First of all, I want to thank those of you whose support and encouragement of my upcoming mission to Kenya have given me the energy to make it!  Many of you were so generous with art supplies and other goodies, which will lighten the hearts of the people I am about to meet.  I am overwhelmed by your kindness and thoughtfulness, and please know that your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the children.

Monday I board the plane (first of 4 to get to my destination) and try to gear up emotionally for what is to come.  This is my fourth mission with Operation Smile, but I am anticipating it will be the most challenging in almost every way.  This world is hurting badly right now, and places like Africa seem to be where the wounds are open and fresh.  When I think of the famine, lack of health care, war, and Aids epidemic that these people face, I sometimes feel like crawling into bed and pulling the sheets over my head. 

 But Operation Smile makes such an immediate difference that I jump back out.  These doctors take children who cannot eat or talk properly, never mind how they are shunned by their communities and families, and perform magic in less than an hour.  The hope and goodness that these doctors and nurses provide extends beyond the hospital walls, but to the remote villages where these people live and to Malibu where I can share my stories.  There are doctors I know that work every holiday and some weekends to earn extra days off to go on more missions.  It is nice to be reminded about how wonderful so many people are in a world where the evening news only shows you violence and people’s falls from grace.  I am not a religious person, but I have spent many weeks with angels and watching miracles performed. It is a privilege to be a part of it, and I thank you all once again for your support.

 

There is a rumor that the town I will be in will have internet access…if this proves true, I will update you as I am able.  Wishing you all peace and calm, Sarah