Feb 2009 Mission Trip

 It was a Mission Trip to remember thanks to Larry Hendricks and the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness Program, along with Martin Mora from the San Jose fire department.

When Larry proposed sending a team of paramedics on HCI's February mission trip I must admit I was aprehensive. Could we really use their skills effectively and would they feel useful? I never imagined how wonderful it would be to have four native Spanish speakers available to translate for the doctors and explain to the Moms how to give medications to their kids.

I think I have always respected firefighters but my respect has gone to a whole new level watching them work together to serve the team, the Moms and the children. Any little or big task was "not a problem" to Frank Mui, the team leader for the firefighters. I constantly heard from them the same thing, " anything you need just let us know". But it wasn't just their efficiency and thoughtfulness that made me love them, it was the heart they had for the children and people of Nicaragua. For example, Niko became a favorite with the children in Jinotega. The kids would stand outside the Pharmacy window where Nico was working and chant his name, "Niko, Niko, Niko,....Maybe it was because he always had a smile, a hug, a toy or candy for each of them. Ed Ramos, Walter Martinez, Martin Mora and Noe Rosales, our Spanish speaking firefighers, patiently translated for the doctors or carefully explained to the Moms how to give their kids the medicine. If the children had a need for shoes, blankets, a special chair, special medications, there was always a firefighter finding a way to supply the need.