The planning of this mission started just about a year ago with conversations with our current host Dr Silvio Bayardo during last years mission. Stu Zipper laid the foundation for this mission in spite of illness which should have kept him in bed rather than at his computer. Our Mission Leader Jon Wasserstein was supposed to be in training this year as President Elect but without hesitation stepped up to the plate to take the role as leader when called. Jon has logged endless hours in preparation for the week to come and the mission is yet to begin. I will not try to list everyone who has contributed to getting us to this point but it has been a year round effort with huge contributions made by many of members. Thanks!
Now it is our turn. Lets show them we are ready to do our part of the mission. It just will not happen without us. Here is a short list of things to consider:
BE READY. Rest up and be as healthy as you can for this time of year. We have a great deal of work to do in a short period of time similar to a marathon. Offer your help, don't wait to be asked. Keep it going all week and R&R will feel that much better at the end.
BE A TEAM. We are all in this together and how lucky we are to be on the offering end of this exchange. OD, MD, JD, RN, DDS, CBS, who cares! Do not isolate yourself as a group. We are all members of the same team. The week goes fast and the group is large but it will be a richer experience if we all make an effort to form friendships.
BE CARING. We might not be able to solve everyone's problems but we can still show we care. When we are seeing so many people with so many problems it is easy to become robotic. Body language can tell a lot. You could be the last chance for this patient so do your best and show them you care.
BE AMBASSADORS. We are the guests in this country. Nicaragua has had its share of problems with America in the past. Lets show them our best!
BE FLEXIBLE. None of us are tour guides or travel agents. If the food is not perfect or the pillow just not right wait to get home to complain about it. We are trying something new this year with pre-collecting money to make it easier for you. We will do the best we can to deliver what most of the group wants at the best price we can.
BE READY. We are off for what will amount to another awesome week. Open your hearts to these people and they will return filled!
See you on the Sunny Side!
