September 27, 2011

Message from my Heart

 

Two weeks ago, I shared with you the amazing experience of distributing shoes in Peru with Samaritan’s Feet. As promised, today I’d like to share another very unique opportunity we had during our trip to Peru in June, 2011 to make a difference in the lives of those who are immobile, dependent and often lack dignity and hope.

This experience was especially touching for me because in May 1997 I was involved in an accident which left me millimeters away from being paraplegic. I count my blessings daily for the medical facilities, doctors, nurses, countless hours of therapy and rehab that I had the privilege of having access to. Not to mention all the family & friends for all their emotional support. I was able to recover within 18 months to full mobility and today I can share my stories with my 2 beautiful daughters.

 

Today's Inspiring Story

The temporary lack of mobility that I experienced was nothing compared to that of the estimated 100 million people in developing nations around the world who need a wheelchair but cannot afford one.

Fortunately for some of them, there are organizations like Free Wheelchair Mission, who are dedicated to providing the gift of mobility to everyone from children to seniors in these impoverished communities.

 

Our second day in Lima, Peru was incredible. We started the morning off at the Camino de Vida facility assembling wheelchairs. Camino de Vida works in partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission, and our team of 24 assembled 4 wheelchairs within an hour and a half.

The assembly work was fun as we tried to race each other in completing the task. It’s amazing how durable these wheelchairs are even though at first glance you may not think so.

We then split into smaller teams of 8 and hopped into vans loaded with 2 wheelchairs each.

Off we went to different areas where individuals had been identified and selected through a government process to receive these wheelchairs.

The distributions are prioritized based on the needs. My group of 8 provided the first wheelchair to a 70 year old woman who was paralyzed and immobile. The second one we delivered for a 3 year old boy whose legs were amputated earlier this year, and he continues to be in the hospital due to a lack of diagnosis.

Over two days, our group of 48 assembled and distributed 12 wheelchairs.

It was such an amazing way to give as we learned how to work as a team to assemble them, and then experienced the emotions as we distributed them.

Driving to the different communities gave us an opportunity to experience Peru from a local’s perspective and not just as tourists.

We will forever treasure this unique opportunity to serve others and the perspective it gives our own lives. Our children are back in school, the days will get shorter and cooler, but life’s adventures, challenges, and rewards will continue. Stay tuned for the next issue of Matters of the Heart!!!

 

 

Vacations That Matter Recommends

Join one of these trips and experience FUN, SUN...A LITTLE GIVING...A LOT OF GRATITUDE!!!

PERU, YEAR ROUND
Experience Peru’s intriguing culture and legacy of Machu Picchu
Spend a day assembling and distributing wheelchairs, building stoves or distributing shoes

MEXICO, YEAR ROUND
Treat yourself to beautiful beaches, Mayan Ruins, culture, food, & adventure activities and
Spend a few hours visiting a women’s shelter or cleaning up a beach

VIETNAM & CAMBODIA (INDOCHINA), - NOVEMBER 2011
Experience the tranquility of Angkor Wat and Ha Long Bay
Spend a day building water filters and distributing them to Villages or spend time at orphanages.

For bookings or inquiries please contact
NINA PATEL
Vacations That Matter
714-925-1769
nina@vacationsthatmatter.com
http://www.vacationsthatmatter.com

 

About Vacations That Matter

Vacations that Matter specializes in planning customized group vacations for families, friends, collegues, church members, associations, corporations, clubs or any affinity groups who would like to enjoy their vacations and make a difference while bonding, sharing gratifying experiences, and memorable journeys together.

Our customized group vacations are having fun, sharing dreams, and giving hope, by incorporating a few hours to a couple of days of volunteer work such as visiting a school, orphanage, women's shelter, and soup kitchen, or working on projects including wildlife conservation, trail maintenance, building, painting, sharing professional expertise, and much much more.

Matters of the Heart is an electronic newsletter serving as an inspirational tool for anyone who wishes to pay it forward while enjoying their vacation, published by VacationsThatMatter.

 

If you have any questions or comments please send them to: hello@vacationsthatmatter.com

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