Bolivia
Today is totally random thoughts…If you could return to one place or time, which one would you choose?
As I’ve thought about this, I have MANY awesome memories I might like to revisit but this one in May of 2014 had one of the greatest impacts on me as a healthcare professional.
This was a life-changing humanitarian trip to a 3rd world country checked off my bucket list!
Paul and I traveled 10 days in Bolivia and Peru with a group of 25 from dōTERRA’s Healing Hands non-profit charity organization. We could only travel with a backpack and had to bring our own bedroll for sleeping on the ground. At the time I didn’t think I could do it, I was at the hight of experiencing Lyme disease and EBV, but I surprised myself with the help of MANY Angels and my adoring husband.
We helped build a much needed larger medical clinic from the ground up in Jalsuri Bolivia at 13,000 ft elevation. I worked alongside the village doctor in the small one-room clinic they were using at the time.
I assisted the doctor/dentist with a patient who needed sutures from a head wound. Using my cell phone for a flashlight we took turns suturing and holding the flashlight. I participated in a health clinic day for school children, applied essential oils on newborns and children during their newborn and wellness checkups as well as assisting with several other clinical situations. We trained doctors from multiple villages on how to use essential oils.
I had the honor of going to a humble home in the village to treat a burn victim. It was a home smaller than my smallest bedroom with dirt floors. A family of six lived there. We used our cell phones to give light as we cleaned and dressed his burns from what was left of his recently amputated arm. I’m sure the essential oils Helichrysum, Cedarwood and Frankincense that we left with his wife helped his recovery. It took me a while to process all that I saw and felt during that visit.
I visited and learned a little bit of their native language from the doctor who even though she was a dentist, she still did everything from emergency C-sections to dental work and whatever else is needed in between.
This picture was taken at a calibration party at the end of our time there in Jalsuri. We brought nail polish to paint the women’s nails. They were overjoyed with this tiny act of service. It was so fun to see the look of pure joy on their faces. We also traveled to spend a day in the beautiful Machu Picchu, Peru ~ another bucket list adventure.
A huge shoutout to Rob Young, one of dōTERRA’s corporate owners. He went beyond the call to ensure all of our safety and comfort. This experience was absolutely amazing on so many levels and we could not have asked for any better leader. I love that I can call him my personal friend!
This is the amazing company that I am so proud to be apart of. dōTERRA is definitely my extended family and look forward to serving with the Healing Hands foundation many more time.
