Alo! That's "hello" in Haitian-Creole. I'll be volunteering in Haiti around, or sometime after mid-November for 1 year as a nurse through CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board). I'm attempting to learn the language through Byki, an online app. There are so many items I have to address prior to my departure. On my definitive list is connecting with kindred friends and family! I'll be in WI, my home state, October 12th-29th.
This past week I spent time in NJ and NYC with CMMB staff, plus future and prior volunteers. Vital to my preparation for my 1st long term volunteer experience was speaking with previous volunteers. The volunteers shared their experiences in the "bush" and resources they use to provide care to the communities they worked in. 98.7% of every dollar contributed to CMMB is used for healthcare, and I certainly feel aligned with CMMB's core values:
- Building Individual and Community Capacity
- Social Justice
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Accountability
- Quality Collaboration
- Courage and Risk-Taking
- Compassion
Check out these websites if you want to know more about Catholic Medical Mission Board or to find out how to support me financially:
CMMB's website:
http://www.cmmb.org/
Fundraising site:
http://support.cmmb.org/site/TR/Events/MVP/230631928?pxfid=1480&fr_id=1010&pg=fund
http://www.cmmb.org/
Fundraising site:
http://support.cmmb.org/site/TR/Events/MVP/230631928?pxfid=1480&fr_id=1010&pg=fund
Can't wait to read more updates as your departure draws nearer! Love and prayers - The Sheffs
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon: I found your blog and want you to know I am joining you in spirit! I am on the same path as you but a few years away...still working on my training! I've served in haiti on different levels, and medical field is a new avenue for me. I'm wwatching your adventures closely and thank you for opening up you experiences to people like me! Hope to follow in your footsteps!! Mary (Dayton, Ohio)
ReplyDeleteAlo Sharon! I have just been accepted into the CMMB volunteer program and am very excited to find out where I will be going...soon I should know and be able to start planning my trip. I will be in the September orientation session and probably leaving in October.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to your updates and I will be starting a blog as well... http://missionnurse.blogspot.com/
Perhaps we can follow each other!!! So much to prepare and to learn...
Take Care & Blessings,
Anna