Can I Really Make a Difference?

As director of Compassionate Journeys, a Medical Missions partner organization, one of the concerns I field most is, “Can I really make a lasting change in people’s lives?” The simple answer is: Yes, you can.
The problems in developing countries are vast. There aren’t enough resources. Education isn’t always available. Clean water can be difficult to find. Poverty is overwhelming. It can be difficult to look into the eyes of a child who is being treated and know that they very well may be injured or become sick again after returning to the same environment that made them sick to begin with.
Many times, though, we have an opportunity to touch lives in a very lasting way.
So many people suffer from lack of access to the most basic medical care. Every time I travel abroad, I hear of someone new who has died from “sickness” or “stomach problems,” or some other undiagnosed illness that likely could have been treated. Adults and children alike suffer from years of parasitic infections. They urinate blood, they go blind, their constant diarrhea leaves them constantly weak and distracted. Open sores and lacerations get infected at an alarming rate in tropical areas. The most basic treatment really does mean the difference between life and death for many of these people. And that’s just the beginning of the difference our volunteers can make.
I’m always humbled by the kindness shown to our volunteers. People who have nothing go out of their way to make sure that we are as comfortable as possible, and they are genuinely happy to see us. How must it be to know that strangers cared enough about you to fly across the world to see you? On a very basic, human level, volunteers change lives simply by showing up and reaching out.
There’s something else, too.
When you care enough about strangers to leave your family, friends and comforts behind to make a difference in their lives, something happens inside of you. You discover that the secret to happiness is not in what you have, it’s in what you give away. And in that way, you will absolutely make a difference—in yourself.

The People I Can Never Forget!

By Kenn odida
 
There is nothing more gratifying than the simple feeling of intimate connection with the people who have shown profound kindness to your life and who in a way went out of their way to make you what you are today. This is what I feel in the middle of the night when I think of my sister Linnette, she gave me the name Kenneth, meaning handsome yet she knew too well I would never grow to have the perfect looks of a television star or maybe a sports celebrity. She simply believed that in a tolerant society, one does not have to be perfect to persue extra-ordinary dreams and that we can try out anything that looks realistic so long as they pose no threat to our persuit of happiness!

This feeling I get when I remember Hugh and Marty Downey sleep in a tiny grass thatched hut in Matoso, very far away from the comfortable life in Denver, Colorado. The feeling that service to humanity is worth any sacrifice we can ever think of making in our lives and that nothing in this life matters more than the life of a child. Hugh and Marty, you have been a loving parents to me. I may never have the the words to say thank you, but wherever I walk I always think of you, imagining what the world would be if we all had the same kind of hearts. I pray for a longer life for you!

If anyone ever taught me the value of hard work then it is my beloved dad. If anyone ever taught me the art of humility and kindness then it's my only mom. I love you more than ever imagined. But I also note that the only people who have ever come close to being what you have been are David and Wanda McLure. Wanda embodies the best of a public health worker, a nurse with a big heart and who gives her all to her clents. She made me have the first thought of ever being a doctor! And for David you always told me I could make it. A ten year old struggling with English in a remote primary school, you always had the heart to correct me and I had the rare privilege of learning straight from a mzungu. Your management skills with absolute strictness, principles and dedication has always formed the basis of my conviction that I can make it in leadership.

But all this is just a dream, unless we seriously pursue them, find them and bring them home. And my family that stood by me in my lows I love you so very much!!

Kenn Odida.

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