What problems did you encounter? How would you correct them?
Personally the language barrier was very difficult for me. I would suggest to anyone planning on doing a mission trip to start preparing months ahead of time to at least learn and become fluent with basic phrases. I found myself really wishing I was able to communicate with the people of Nicaragua. At one point I was in a classroom with a young boy and we were teaching each other how to say certain words in spanish/english by pictures hanging up on the walls. It was really nice, kind of felt like we were able to connect without really being able to communicate completely. Next time I go on a mission trip I plan to do a course like Rosetta Stone to prepare.
What are needs/issues that could be addressed? 
The people of Nicaragua need to be educated. Everyone of our patients received an anti-parasite pill if they were not pregnant and were above the age of 2. This is because of the high risk of parasites in this area. 
The water they drink is not clean and they need to be taught different methods to clean the water and the importance of using clean water. Before the patients were triaged they all listened to a presentation that addressed different hygiene issues and the importance of clean water.
What did you learn?
I learned from this trip that it is not only important to treat the Nicaraguan people medically, but also spiritually. Many may not know Jesus or the greatness of having a relationship with him. While in Nicaragua I got to see different team member's ways of approaching their patients about their religions.
I found that approaching people who have not accepted Christ in a judgemental way
is not the way to go. You need to show them God's love through you and how he works in your life. I hope that I was able to touch some people's lives in this way.
How do you see this experience affecting/changing your personal
and professional life?
I feel that this experience has made me realize that there is great need all over the world. Before going on this mission trip I was able to volunteer at free health clinics, a food pantry, and Kingsway Charities (here we packed medications and supplies for other mission trips). I really enjoyed this mission trip and can see myself doing more in the future. Professionallymy medical backgroundcanbe used all over the world to help people in need.
What have you learned that can be transferred to the U.S.?
I have learned that the Nicaraguan people are not unlike myself. They have basic needs just like everyone else. They may live much differently than I do, but they are completely content. Many of the people I know in the US focus on material things and they have made me realize that this is not important. I always knew that I was very blessed andIhope to carry back their contentedness with me.
What is the significance and probable impact of the project? 
The great significance of this project is that we were able to show the love of God to many people. Many of the people may not have every been told the story of Jesus, by the end of the week some of the people were asking for an evangicube (tool we used to tell the story of Jesus). I hope that we were able to impact the lives of theNicaraguan peopleand show them God's greatness.
How has this experience expanded your world awareness?
I have been able to see some of the great need that exists not only in the US but also in Nicaragua. It saddens me to know that this was only a glimpse of what exists throughout the world. I have been fortunate to be able to serve for the Nicaraguan people and have found what a great, loving people they truly are.
Posted on
Tue, August 16, 2011
by zeitler