This past spring was my first mission. It is difficult to articulate this incredible experience. “Grateful” is the theme I am overwhelmed with…to witness this poverty and how these people live was heartbreaking. However, their simple lifestyle had so many familiar threads that we all know such as love for their families and a sense of community. For example, I witnessed young boys barefoot in the street mimicking a soccer game with an old cracked ping pong ball who were having a great time. I gave a young mother some clothes at the clinic and then saw her joy as if she had won the lottery. I watched a boy, who hadn’t smiled once during his medical exam, smile from ear to ear with a priceless grin when he was given a pair of donated sneakers. I had moments of tear-filled emotion for the suffering of the poor in Haiti, but also joy and gratitude. I am so grateful for this experience and privileged to be a part of the NOVA team.
– Cathy Chestone
NOVA Medical Mission Team May 2014
