On July 14, 2019, thirteen Hancock Health associates embarked on an 8-day mission trip to the Dominican Republic. In Atlanta, GA we met up with an additional six people who had signed up for the mission with our partner, FAME (Fellowship Associates of Medical Evangelism).
Our activities during this mission included sorting the many medications and supplies that we took with us (mostly due to the incredible generosity shown by Hancock Health associates!). We helped Dr. Leslie and the Dorsey’s clean and organize a new clinic on the mission grounds, and we participated in 4 medical camps to poor towns and cities in the region.
We had five stations at every camp: triage, providers, education, pharmacy, and a children’s play station. Working alongside medical providers, non-medical team members helped by taking vitals and (through a translator) determined the patient’s main complaint. Providers evaluated each patient and made recommendations for treatments that would be appropriate. There are clinics in many areas, but very few of them stock medications, so our pharmacy was a huge blessing!
Dr. Kumar talking with a patient through a translator.
The opportunity to teach basic healthcare (i.e., proper handwashing) was appreciated. We had a lot of fun singing two verses of “Happy Birthday to You!” in order to be sure we were washing our hands correctly.
The children’s station was the most joyous (and loud!) place to be. Children enjoyed face painting, games, Duck Duck Goose, Red Light Green Light, balloons and jump ropes. We even ‘caught’ a senior citizen woman jumping rope in a dress!
Debbie Muegge making a new friend.
One of the blessings that I treasure on mission trips is the opportunity to touch people. A touch and a friendly smile warms my heart and the hearts of those that I have the privilege to serve.
As the mission ended, we had seen approximately 400 patients in four towns. Many new friendships were made within the team and with the missionaries in the D.R. One of our new best friends is Franklin! Franklin is 16 years old. He lives in the community and spends a lot of time with the Dorsey’s. He is a friendly, gregarious young man with endless energy. It didn’t take him long to memorize everyone’s name and to pronounce them! Quite a feat!
Jennifer and Franklin
Back at the mission compound, some of us played basketball with local kids and all of us enjoyed the great meals that Julie Dorsey prepared for us.
We are blessed to work where we love people for a living, and where we are encouraged to spread our love and caring to people around the world. Lives were changed on this mission. Ask any of us! We would love to tell you about our adventure!
Tara Carie having fun in the puddles.
Jennifer in the camp pharmacy.
Leslie Wise with a patient.
Sorting meds for the camp pharmacy.
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