In 2012, I added a new goal to my list: get involved in missions.
At the time, a mission trip to me was going to unchurched areas of the world to spread the good news about Jesus.
It never occurred to me, at the time, that missions could also be medical.
So, when I saw a Facebook post by one of my nursing school batchmates, I was immediately intrigued.
She was on a medical mission trip to South America.
I reached out to her and was accepted as a member of the team. That was 2015.
In 2016, I was on my first medical mission trip with the Moreano World Medical Mission (MWMM) team, and every year since then.
This year, 2019, is medical mission trip number 24 for the team and number 4 for me. We took time off from jobs and families and headed down to Macas, Ecuador – on the outskirts of the Amazon – and, as I pen this blog, I feel truly blessed.
Needless to say, after 20 plus years of planning, organizing and executing medical missions to South America, Dr. Edwin Moreano and his management team has a solid system and process in place.
I have named it the Moreano Model.
Much goes into preparing for these mission trips and for that, the team is very grateful. We all look forward to banding together each year to bring hope and healing to the less fortunate.
A team of volunteers, donating unpaid time and skill to a worthy cause.
Here’s a glimpse of the Moreano Model…….
The first day of the mission is dedicated to traveling.
Day two is meet and greet and sightseeing in our medical mission shirts.
The team assembles in a central location, near the country’s major airport, from different parts of the United States. Then we travel by bus to the city where the surgical procedures will take place.
Days three, four and five are spent at the hospital assessing, evaluating and providing care.
Another highlight of this medical mission model is the after party on day five, and the rest and relaxation days six, seven and eight. Team members travel by bus to a resort area and spend 3 days prior to returning home.
The 2019 medical mission trip to Macas, Ecuador was a success!
Over 170 patients were evaluated and 60 reconstructive & ENT (ear, nose & throat) surgeries completed. The hospital staff at Macas General Hospital was very accommodating and cooperative and collaborated with the mission team very well.
We were assigned 4 operating rooms – 2 for minor and 2 for major surgeries.
On day one, most of the patients were evaluated, and appropriate patients selected for surgery. More patients were evaluated on day two, as patients were still coming from near and far. Some were flown in from the villages by propeller planes and others traveled for miles and days on foot and by bus.
One of our patients from the 2018 mission, traveled all night by bus to see Dr. Moreano for more reconstructive surgery on his ear that was totally missing. On the previous mission, the surgeons constructed an entire ear for him, and created an ear canal for him on this mission.
There were many touching stories that really tugged at our hearts and will forever be etched in our memories.
This 3-year-old little girl (in the picture below) is an orphan and was severely scarred in a fire. She was brought in by her “Tutors” to have some of the scars reduced.
This level of success would not be possible without this solid model. The vision, planning and detailing, the cohesiveness of the team, and the tireless efforts of the local crew are integral parts that translate into a successful mission.
We are very grateful for another successful medical mission, and thankful for all the support and prayers from family, friends, and colleagues.
These medical missions are fully funded by donations, fundraisers, and volunteers. Please consider donating to our next mission by clicking the button below. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
A MIGHTY CAUSE……
Moreano World Medical Mission
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Until next time…..
I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Althea
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