Let me start by saying I came on this trip already a huge supporter of OWH and all of the incredible things they’re doing in underserved countries. I’d read blogs, heard past trip attendees speak, and seen every inch of the website, so coming in I had what I thought was a pretty good idea of what to expect. What I’ve come to realize is that prior to today I had SEEN what OneWorld Health is doing... After today, I’ve FELT what OneWorld Health is doing.
Today was our first clinical outreach day and while I’ve been on a lot of mission trips, this one was completely different. We arrived and people were already wrapped around the building, many barefoot, and most having walked for hours just at the chance to see their first doctor in months, if not years. I was in awe. Not at the number of people but at which the way the greeted us. They were full of compassion, full of gratitude, and just happy to spend time with us.
As soon as we stepped off the bus we were thrown into the action, intaking patient info, checking vitals, providing glasses and filling prescriptions. As volunteers we didn’t know what we were doing and I’ve got to give a huge thank you to Jimmy and all of the OWH staff on site. They were incredibly knowledgeable and had us whipped into shape in no time. So much so the in just 8 hours we were able to help over 250 patients! By the time we wrapped up I was exhausted, but could not be more energized for what’s to come the next few days.
To say this was a humbling experience is an understatement. I can’t help but think of the simple steps I take to get rid of a cold or fill a prescription… just swing by CVS or order it on Amazon. The people I met today will stay with me forever. I’m sure I’m not the first person and certainly won’t be the last to say this but today was special, today was a day I’ll never forget.
+ Brett Alter
Today was our first clinical outreach day and while I’ve been on a lot of mission trips, this one was completely different. We arrived and people were already wrapped around the building, many barefoot, and most having walked for hours just at the chance to see their first doctor in months, if not years. I was in awe. Not at the number of people but at which the way the greeted us. They were full of compassion, full of gratitude, and just happy to spend time with us.
As soon as we stepped off the bus we were thrown into the action, intaking patient info, checking vitals, providing glasses and filling prescriptions. As volunteers we didn’t know what we were doing and I’ve got to give a huge thank you to Jimmy and all of the OWH staff on site. They were incredibly knowledgeable and had us whipped into shape in no time. So much so the in just 8 hours we were able to help over 250 patients! By the time we wrapped up I was exhausted, but could not be more energized for what’s to come the next few days.
To say this was a humbling experience is an understatement. I can’t help but think of the simple steps I take to get rid of a cold or fill a prescription… just swing by CVS or order it on Amazon. The people I met today will stay with me forever. I’m sure I’m not the first person and certainly won’t be the last to say this but today was special, today was a day I’ll never forget.
+ Brett Alter