Denny founded the Adopt a Pueblo program in an effort to create community awareness, as well as to raise funds to help subsidize the costs of LMV trips. The program is in its third year, and consists of making Power Point presentations to local civic groups - especially Lions & Rotary clubs - whereby these groups "adopt" a pueblo for one year, including the exchanging of "adoption papers". One of the unforeseen benefits of the program has been the adding of some very solid members to LMV from those who listened to the presentation.

On June 19th Denny was honored to be elected Chairman of the Corporate Board, and by his own admission, has some very big shoes to fill - those of now Chairman Emeritus Tom Palmer - LMV's leader for the past 17 years. He is both grateful and humbled that the Board has placed this kind of trust in him.

To read more about Denny, click here!

The September Board Meeting was a busy one! The board held a long-awaited vote on whether or not we should participate in the building of a clinic in Punta Abreojos; the motion passed! There should be lots of news to look forward to in the coming months.

The January board meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 8th at the Auburn Airport. January 22nd will be the back-up date in case of weather. Either way, it will start at 10 am sharp! We hope we'll see you there - as always, all active LMV members are welcome to attend.

Please note that the Oasis trip has changed dates this year due to a scheduling conflict with some of our pilots!

The clinic will be held this year on Saturday, October 16th, not in November as in past years. Over 60 members have already signed up and we expect even more! Please contact your chapter leader about volunteering if you're interested - we take volunteers of all skills and backgrounds!

Trip Report for El Salvador (March)
Report Written by Christine Meserve

Two weeks before every trip....
Life will test your resolve.  The intensity builds as the demands of home-life screams for attention.  Family, work, financial obligations just all seem to talk to one another and create a multi-arsenal attack on every team member.  As Monte Short (Trip Coordinator) answers his phone, he knows there is a 50/50 chance that someone is calling to say they can't go.  They have paid their money, they are on the roster and they are stressed out of their mind with the seemingly insurmountable number of things they have to do.  Every team member reaches out to their life-lines of family, friends, and co-workers, to support them in their ability to go do their passion-to help others!  Those of us that go on these trips do so at a great cost to those that support us...they cover our work, help with our children and family, and we all scramble to make it all happen for the day  we need to be at the airport.  

Before each trip, we will often hear from others...How can you do that?  (Translation- how can you take the time, money, and the energy to travel into, what are considered by most, to be dangerous parts of the world?  How can you do that?) And, our answer is...How can we not?  

How can we have the ability to help...and choose not to?  

We hear..."I wish I could do that, I wish I could take the time off of work, I wish I could afford it, I wish my family could/would let me go."  As you read this report, just know that every person on this trip has those same thoughts, responses, and concerns over and over!  AND...we are compelled to go!  Compelled to be a part of something so magnificent, and life-changing!

We find a way to make it happen!  There is something about moving toward a goal with complete conviction that just causes things to fall into place.   For me, something changes in how I work, and plan.  I am ok with a little less sleep, my conversations are a little more grounded, and I am a little more patient with the help I am receiving.

I hold these trips to be the amazing gifts that they are.  We bow down to the mountains of tasks, conversations, and preparations that it takes to make it happen.   If you really want to make a difference, then take a single step in the direction of sustainable change for the world.  It takes finding a way to do what's needed...especially when you don't know how.  There is a "power" that comes with making that kind of commitment in the face of challenges!  It is then you will find that life begins to occur differently.  

For all of those that say, "I could never do that," this is to let you know...Yes, You can!  I am in awe of this team and of these organizations. Their commitment to bettering the lives of others through their own sacrifice, and the sacrifices of those around them is humbling! 

Click here to read the full trip report.

The lasting effect of Hurricane Ida was very evident even 4 months after the hurricane hit in November of 2009.  Patients spoke of huge floods, and contaminated water.  There were many people with skin related issues which are common within areas that are ravaged by floods.  Since most of the wells were still contaminated, the people of this community were in great need of parasite meds.


March Stats:

Some wonderfully colorful photos of a recent trip by LMV to Guatemala are on Facebook... and 1,400 patients were served.

All team members would agree that our mission to Guatemala was not only culturally enlightening and spiritual, but the shared experience was amplified greatly by like-minded strangers, some from different parts of the world, coming together to help better the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

Our diversified teams mainly from El Salvador, Guatemala and the States, consisted of doctors, dentists, optometrists, engineers, dental assistants, physical therapists, masseuse, translators, students, LVNs, many supporting staff and even a 'lock-picker'. Thank goodness for student dentists Jacob or was it Devin, who managed to pick the lock on those heavy iron doors of the clinic one muddy, rainy morning.

On our arrival each day, we were greeted by hundreds of colorfully attired Guatemala people waiting for the clinic to open. Many were mothers with small children in hand and babies on their backs. Even children with babies on their backs were waiting. Some had walked miles throughout thenight to reach the clinic. It was overwhelming to see so many patients. One wondered concernedly, "How are we going to help them all".

Basic Figures: patients seen = 1400; medical 700, dental 250, eye clinic/glasses 250.

To read more, click here!