Do we really know what it means to give of ourselves? I thought I did before I went to Nicaragua. I thought I was fairly considerate of other people and their needs. I would quickly lend a helpful hand to a friend, give money for a needy project, or donate clothes to a family whose house was burnt to the ground, however, I soon realized that was not the definition of truly giving of myself. I wanted and needed to do more. I had an inner desire to do so much more, but what could I do? Where did my desire come from?

I believe my desire came from my parents. When my father retired as an engineer/builder, he and my mother decided to devote their lives and talents to helping others. They volunteered with an organization that builds churches, clinics, schools, and orphanages, usually in third world countries. My parent’s first mission trip took them to Rwanda, Africa. I thought they were crazy. They were going to travel to a country where they had never been, to live and work for at least two years doing whatever needed to be done for people who did not speak the same language. As a young woman in my early twenties, I had a hard time identifying with their desire to give of themselves for the good of others – strangers. All I cared about was myself and what the world had to offer ME.

After Africa, my parent’s mission log book included Russia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Mexico, Cambodia, Arizona Indian Reservation, to name a few. At times I became resentful and wished my parents would realize their mission was right here at home with me and their family. They would be home for long periods of time, but they always had the desire to do more and before you knew it, they were off again on another mission trip. Just a short eight months preceding my father’s death they were planning another mission trip.

When I was asked why I wanted to go on a mission trip to impoverished, disease ridden, hot and humid Nicaragua, I answered assuredly that I felt it was time to “step out of my comfort zone and give of myself.”  Yet in a selfish way, I wanted to feel what my parents must have felt, and experience the joy and excitement of helping others.

So on March 1, 2007 I stepped out of my comfort zone, left my two young children and husband to travel to the Tasba Raya Medical Mission in Francia Sirpi, Nicaragua. I was joined by a team of fellow nurse practitioners, nurses, and two physicians to run medical clinics in Francia Sirpi and other outlying villages. We provided medical care for the Miskito Indians who lived in this North Atlantic region of Nicaragua. I had never been on a mission trip and had no idea what to expect. Not knowing Spanish, much less the Miskito dialect, I was worried how I was going to communicate with these people, how could I help them if I did not even speak their language? Surprisingly, I was not afraid; I felt the Lord would use me in any way possible. I made the first step, I went with the decision and commitment to step outside of my comfort zone, and I was about to do something I knew would make me stronger and help me grow as a person and a Christian.

Many obstacles and trials were faced on the trip, each one helping me gain an understanding of myself and of others. I brought home many stories of the people I came in contact with during clinics, their lives so helpless and in need of modern medicine. The poverty that I witnessed was heart breaking. We were all amazed to see smiles on the faces of the people in spite of all the sadness around them. The children were always laughing and playing, their toys broken, their clothes torn, they did not seem to care. I soon realized as the week passed that these people found their happiness from within and did not look to the world for their strength. The Miskito people were not polluted by worldly wants and desires that we face every day. They had so much to complain about, discouragement could easily be found yet they always looked up. A community spirit was present.

I was also amazed by the thankfulness and appreciation that was shown by the Miskito people. During clinic we would begin by passing out coloring books, crayons, toothpaste and toothbrushes to the children. We would examine and treat as many of the villagers as we could, providing them with what little medication we had. No matter what we provided, it was always good enough for them. They were thrilled with whatever help we could give them -- never grumbling or complaining. Most days the people would have to wait in line for many hours to be treated yet they did not seem to mind. The people were just happy to be there and thankful that we were there taking care of them. The gratitude was amazing. I have never experienced so much for giving so little. I had finally received the experience that my parents had so frequently talked about, and it felt wonderful. The Miskito people in Nicaragua gave me so much more than I could have ever given them, and this was a surprising result I gained from my trip. I have wondered many times since returning from my trip, are these people better off than we are? The pureness that could be felt in their remote villages, unadulterated by industries, highways, super malls, technology and all the other worldly things we are all so dependent on. What would it be like to live as they live? Simple, quiet, uncomplicated, appreciative and close to Christ, my mind could easily focus on my relationship with Christ while I was helping others.

I gave of myself by stepping out of my box and traveled to a third world country in need of mission and witnessing. What I found in turn was them witnessing to me. Did my desire to do more come from me wanting to gain more from my everyday life, to find more value and peace right where I am? We do not have to travel to a third world country to gain this experience. There are many projects right in front of us. We just have to learn how to look for them and take our focus off ourselves.

Thank you HeartWise Ministries for providing me with the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua and serve the Lord. I will always be grateful for the wonderful experience I gained. I hope to share more stories and blessings from my travels in future articles.

By Paula Miller

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