CBM MISSION TRIP

Bom Dia!  I would start my day daily by getting up to watch the sun rise from the top of the boat & then moving on to my devotion/writing in my journal.  Breakfast is served at seven, devotions/music with the crew at eight and then onto serving one of the villages.

I spent most of my days at the front of the boat checking in patients. I would take the height/weight of the children and weight/blood pressure of adults. Ben, an orthopedic PA, was on board with us to see patients (with Michael translating).  After seeing them, they would get a de-wormer pill, whatever medications they needed from the pharmacy and gift bags (toothpaste/toothbrush, toiletries and a toy/lollipop for the kids).

We were blessed on this trip to have Angela (who grew up in a village on the Amazon). She brought shoes for everyone along with a multitude of toys/snacks for the kids (including popsicles!) While waiting to be seen, she would also braid hair, which the girls and women loved. The boys were gifted kites (pepas) which we enjoyed watching them play with. We also had a wonderful dentist on board, Nayara. I had the privilege of spending 1 day assisting her.  Ben was able to perform multiple procedures on board along with several steroid injections. Everyone was so happy to see us and so thankful for what we brought.  Oakley, Michael's dog, was also a highlight for everyone on the trip and in the villages.

We would break for lunch at 12 and siesta until 2 pm.  We would continue to see patients until we were finished in each village.  We would watch the sunset and dinner at seven.

Along with being able to assist Ben & Nayara, some of my personal highlights from trip include being able to celebrate the first anniversary of the church at the mission, touring the hospital in Sao Sebastian, playing soccer with kids in a local village, getting to know crew on board and deepening relationships with those on our mission team.