A Time for Reflection

With less than a week to go until we embark on our journey, I have spent much of the last week reflecting on the steps it has taken to get to today. First and foremost, I am filled with so much gratitude to each and every person who has helped us along the way. Each and every little bit helped, from buying one of our t-shirts, to ordering our cupcakes, to attending one of our fundraisers, or generously giving us donations. Thank you all so much for all of your love and support, kind words of encouragement, and prayers. Please continue to keep all four of us in your thoughts and prayers this up coming week and during our trip from July 12th-24th.

I wanted to share with you all a little more about why this trip is so important to me. Since before our trip to Haiti last year, I was approached by many people expressing their interest and support for the trip. But, there was a small majority of people who were confused as to why we were choosing to go overseas to help instead of just staying here in the States. It was hard for me to put into words an answer to this particular question, as it was so simple to me about why I was going... because I am supposed to. I was called to go.

El Salvador- 2004

After graduating high school, I volunteered on my first missions trip to El Salvador with my church. I was able to take part in helping construct a building that would eventually house students for a missional community. After being immersed in the culture and experiencing that feeling of making a difference, I knew I wanted to spend my life helping others who were less fortunate. Whether it be oversees or in my own neighborhood; I wasn't sure how I was going to help, but I knew I had to. Throughout college and grad school, there were many times where my faith was tested and I began to doubt my past beliefs and the relationship (or lack there of) I had with God, but my desire for oversees missions never wavered. I had also chosen a skill in the medical field to which I could hopefully make an impact internationally: physical therapy. My love was treating pediatrics, and I especially felt drawn to the country of Romania due to their large population of disabled orphans. I knew I would get there eventually, but my journey wasn't an easy one. For a time during PT school, I struggled with my grades and finally came to a point where I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I looked to God for help, praying for strength and for Him to make a way for me to pass as I knew this was what He was calling me to do with my life. And obviously, I am here today, practicing as a licensed PT because of Him. How does the saying go... I was born for this. Well, I truly believe I was born to be a physical therapist, and it is a blessing to live and work each day in that calling that was placed on me so long ago.

Haiti- 2012

During the Haiti trip last year, I was able to finally put my professional skills into action and help those who couldn't help themselves. In my element, I finally felt like I was making a small difference, but I wanted to help more. Which takes me back to that original question... why international work? June Hanks, the physical therapist we worked with in Haiti has also gotten that question a lot. She simply answers.... "That is not where I am called." God told her to go to Haiti, and that's were she went (and eventually stayed). In under-developed countries like Haiti, there are little to no local aid organizations. There is not a physical therapy school. There is no one "upper class" who chooses to help those who have less. We are blessed in our country with tremendous gratitude, with people who are blessed with more and choose to give. In Haiti, no one has anything to give. They barely have means to feed their own family, much less help someone else. Although Romania may not be as impoverished a place as Haiti, their lack of education is immense. They have no one to teach them about simple gross motor development, what a infant needs, or how to help a disabled child. How will these people ever get the help they need, if those who have the knowledge don't deliver it? That is why we are choosing to go to Romania. We feel called and led to help those who can't help themselves; To educate the orphanage workers who want to learn, and to improve the lives of these forgotten children who can't ask for help themselves.

I hope my story provides a better explanation behind my organization of these trips the past two years. I hope interest continues to build and more people will want to share in my passion and experience serving others in the most needed places, whether it be internationally or locally. It truly is a life changing experience. I can't wait to share our stories and experiences with you through this blog, hopefully while we are in Romania, but most definitely when we return!

Team Restore- Hospital Lumiere 2012

"'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needed clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

Matthew 25:35-40