As worth it to the volunteer as to the patient.

Give PRHDR two weeks and marvel at how much good you can do in that time.

I joined the Winter 2016 trip as a volunteer interpreter. It was my first time to the DR and my first time interpreting. At first, I wondered how to do my part. But right away, I had all kinds of ways to do a part; unpacking the pharmacy, organizing the eyeglasses, loading the trucks, putting up the tent, carrying the water, etc. By the time I sat down with a patient and nursing student on the first day of clinics, we had built a bond from all the shared experiences. The student and I were eager to be there, excited to take a history, check vitals, give instructions; and we banished the trepidation and dove in.

That day set the tone for the trip and each day was even better than the one before. The people that we served showed us such gratitude for seeing them and for what we gave, even when it was just a toothbrush, aspirin, or vitamins.

Being around these people, surrounded by a dramatic landscape, and hosted by a warm community; all in the company of like minded folks, packed this trip with meaning. Those twelve days were some of the most fulfilling in memory.