Generosity in Action



Sorting through donations

One of the best things about working at this clinic is the amazing people I meet. Sometimes it’s just a single encounter with someone dropping off donations or requesting a tour. It might be a medical student or resident who’s chosen to do an international rotation; a medical professional volunteering their personal time off at the clinic; or even a non-medical volunteer. I'm not sure how many non-medical staff we see each year, but we have over 200 medical students or residents who volunteer here each year.

Typically, I'm on the receiving end when people donate  medications and supplies at the clinic and it has been a humbling experience. I've enjoyed getting to meet and speak with each person that has so generously given of their time and money. I've met several families who have come to vacation on the Island and through one way or another found out about our clinic. What's amazing is they've done what some of us forget to do; they went one step further and packed a suitcase(s) full of donations.

Susie, Darren, and Me

At the beginning of this year, I became friends with a family from Georgia.  Darren, Susie, and their son, McKenna, have been coming to the Island for a few years to spend the cold winter months. Darren is blessed with a job where he can work via internet, if needed. They are some of the kindest people I've ever met. All three of them spent countless hours volunteering. Darren did a lot of maintenance work and Susie worked in pharmacy almost everyday. They would also take volunteers on group outings and host get-togethers at their home. We always had a great time!

In February, I met a couple from Wahoo, Nebraska and like most Nebraskans, they were very nice people. I was pretty excited to have FINALLY met someone from Nebraska, since I arrived last October. It’s not too uncommon for me to be the very first person that someone has met from Nebraska. I’m not kidding. I hear that quite a bit. Anyways, the couple runs a dental business in Wahoo. They were in Roatán dropping off supplies and were planning to return to the island next month. We got to talking about all the great things about life in Nebraska and of course, signature Nebraskan food like really good hamburgers. You can’t find good beef here anywhere.   

Fast forward one month… I was helping out in pharmacy one morning when I heard a voice say, “Hey Nebraska!” Immediately, I turned to see the man from Wahoo. He and his wife had brought me a small cooler of 10 frozen runzas. I was so surprised! I realize the majority of you reading this blog know what a runza sandwich is, but outside of Nebraska people have no idea. A runza is a yeast dough bread pocket filled with beef, cabbage, onions, and seasonings. Yum! This definitely made my day. It wasn’t even the fact that I had awesome sandwiches from Nebraska, but it was their  thoughtfulness that touched me.

 Dr. Rafael enjoying his first Runza!