wind blows deeply

This November I will be heading to The Gambia, in Western Africa (map), for a missions trip with Christian Volunteer Movement.

There are many exciting things which I may be involved with. However, I am excited that I will be using my expertise as a pharmacist while I am there. Along with two other hospital pharmacists, I may be involved with developing medication kits for rural health workers, attending rounds in the hospital along with local physicians, organizing the hospital’s pharmacy dispensary and medication supplies, and/or teaching pharmacology courses at the local university.

Through a discussion with a work colleague, I was reminded that despite the fact that many of us live in neighbourhoods, a sense of community is often quite lacking. As I began thinking about this conversation, the upcoming trip to Africa and how God has blessed me with great abundance, I had an idea. I have a job that both pays well and offers flexibility in having time off. So I thought, if I have the time and financial resources to make the Africa trip possible what are ways that I could also benefit the local community? My solution .... you!

I have decided to use the resources God has entrusted to me to go to Africa. In turn, I want to extend the invitation to those who may have otherwise considered supporting me to instead support their local community with their own time and finances. Of course, your prayers for myself and other group members are highly valued.

If you decide to take me up on this opportunity, I'd love to hear how you got involved.