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Friday, May 4, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Life keeps coming at you
and decisions have to be made.
There is a story published in "Chicken Soup For the Soul" about a little boy who saw a sign for puppies. When the owner of the store called for the puppies, all came running except for one who limped to make its way to the little boy. Surprisingly, the boy wanted the limping puppy. The owner tried to talk him out of it and said it had hip problems and could never run or play with the boy.
But the little boy was adament about buying that particular one, and said he would pay full price, because even that damaged puppy had value. The man insisted he could have him for free, but the boy wouldn't budge. He gave the owner everything he had for the puppy, finally pulling up his pant leg to show the owner that he himself was crippled with a braced leg. Looking up at the owner, he said "Sir, I cannot jump or run either, and this little puppy will need someone who understands".
This story is depictive of each of us: life keeps on coming with tragic, happy, and educational events. But what really matters is how we use those events to impact our lives. I see people everyday who hang on to their problems and suffering, repeating this event over and over again; so much that they start to cherish the event, never reaching out like this little boy and turning it into service of others and understanding.
I have had great loss in my life, especially within the past two years. My uncle, whom my parents raised from age 11 was like a brother, passed along with my father. And two week ago, my best friend. But it is a choice to cherish the suffering of these losses, or to smile at the memories. It is important we use our experiences to support others. Whatever happens, life will keep coming at you. Use it to acquire understanding, applying this understanding to help others.
This is what our CAMO teams do: they use all of their understanding and professions to serve others. I am so honored to be surrounded by such a large group of wise, caring people. I thank each and every one of you.
Please visit CAMO's website and facebook page
There is a story published in "Chicken Soup For the Soul" about a little boy who saw a sign for puppies. When the owner of the store called for the puppies, all came running except for one who limped to make its way to the little boy. Surprisingly, the boy wanted the limping puppy. The owner tried to talk him out of it and said it had hip problems and could never run or play with the boy.
But the little boy was adament about buying that particular one, and said he would pay full price, because even that damaged puppy had value. The man insisted he could have him for free, but the boy wouldn't budge. He gave the owner everything he had for the puppy, finally pulling up his pant leg to show the owner that he himself was crippled with a braced leg. Looking up at the owner, he said "Sir, I cannot jump or run either, and this little puppy will need someone who understands".
This story is depictive of each of us: life keeps on coming with tragic, happy, and educational events. But what really matters is how we use those events to impact our lives. I see people everyday who hang on to their problems and suffering, repeating this event over and over again; so much that they start to cherish the event, never reaching out like this little boy and turning it into service of others and understanding.
I have had great loss in my life, especially within the past two years. My uncle, whom my parents raised from age 11 was like a brother, passed along with my father. And two week ago, my best friend. But it is a choice to cherish the suffering of these losses, or to smile at the memories. It is important we use our experiences to support others. Whatever happens, life will keep coming at you. Use it to acquire understanding, applying this understanding to help others.
This is what our CAMO teams do: they use all of their understanding and professions to serve others. I am so honored to be surrounded by such a large group of wise, caring people. I thank each and every one of you.
Please visit CAMO's website and facebook page
Thursday, March 15, 2012
February Teams- Week One Photos
Starting February 18th, our first week of medical teams traveled to Santa Rosa de Copán to begin their service with CAMO. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who donates their time towards our cause in Honduras; we are blessed to have their support.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Central American Medical Outreach- Bringing Hope to the Forgotten
This journey started over 30 years ago: and today, I feel it is in many ways
just the beginning, but the future is bright.
We have so many opportunities to serve, each of which having a great impact on community and way of life. When I was a Peace Corps Nurse in 1979 I experienced unbelievable suffering and death; more than anyone should experience in their lifetime. Today, it is no longer about grieving those gone, but about the prevention of needless deaths: building healthy community in the same place that once smelled of death. Today CAMO has been successful in getting children off the streets and into a daycare center, providing activities for all age groups on a daily basis through the community gym, addressing domestic violence with a shelter, granting education for those wanting to learn a trade through classes at the trade school, and providing art, theater and music at the cultural center.
On the health side: programs exist in the community that without CAMO would only exist in the two largest cities in Honduras. Cervical cancer can now be diagnosed and treated. Eye surgeries, dental care, wheelchairs, and custom made prosthetic & orthotic devices along with mammography, x-ray, and ultrasound are now available to the poor. The journey has been steady and consistent, but it is not for the impatient. Changes do not happen overnight: it is with a constant presence, a slow walk, and respect gained in the community that we serve. This has been the only way which an organization or person can make permanent changes. CAMO has been successful in changing the community and providing service for its people. As Founder, I thank all our donors and volunteers who have been a part of this consistent, tireless journey.
We have so many opportunities to serve, each of which having a great impact on community and way of life. When I was a Peace Corps Nurse in 1979 I experienced unbelievable suffering and death; more than anyone should experience in their lifetime. Today, it is no longer about grieving those gone, but about the prevention of needless deaths: building healthy community in the same place that once smelled of death. Today CAMO has been successful in getting children off the streets and into a daycare center, providing activities for all age groups on a daily basis through the community gym, addressing domestic violence with a shelter, granting education for those wanting to learn a trade through classes at the trade school, and providing art, theater and music at the cultural center.
On the health side: programs exist in the community that without CAMO would only exist in the two largest cities in Honduras. Cervical cancer can now be diagnosed and treated. Eye surgeries, dental care, wheelchairs, and custom made prosthetic & orthotic devices along with mammography, x-ray, and ultrasound are now available to the poor. The journey has been steady and consistent, but it is not for the impatient. Changes do not happen overnight: it is with a constant presence, a slow walk, and respect gained in the community that we serve. This has been the only way which an organization or person can make permanent changes. CAMO has been successful in changing the community and providing service for its people. As Founder, I thank all our donors and volunteers who have been a part of this consistent, tireless journey.
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