Days after returning to the Ball State campus, students who participated in the Timmy Foundation's Spring Break mission trip to Ecuador better understand why so many people overseas marvel at the American way of life.
"I (am) back in the States and I see so much that they didn't have -- so much that they need," said Matt LaFlash, a member of the foundation. "Some of them would actually brush their teeth with a stick wrapped with some fabric as a toothbrush and would use salt or sand as toothpaste. They were all very grateful for our assistance."
-á-á-áLaFlash was one of seven students from the Timmy Foundation who traveled to Quito, Ecuador, for the medical mission trip. The foundation took five large boxes of medicine and other supplies that were collected from the Ball State community in February.
-á-á-áAccording to its mission statement, the Timmy Foundation's purpose is "to provide experience and raise awareness toward improving availability of health care for children around the world through mission trips, supplying medicine and supporting health facilities."
-á-á-áErin Buck, president of the foundation, said she appreciated the diligence and passion of each student who participated in last week's medical mission trip.
"I have never been so proud of a group in my life," Buck said. "It meant so much to me to watch the group of Ball State students come together and work as a team to make a difference. I brought back with me a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of pride."
Buck said throughout the trip, the students were accompanied by a Ball State professor, 10 other students from Purdue and several doctors, nurses and pharmacists. The students set up free medical clinics in various locations throughout south Quito and saw more than 1,100 patients in a five-day period. At least half of the patients were children, LaFlash said.
Buck said doctors examined each patient for medical problems, while students from the Timmy Foundation helped to distribute a variety of medical supplies.
"The children were excited to receive toothbrushes," Buck said. "And because of the dry weather, a lot of the children loved basic lotion, something we (in the United States) take for granted."
Jada Paine, another member of the foundation, said she and the students also distributed toys to children from various preschools they visited in the area. Paine even had the opportunity to read to a little girl who was trying to learn how to speak English. She said being able to interact with the children on such a personal level made the whole mission trip worthwhile.
"The looks on the children's faces were indescribable," Paine said. "These deprived people just wanted someone to talk to and to share their problems with. "
LaFlash said having to witness the low standards of living many children experienced in Ecuador was heart-rending. He met a boy named Fernando, for example, who had been confined to a bed for 10 years and had the cognitive level of a three-month-old, he said.
"It's very sad," LaFlash said. "But it does open your eyes."
Megan DeWeese, also a member of the Timmy Foundation, said despite the children's humble living conditions, she appreciated how they never stopped smiling. They were the perfect role models, she said.
"The children there who have nothing are so much happier than the children here in the States who have everything," DeWeese said.
LaFlash said putting himself in the shoes of so many Ecuadorian children was life-changing. More Americans need to similarly step out of their comfort zones and reach out to people throughout the world who are less fortunate, he said.
"Americans are so wrapped up in themselves," LaFlash said. "Many of them could use a mission trip like this to open their eyes."
Paine, who participated in the Timmy Foundation's medical mission trip last year, said she doesn't regret her decision to go back to Ecuador this spring. She has learned something new on every trip she has participated in, she said.
"I was just as blessed this time as I was the first time," she said.
The Timmy Foundation will be going back to Ecuador this July for another medical mission trip and is planning other trips for Spring Break 2005, Paine said. She said she encourages more students to get involved with the Timmy Foundation while they still have the opportunity. The foundation's Web site can be accessed at www.timmyfoundation.org.
No one should ever underestimate the importance of participating in a medical mission trip, Paine said. Doing something to make a a positive mark on the world is always fulfilling, she said.
"It really puts your life in perspective," Paine said. "You not only get to bless someone, but you are able to be blessed yourself. And the children will remember you forever."
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