Few events in my life will stand out like my first medical mission trip. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been called to the Dominican Republic this year. Never in my wildest imagination did I envision how God could work in my life and in the lives of others.

For many months prior to our departure my mind prepared me for the task of taking my professional life on the road: of working literally out of a suitcase, yet still maintaining the excellent standards of healthcare that we in the United States take for granted. I thought about the possibility of facing complex problems and how I might manage them in a third world environment with substandard conditions and the absence of modern technology. How can I do this without all of my sophisticated equipment and highly trained support staff? Will I truly be able to help the Dominicans in need? My mind did not rest until I arrived in San Juan de la Maguana, a city of almost 100,000 people and 40 miles from the Haitian border. Only then did I find that God took care of everything ahead of time.

Shortly after we arrived, I prayed for wisdom and guidance. I prayed for God to bring to me only those whom I could really help. Of course, God delivered: all they needed were tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies, a procedure I started doing as a junior resident some 15 years ago; something I could almost do with my eyes closed. Yet as simple and basic the procedures, without them the children I saw were miserably uncomfortable. Only now can I say that the Dominican Republic is the meca of the tonsil enlargement; I have never seen such large tonsils in my life! These surgeries were literally miracles for them. With the help of outstanding nursing and anesthesiology care, I was able to complete 23 surgeries in 4 days, and saw about 50 other patients in the outpatient clinic for non-surgical care. All of the surgical patients did amazingly well despite the absence of prescription pain medications. Unthinkable in the States!

In addition to my experiences in the operating room, the endearing people of the region, the absolutely beautiful children, and the breathtaking landscape amazed me. We were blessed by mild weather, terrific food and company, and an unforgettable rooster who will not be missed.

After I returned home to reflect on the trip, I realized one very important thing: I am the one who was blessed and the most grateful to have had the opportunity to help, to be the one called by God to say, “Yes, I’ll go on the mission trip.” Yes, I hope that those patients did receive a blessing; however, I was on the receiving end of a different kind of blessing. To this day just looking at the pictures and reading my journal brings tears to my eyes and a yearning in my heart to go back. To go back to a place where my God-given skills can potentially be a miracle for someone else. If only I could keep this feeling every day here at home. For that I pray.

2009 Dominican Republic Mission Team:  Lucy Barksdale, Mary Baysinger, Jim Cato, Linda Cato, Deborah Choate, Walter Choate, Aaron Crowther, Alex Goodman, Courtney Goodman, Carolyn Hill, David Hill, Doug Holliday, Katie Holliday, Connie Jones, Richard Jones, Todd Jones, Katie Kennedy, Jeff King, Carol Murdock, Mary Emily Powell, Matt Speyer, Betsy Triggs, Emily Weidler, and Jane Williams