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I have been a nurse for more years than it is probably smart to admit. Having traveled frequently, I had grown disatisfied with the inequitable distribution of health care resources in the world. Why was it that Americans were blessed with opportunities of health and incredible wealth, while much of the rest of the world had nothing? I looked for an opportunity to serve as a health care professional in Honduras. I was disenchanted with the first mission trip I took to Honduras. I had gone with a "non denominational" group in the fall of '99 that did not turn out that way. They ignored the needs of the surrounding community to build their church in a location close to Comiagua. When I returned to the states I searched for an organization that could utilize my talents and that I could participate in to improve the healthcare of the Honduran people. I had been drawn to that area of the world and I wanted to go back. I found the CAMO website "by accident". As I say this I am sure that God is chuckling. I called Kathy and she immediately challenged me to come and assess a clinic in a rural area of Honduras. I thought and prayed about it over night and called her back the next day. As the time drew nearer for my departure I had more and more questions that I could not answer. Who were these people? Where was this place Sensenti? (I could not find it on the map). Where would I stay? How would the living conditions be? Was it safe to travel as a woman alone? Would I be received as a person who was there to serve or someone who was interfering? I had no concrete answers to these questions and as I talked to my friends and family I could only explain that I knew that I was supposed to go and that it was a "God deal". I was acting on faith. All my questions were answered when I got to Honduras. I trusted that things would turn out as they were supposed to and they did. The trip was the opportunity of a lifetime and I am now drawn to make this a part of my life. During the 12 days in Sensenti I received more gifts than I can ever recount. I stayed with a local family that is now my family. They took me into their home and shared with me all that they had and more. I became part of a medical team of a doctor nurse and clinic aide that I hope to rejoin in September when the building phase of the clinic occurs. I received unconditional acceptance, love and trust that will last me a lifetime. I gave my talents and let go of my physical comfort level for the duration, but what I received back in return was immeasureable and will last a lifetime. Since I have been back the supplies are pouring in and I have a group of people that would like to join me in service. That's how it works. It's logrythmic. I have turned the upstairs of my house into a sort of storage unit for the medical supplies and medicines that my collegues are collecting for me. Who knows what may happen by September? Kristine Hall RN MS
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