1. What problems did you encounter? How would you correct them?
As I speak a limited amount of Spanish, I found the language barrier to be rather challenging. Even with the assistance of an interpreter, I often felt that some things were lost in translation. In order to correct this problem, I prayed for patience and understanding with my interpreter and patients. I also learned to use simple words of explanation in order to prevent any confusion with translation.
2. What are needs/issues that could be addressed?
Many young women (age 14 and up) in the village where I worked have started to become pregnant in order to obtain a husband. They believe the pregnancy will allow them to escape the hardships they battle in their childhood home. However, this is not the case. Many of these young women enter into abusive relationships with promiscuous men. These women are then left with sexual diseases and young children to raise throughout the mountains of Nicaragua.
3. What did you learn?
While on my first medical mission trip, several things were laid upon my heart. First of all, I realized that the United States of America is an incredibly blessed nation. I realized that we should be thankful for a healthcare system that allows us to receive care regardless of its shortcomings. In Nicaragua, patients must be given a signed slip of paper by a National doctor that allows them to enter into the hospital. However, this does not guarantee care. If the patient cannot afford the respective services, he or she will not receive care regardless of the severity of his or her illness. The one exception to the rule may be some of the country’s children.
Secondly, I realized that I did not really understand what it means to have a heart for the Lord’s lost until arriving in Nicaragua. The Lord dramatically changed my heart. He allowed me to see the need for salvation in Nicaragua, as well as, at home in North Carolina. I need to have a sense of urgency for the foreign mission field, as well as, my personal friends and family. We are not promised tomorrow. We must know that we have two choices here on earth – heaven or hell. We must see each day as opportunity to share the great news of Jesus Christ.
4. How do you see this experience affecting/changing your personal and professional life?
This medical mission trip has dramatically changed my life. Things that used to see important are not important at all. The Lord has opened my eyes to those hurting all around me. There are physical and spiritual needs everywhere we turn—if only, we take the opportunity to embrace them.
This trip has made me realize the importance of international missions. As such, I know realize that the Lord has called my husband and I to serve in the short term medical mission field. The Lord has blessed me with a gift as a physician, and I need to use this gift for the betterment of his kingdom.
5. What have you learned that can be transferred to the U.S.?
Love. Without the love of Christ, the medicine means nothing—whether in Nicaragua or the USA.
6. What is the significance and probable impact of the project?
From a physical perspective, many children and adults alike received standard public healthcare (vitamins, parasitics, instruction regarding clean water in order to prevent disease). Many had never had the opportunity to visit a physician, dentist, or optometrist.
From a spiritual perspective, 124 people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. This is the reason why we GO—to see people come to know the love of our Savior. These individuals will continue to receive spiritual guidance from the pastors surrounding the village of Dantanli.
7. How has this experience expanded your world awareness?
This experience has opened my eyes to the needs of the poor throughout the world. We are one body in Christ, and it is our duty to assist our brothers and sisters in both their physical and spiritual needs.
Secondly, I’ve realized the blessing I was bestowed by being raised in the United States of America. I have taken this blessing for granted on multiple occasions, and I do not need to do so. Many people are struggling to put a morsel of food on the table while I am able to pick and choose what I would like to have for dinner. However, contrary to this, I’ve also realized that all the worldly goods mean absolutely nothing. The people of Nicaragua have so little yet their joy and contentment with life is remarkable. We, as an American people, should strive for this spirit of humbleness.
Posted on
Wed, November 16, 2011
by stegall