When I was 12 I was told by a church elder that I would one day be in the missions field. This past trip, I was able to live that prophecy. Peru was nothing short of life changing experience.
Being in the medical field in a different country you don’t know what to expect. We helped over 450 people in 4 1/2 days. From common colds and dog bites to pneumonia and pregnancies, we saw it all. I was able to see the various gifts all the medical team had. From medical to dental. The team was composed of rock stars young and “not so young.” We all came to work, and work we did! The people in Peru came walking from all around to see “the American medical staff.” We would get there and see a line waiting for us. They waited hours without complaints and never got mad when we asked them to return another day. The hundreds of people we treated were so accepting to all of us. The love I felt from these people was astounding. The hugs, the smiles, and all the gratification brought me to tears on a daily basis.
I started my career in pediatrics which is where my heart will always remain. The children in Peru touched me like no other. Their willingness to take certain meds on the spot then hug you and tell you you’re their angel was so sweet. Watching them during kids programming and hearing their prayers, their laughter, their happiness touched my heart. Some of them came in dirty, with old worn clothes, hair a mess, and some had never seen a toothbrush. But their joy was so pure. I saw firsthand the meaning of child like faith.
By the end of the week we were exhausted. We all suffered altitude sickness, a cold, the flu, something. Every medical team member had been hit….. but that didn’t stop us. We all held each other up, kept each other going. Using old family remedies and new found Peruvian remedies, we persevered and made it through. The altitude is definitely not for the weak, and this trip made each one of us stronger. The heartfelt memories and friends made with the team are priceless.
We ended our trip with Machu Picchu. By far one of the most amazing sites to experience in person. You become mesmerized in its beauty. Going with the team to Machu Picchu was the cherry on top!
This trip gave me a new found appreciation for the people in Peru. The medical needs there are great. Prayers for Pastor George, his family, the church, and the people are definitely needed.
I am so grateful for East Side and the small yet powerful impact we have made in Peru.
I was asked if I would go again and my response was “where do I sign up.”
Being in the medical field in a different country you don’t know what to expect. We helped over 450 people in 4 1/2 days. From common colds and dog bites to pneumonia and pregnancies, we saw it all. I was able to see the various gifts all the medical team had. From medical to dental. The team was composed of rock stars young and “not so young.” We all came to work, and work we did! The people in Peru came walking from all around to see “the American medical staff.” We would get there and see a line waiting for us. They waited hours without complaints and never got mad when we asked them to return another day. The hundreds of people we treated were so accepting to all of us. The love I felt from these people was astounding. The hugs, the smiles, and all the gratification brought me to tears on a daily basis.
I started my career in pediatrics which is where my heart will always remain. The children in Peru touched me like no other. Their willingness to take certain meds on the spot then hug you and tell you you’re their angel was so sweet. Watching them during kids programming and hearing their prayers, their laughter, their happiness touched my heart. Some of them came in dirty, with old worn clothes, hair a mess, and some had never seen a toothbrush. But their joy was so pure. I saw firsthand the meaning of child like faith.
By the end of the week we were exhausted. We all suffered altitude sickness, a cold, the flu, something. Every medical team member had been hit….. but that didn’t stop us. We all held each other up, kept each other going. Using old family remedies and new found Peruvian remedies, we persevered and made it through. The altitude is definitely not for the weak, and this trip made each one of us stronger. The heartfelt memories and friends made with the team are priceless.
We ended our trip with Machu Picchu. By far one of the most amazing sites to experience in person. You become mesmerized in its beauty. Going with the team to Machu Picchu was the cherry on top!
This trip gave me a new found appreciation for the people in Peru. The medical needs there are great. Prayers for Pastor George, his family, the church, and the people are definitely needed.
I am so grateful for East Side and the small yet powerful impact we have made in Peru.
I was asked if I would go again and my response was “where do I sign up.”