PowerPoint for the Druffner Family Mission Doctors Mission.

5. After months of planning and fund raising, the mission trip begins

6. Sometimes mission families travel long distances in very tight spaces

7. Mission doctors usually carry new medical supplies, x-ray machines, and medicines to remote areas

8. Upon arrival, the family takes a few days to acclimate and learn to live in a new culture

9. A host doctor takes time to show the mission doctor the needs of the community

10. When a mission doctor first arrives in a village, the waiting room is often full for weeks on end.

11. Some villagers walk for hours, even days, on steep mountain paths to see the doctor. Most have not gotten any medical attention for many years

12. Mission doctors learn to take their time and really listen to the needs of a community

13. They get to know the elders in a community in order to plan for a future of sustainable healthcare

14. A mission doctor must work with primitive technology

15. The clinics are usually cement shells with no lab or x-ray

16. Working with outdated and rusted medical supplies is the norm

17. Mission doctors often see over 60 patients a day

18. Doctors offer medical education, giving hope for better health care in developing countries

19. Teaching midwives and nurses helps to sustain the clinic when a doctor is not available

20. Without paper work and computers, a mission doctor has more time to get to know the community

21. Sometimes a mission doctor has to do “odd jobs” as well (Mark’s first calf delivery)

22. A mission doctor may even get to relax with his family while on mission

23. Mission families are able to see the world through a different window

24. A mission couple works together in all areas of their ministry

25. Spouses usually get involved in the community by volunteering in the clinic, parish, or local school

26. Local village leaders are welcoming to mission doctors and their families

27. The family takes part in all aspects of parish and community life

28. Simplicity brings many joys

29. and brings the family closer through work and prayer

30. Mission Doctors families learn to see poverty as an invitation to love

31. The children learn to love by helping others

32. and experience the satisfaction of helping someone to live a better life

33. Even the very young can volunteer (Cecilia as pharmacist)

34. and grow to love being part of a close-knit community

35. Teenagers bond with kids from completely different backgrounds

36. and learn to live in areas where people of different faiths and traditions co-exist

37. And they learn to create their own kind of fun!

38. Mission families see what it means for most of the world to live in very small spaces

39. to visit with people of all ages and backgrounds

40. And to be inventive (Jake’s home made weight bench)

41. They learn to love unconditionally

42. They gain strength and fortitude by knowing that they can make a tangible difference in peoples lives

43. And they learn to work hard with a smile

44. Being part of a community of people living in poverty helps us to see life through different eyes

45. Mission families get to see people sacrificing their own comforts for a good education and a better life for their own families

46. We see that the world is in dire need and that we have much to share

47. “ One really never gets used to being surrounded by poverty. It brings about a deep sadness and a constant reminder that we have the responsibility, as a wealthy people, to share all that we have been given.” Molly Druffner

48. Some communities live in dire conditions with virtually no resources available to them

49. And yet, a very small amount of support can build hospitals, educate medical students, and provide health care for many

50. We have the means (and the excess) to help people living in desperate poverty

51. “ Working with a mission hospital opened my eyes to the wealth of education and resources we have to offer poor communities. We are grateful for the opportunity that Mission Doctors gave us to serve. ” Mark Druffner

52. “ We are grateful for the opportunity we had to grow closer as a family” Jake and Julian Druffner

53. We are grateful to have been part of an international faith community.

54. We are grateful for all of the friends we made

55. We are grateful for the adventures we shared

56. The road to mission work is long and arduous

57. The path to get there is sometimes frightening

58. But, if we can do it, anyone can!

59. And we even had a lot of fun!

60. The world is waiting for you.

61. Mission Doctors Association can make it happen