Thursday, October 11, 2012

More Than 30 Visits



The beautiful palm trees of the islands of Indonesia have greeted me some 30 plus times. I anticipate each trip and look forward to spending time serving alongside the amazing Indonesian staff. I have fond memories of the amazing experiences I have had with hundreds of volunteers who have paid their own way to touch the poorest-of-the-poor. Respect is too small a word to express my feelings for these volunteers.

At the end of this month another team will travel to Indonesia. This team will consist of eleven people from different places in the U.S. The priorities of the team will be primarily medical training and working with the children’s home staff.  The sick and injured come to our clinic to seek free medical or dental care. We are blessed to have medical professionals who volunteer to upgrade the skills and knowledge of our medical staff. The great medical challenges that the poor face are addressed every day by our staff. When a woman comes in sick and finds out she has HIV—our compassionate staff is there to offer her help and answer her questions.

The value of bringing the skilled professionals to our base is just immeasurable. The training alone is so valued in that it can save lives and reduce suffering. I leave soon and will travel with eleven amazing people—I am blessed.