As director of Compassionate Journeys, a Medical Missions partner organization, one of the concerns I field most is, “Can I really make a lasting change in people’s lives?” The simple answer is: Yes, you can.

The problems in developing countries are vast. There aren’t enough resources. Education isn’t always available. Clean water can be difficult to find. Poverty is overwhelming. It can be difficult to look into the eyes of a child who is being treated and know that they very well may be injured or become sick again after returning to the same environment that made them sick to begin with.

Many times, though, we have an opportunity to touch lives in a very lasting way.

So many people suffer from lack of access to the most basic medical care. Every time I travel abroad, I hear of someone new who has died from “sickness” or “stomach problems,” or some other undiagnosed illness that likely could have been treated. Adults and children alike suffer from years of parasitic infections. They urinate blood, they go blind, their constant diarrhea leaves them constantly weak and distracted. Open sores and lacerations get infected at an alarming rate in tropical areas. The most basic treatment really does mean the difference between life and death for many of these people. And that’s just the beginning of the difference our volunteers can make.

I’m always humbled by the kindness shown to our volunteers. People who have nothing go out of their way to make sure that we are as comfortable as possible, and they are genuinely happy to see us. How must it be to know that strangers cared enough about you to fly across the world to see you? On a very basic, human level, volunteers change lives simply by showing up and reaching out.

There’s something else, too.

When you care enough about strangers to leave your family, friends and comforts behind to make a difference in their lives, something happens inside of you. You discover that the secret to happiness is not in what you have, it’s in what you give away. And in that way, you will absolutely make a difference—in yourself.

 

Amanda Christmann Larson is Director of Compassionate Journeys, a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to bringing resources and awareness to empower people in Ghana, West Africa. In the summer of 2012, Amanda and friends will be riding bicycles from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida with Babes Blocking Traffic to spread awareness about child trafficking. Visit www.compassionatejourneys.com and www.babesblockingtraffic.com for more information.