards that goal. And just when it seems that things are getting harder, we have something happen which shows us that God truly is in charge. And His blessings are all around us. And He will provide, even if it is from an unexpected source.

We did a presentation to a local organization, the Jaycees. They are people we know and we know how hard they work towards local, community events and projects. And they did something unexpected, and hosted a BBQ, with our team as the receiver of the proceeds. We did an interview at a local television station. A few weeks later, we received a call that they had something for us. Little did we expect it to be a check. They had hosted an employee dinner and took up a collection, to give to us. They were so moved by what we were doing, that they donated to our cause. What a blessing both of these has been to our team. For others to recognize the importance of what we are trying to do, and the lives we are hoping to make better.

As life changes, we just don't know where we will be in the future. Things can change in the blink of an eye, and we alter our lives forever. People move on with their lives: they move, they get married, they change jobs, they have children. We all move on with our lives. But what we each strive to do is to make each day a new beginning. To spread the word about the work that remains. To let people know about others that are in need. To save the lives of those that we can save.

I would to challenge each of you that is reading this: this holiday season, take some extra time to be thankful for the blessings that you receive. And to really look at those that are raising money to help the less fortunate. Drop an extra dollar into the kettle. Buy an extra sandwich at the fundraiser. Purchase an extra raffle ticket from that organization. Buy a pie to take home from that bake sale. Purchase a scarf or a quilt from that team that does good. Chip in a pair of shoes or a coat to help keep a child warm this winter. You CAN make a difference in the lives of others. You CAN be the difference between living and surviving. You CAN let your Heavenly Father's love shine through you. Life changes and we all move on...let us strive to move towards a better world where all can celebrate life, love, and a future worth looking towards.