testimonials

Jamaica, the land of great coffee and awesome people. It was here that I learned about affection and how a little help could go a long way. I remember the first day on the job. I was sent to the infirmary. There I experienced my second culture shock. Seeing the things I saw made me realize that our miseries didn’t nor would ever compare to the misfortunes these people go though daily. Working with the doctors was amazing. Never had I seen such enthusiasm and excitement come from two dedicated people. Their great personalities and eagerness to help made me realize that becoming a doctor was indeed my passion. Also, my attitude towards community service changed completely. It opened my eyes and made me understand that working with underdeveloped communities could alter one’s personality. The CAMEO team assigned to Buff Bay was awesome. Everyone bonded very well and all of us shared the same goal, to help those in need. Coming to Jamaica was truly a life changing experience. Providing medical services to the people was amazing especially when we were able to witness how something so small could change another’s life completely. Although we share moments of sadness and sorrow, coming to Jamaica also created a greater chemical bond between 14 complete strangers having the same determination and medical goals. CAMEO was an awesome trip and the experiences were definitely unforgettable. Thank You!!!

It is hard to put into words the experience I’ve had on this trip, without crying that is. Tears of joy. Tears of happiness. Tears of sadness. Mama Keen and Dr. Keen were totally right about either loving it or hating it. I truly loved it. It has left such a deep mark on my heart like no other. I knew this trip was going to change me but the degree of change was unexpected. The first day of clinic impacted me the most. When we arrived everyone was cheering and singing. They gave a devotion and I cried. Throughout the day, I sat and watched and listened to everything that was going on around me. During that time, I had mixed emotions. It was sad to see what the people were going through. It was awesome to see the people trying their hardest to help and I was grateful to be a part of it. On the way home back that day, I couldn’t stop crying. All I could think about was what those people were going through. But it gave me strength and power to get back to it the next day, and the next, and the next. As each day passed, I saw more and more of why I was here. I felt that I accomplished what was needed to be accomplished. The amount of information I learned is unbelievable. Not only about the medical field but also the country of Jamaica. I have made a new family and home. One that I will cherish forever. To Mama Keen, Dr. Steve, Dr. Liz, Matt, Colette, Christina, Jennifer, Michelle, Dennis, Todd, Alicia and Terek, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for guiding me through this life change. It breaks my heart to leave my new family and home. That is why I will return. I will continue to give as much love and energy to those who need it. I will come back to Jamaica, until then I will share and dream all that I have experienced.

My experience in Jamaica was nothing short of life changing. I originally signed up for this trip because I wanted a hands-on clinical experience, but what I got was so much more. I learned so much about healthcare, the Jamaican culture, and about myself. What I experienced in Jamaica was a gratitude that was unlike anything I have ever seen. The patients constantly told me how happy they were to see us and how grateful they were for our services, even after waiting for hours in the heat. It has inspired me to live life with an attitude such as theirs and to be thankful for the healthcare I have received throughout my lifetime. This trip has also shown me that I love mission work and will continue to do missions throughout my lifetime.

Words cannot even describe how this mission trip to Jamaica changed my life. The week spent in Jamaica giving my time to provide free healthcare to families was singlehandedly the best week of my life. I learned a lot about pharmacology, patient/physician interaction, healthcare/culture in another country, and a lot about myself. 

I truly enjoyed the long clinic days in Mitchell Town that allowed me to interact with patients. It was just so heartwarming to see how patients smiled when they received that pill bottle of 20 ibuprofen pills or multivitamin pills. I truly believe that God sent His Spirit to live in us and I'm just overall grateful to be His hands and feet. I would not trade this experience for anything. It was humbling and challenging, and I learned something new every day. I am nothing but thankful for all that this CAMEO team has accomplished. I cannot wait to do this same exact thing in the future. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.

This was my first mission trip and I learned so much and met amazing friends along the way. I went into this trip always hearing doc's stories of his trips, and couldn't wait to experience it myself. This trip reminded me why I went into nursing and why I love it so much. After working as much as I do you tend to become burnt out and not as sensitive as you once were. This trip showed me that people do still care and appreciate what we do for them. I completely feel back in love with my profession again.
I always had a strong desire to do mission work, and this trip made me realize that I actually love doing this type of work. I love helping people that truly need it and are honestly thankful and appreciative of just the basic things we take for granted on a daily basis. I can't thank momma Keen and Doctor Keen for making this trip amazing. I can't wait to do many more in the future with y'all!!  

My first impression of Haiti was far from what my mind pictured prior to stepping foot off of the plane that flew me from my comfort zone into the unknown. I was begged several times by my family to reconsider coming and bribed to just wait, but for the first time in my life, I felt god calling me and I made the decision to answer. I didn't know how I would make it happen, but I trusted and he came through. Haiti has more beauty than I think anyone in America would ever realize. It is so much more than a place of poverty, but a community of people that work together for one goal and relish in the joy they find in their everyday lives. I don't think anyone back home will ever understand just how thankful I am that the people of Haiti allowed me to be a part of that even if for a short amount of time. I have felt more joy in the five days I have been here than I can remember in my life.

I was given the opportunity to explore my love for medicine and my love for giving back at the same time. It was honestly a privilege to have been given a chance to shadow, learn, and grow in my experiences with each practitioner and physician at the clinic. I learned a great deal and engaged my mind in all of the things I have learned but never put to use. I was able to see patients who may have only needed minor things to us in America, but for the people of Haiti, it can mean the world to them. My love for children and infants grew only stronger over these past days as well, and the way Dr. Keen interacted with them was heart warming. The patience and love the providers showed the people was an beautiful thing that will carry with me.

I hope that this trip sparks my heart and allows my relationship with God to grow stronger. I hope that when I get back to America I can remember the things I learned here and the experiences I have will carry me to push forward in my endeavors. I will definitely work harder to find the joy and life, and when I catch it, I will never let it go.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity.