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Despite the threat of Tomas’s rain, I was able to participate in another Med Mission last week.
Waves of Health runs general medical clinics in partnership with a barrio of Dajabon and a couple of surrounding communities. They have in the region since 2007, a beginning that finds its roots in a love for the island and an acknowledgement of a need found here.
The effort they have put forth in developing relationships is clear from the Dominicans they work with: nuns, families, other doctors and clinical staff. And, more importantly, each participant seems to gain a better understanding of Dominican culture through the experience.
After each long day at the clinic, we all ate together before heading back to the local hotel to hang out with a few cold Presidentes.
One night there was even some dancing that took place… Dominican and American. Hilarious.
It was really great to see all of the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists on the trip shared a desire to drink in the experience and to connect with the Dominican way of life.
The docs prepared goody bags with toothbrushes, band aids and pencils for school. I can’t even tell you how many kids I chased around with little monster finger puppets during the week… And then there are those little rubber bands that fold into shapes when you take them off… I heard they cost close to five bucks a batch! (Another sign America may have lost its mind since my departure).
One afternoon, we drove to the border and up to Monte Cristi just to explore. We ran around on the beach and climbed a nearby ridge. It provided a great balance to the week.
I think it’s important to have this sort of interchange on missions like this. It’s easy to make a trip, work your butt off and then peace out without feeling like you ever left the United States. Connecting to a place – that’s the key to having people come back.
Waves of Health logo.
Waves of Health could improve especially in the area of preventive health care (meaning education), but I think they’ll get there. Everyone seemed really open to improvement and change if it meant serving people better.
Gotta love it.
So glad you had the chance to participate. This kind of work takes years to develop and mature. Come back a few years from now and hopefully it will have been elevated to another level.
Oh, I completely agree. But these guys are off to a really great start, I feel. It was a really fun experience and I really enjoyed getting to know each and every person working the mission. I am hopefully going to try and participate in their trip in the Spring.
Sounds Great!