If you are interested in being fully immersed in Ghanaian culture while providing life saving health care then ASAP is the avenue for you. I have never felt as fulfilled as I did while on this mission. The rural areas we visited were in desperate need of medical attention. We also spent time educating locals on how to care for their health in our absence. They were very receptive to our topics which included water collection and storage techniques, wound care, nutrition, and many more. In partnership with Sem Frontierras, we visited schools who participated in our literacy project. If you are looking for a non- profit you can simply sign up with and travel with, this would not be a good fit. We were personally involved in fundraising for the medications we needed for villagers, preparing the educational presentations, and researching medical conditions and treatments we could potentially see in that environment. In my opinion, because of my involvement in those areas, I was better prepared to handle the "culture shock" and felt more fulfilled as a human and healthcare provider.
Working with Laurie and Gyamfi were incredible. Everything was organized with the thought to what's best for the people of Ghana. The people of Ghana are incredible - so friendly, open and willing to share. It was a win-win experience for all. Thanks also to Lawrence for all his help. The women I met on this trip were incredible. Wonderful role models. Thanks, thanks, thanks
Melanie Kalman
ASAP afforded me an amazing opportunity to experience Africa. ASAP kept the trip affordable and set an impressive itinerary that made it a possible to give back while being culturally immersed in Ghana. Our Community Development team traveled from Accra all the way to Mole National Park. We worked with over 1,000 youth teaching literacy, Days for Girls curriculum, Dementia awareness and dental health at a number of schools. We cooked with a host family, attended church, shopped at the market and danced and drummed on the beach. Our safari trip in Mole park offered breathtaking views of nature. The spirit of the Ghanaian people was generous and welcoming and our guides were AMAZING! Anyone seeking a thoughtful and rewarding journey should go with ASAP.
It was a highlight of my life.
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ASAP offered me a one of a kind travel experience where I was challenged, culturally immersed and participated in improving the lives of children and mothers. It was a gift to me, a blessing. Anyone seeking to do something meaningful in this life should try do a journey like this. In 10 days we reached 1,400 youth, including mothers, providing instruction in dementia awareness, dental hygiene, Days for Girls menstruation information and kits, as well as literacy and fluoride treatments. While we may take this information for granted in the "advanced" nations, it makes a world of difference to these youth in Ghana. I was impressed with the children's resilience and strength, many who walk long distances to get to school in inadequate shoes, yet they persevere and value their education. This trip truly broadened my scope on the world and has inspired me to continue more trips like this.
https://whatsupatupstate.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/10-days-in-ghana-upstate-volunteers-help-build-community-in-africa/
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I am overwhelmed by all the good that the ASAP director, Lauri, is able to accomplish through her excellent working relationship with Ghana's Agyapong Gyamfi, COO of Sem Fronteiras Charity organization. Our mission trip was very well organized, and we were able to connect and positively impact close to 1500 women and children. Our work focused on literacy (pictured), dental care, dementia awareness and, primary, women's health/menstral cycle education. If you have ever considered a mission trip, sign up for this one. For a modest time and financial commitment, you accomplish a lot and have an extraordinary experience.
I participated in the November 2017 Community Development Trip. This was the first time I ever participated in something like this. I can truly say I received so much more than what I gave. I met wonderful people, learned about a new culture and way of life. I felt part of a strong team where my individual contributions were valued. I realized how the actions of a few can impact so many. On a practical side, I had nothing to worry about this entire trip. Things were organized. I felt safe and I never had a bad meal! Thank you so much Lauri! Your passion is contagious. I hope to participate on a future trip.
The November 2017 Community Education trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Lauri, ASAP Director was very supportive & helpful from the start, ensuring that everyone was well informed & fully prepared for the trip. Agyapong Gyamfi, COO of Sem Fronteiras, & his team were extremely accommodating & organized, ensuring that each person was comfortable, hydrated, well fed & safe. Safety was a priority at all times & was never a concern. The welcome you will receive by the Ghanaian locals & the appreciation expressed will melt your heart. The impact of your interactions will last a lifetime. It was a blessing to see firsthand the significant impact organizations like ASAP & Sem Fronteiras have in the lives of vulnerable children & families. We not only provided essential items (reusable sanitary pads, toothbrushes, mosquito nets, shoes, soccer uniforms), we also provided the education (Menstruation/ Female Reproductive System, Oral Care, Literacy, Dementia). This education will improve the quality of lives now & in future generations. I have participated in other mission trips in the past and definitely rate this trip the highest. It was the perfect mix between service work & cultural experience. We had a wide range of experiences including rural schools, city life, local churches, & cultural sites. Spending a day with a local family shopping at a market & preparing a meal was a highlight for me. There is an opportunity for all to fully participate based on your interests, strengths & abilities. Thank you Lauri & Gyamfi! You are truly inspiring!
It was amazing partnering with ASAP to bring college students to Ghana for a service trip. Lauri was extremely accommodating throughout the whole planning process and made sure that we were mentally prepared for the trip way beforehand. I can truly say the trip was a life changing experience. Hearing the stories of the ghanaian people, alone, was inspiring. Everyone was so happy although they were not living and working under the best possible conditions. I couldn't have felt more safe with Gyamfi and his team. I'm sure the group I traveled with would agree. You could clearly see the values and mission of ASAP present in every single part of the trip. Our orphanage visits, going into the villages to educate people about prevalent health topics, visiting cape coast slave castle and even learning how to cook fufu gave us a taste of everything. I learned, I taught, I served, and I had a blast! -Mitsuka
ruprachl 04/11/2017
We are so grateful for your service and it was a pleasure working with you guys! We hope that the members of the team will continue to partner with ASAP in future trips as we strive to "Be the Change"
I was very lucky to be able to go on ASAP mission trip to Ghana this March. Thousands of Ghanian children and adults were able to be seen by providers - some for the first time in their lives. I was touched by every single story that I had heard, and every smile that I saw. I would recommend this trip to every single person who ask.
Being a volunteer with ASAP was truly the experience of a lifetime. From setting up mobile health clinics in local villages to experiencing the local culture through immersion events, it truly leaves your perspective of the world forever changed for the better. Every day left you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, whether it was helping relieve sore muscles for villagers or simply taking pictures with the local children, you always went to sleep each night with a smile on your face. It was a quick 2 weeks, and I can't wait to go back with ASAP again in the future!
I had the privilege of traveling with the ASAP team this March. It was an unforgettable two weeks as we were able to provide medical care to thousands of people in need. The people of Ghana were so welcoming and appreciative of the care and supplies we had to offer. I would definitely recommend this trip and I plan on returning to Ghana on anther trip with ASAP!
ruprachl 03/28/2017
Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to helping those in need! We hope you can join us next year!
As a senior member of the ASAP team both in experience and age , this third trip to Ghana was as memorable and rewarding are ever. Whether the group is 12 or over 20 in number we are able to touch and be touched by the people we served in Ghana. Everyone , medical and nonmedical , have an important role to play. The experience puts in prospective how blessed we are and the importance of giving back. Looking forward to the 2018 trip !
ruprachl 03/28/2017
You are such a valuable member of the ASAP team. Your continued support and hard work are so much appreciated. We would not be the same without you.
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Having the opportunity to travel with ASAP twice has been just the most wonderful experience. I think 10 minutes into the first informational meeting I was totally sold that this was the group and the mission for me. We were a group of mostly strangers but by the time we came home the friendships were life long. Living ,eating ,riding countless miles in a bus, learning our strengths ,talents was such a gift. Working in a developing country ,learning about a culture totally different requires an open mind ,patience and an acceptance of humanity . Our job involved setting up clinics in remote areas. We never had the same situation two days in a row - setting up the clinic in a school ,under the trees or an unfinished church. The supplies we took varied from trip to trip . Learning to make do is part of the process. Our patients were always thankful we took interest in them and were able to help. My job was dispensing medications and giving a nutrition lesson [on trip #2]. ASAP has the best support in Ghana - our safety is never an issue . I am so looking forward to my third trip in 2017 !
I am proud to say I was apart of the ASAP team for the trip to Ghana this March. It was the most amazing, enlightening, positive experience ever. I have so much respect for the president, Lauri, and her commitment to the team and helping those in need.
ruprachl 03/28/2017
Loved having you on the team! Thank you so much for your help and for touching the lives of so many.
I remember receiving the email inviting me to go on this medical mission trip. I immediately knew I had to go. I was excited beyond belief to be going overseas to help people who basically lived in a different world than what I'm used to. It was a great and humbling experience, and the people of Ghana taught me just as much as I taught them. If anything, I learned more than they did. As a nursing student about to graduate, I believe this was one of the best ways I could start my career, and really find my roots. This trip reminded me of why I chose this profession and I will never forget it. Serving hundreds of people a day was such an amazing time. This trip was the best decision of my life so far. The only thing to top it would be going back again. A.S.A.P. is an amazing program and I am forever grateful for all that they do, and I am proud to say I am a part of it.
ruprachl 03/28/2017
We are the ones who are grateful to you and all the other volunteers for your hard work and devotion to making the world a better place. Thank You!
At first I was nervous about going on a mission trip to Ghana. After speaking with a close friend who had done a trip with the ASAP group before, she assured me I would be safe. The trip was life changing and a lot of fun. We were able to help nearly 3,000 people in need. The founder, Lauri, is very passionate about what she does and is the backbone of the entire trip. I highly recommend that anyone thinking about participating in one of the trips does so. It is a one of a kind experience that will benefit many in need and open your eyes to the world.
ruprachl 03/28/2017
Your positive attitude, compassion and love for life was such a wonderful addition to the team. Thank you so much. Hoping you can come with us again and again!
This March, I had the privilege to travel to Ghana with the ASAP team to serve the deprived rural communities of this nation. It was through the set-up of mobile healthcare clinics that we were able to reach thousands of people in need, especially women and children. Through this experience I was able to both make a positive impact in the lives of others as well as be forever changed myself. The passion that the founder has for the vision of ASAP and the people of Ghana is contagious. I would recommend this to anyone looking to help make this world a better place! Can't wait to continue working alongside the ASAP team.
ruprachl 03/28/2017
You were such an asset to the ASAP 2017 team. Your caring and love for the children of Ghana was an inspiration. We hope you will continue on many more journeys with ASAP! Thank You
ASAP is the true opportunity to "Be the Change you wish to see in the world!" This was my 3rd trip with ASAP to Ghana and the second time that I brought my daughters with me. It has been life trnsforming for my girls and myself. We have had the opportunity to serve the Ghanian people who do not have access to health care while also learning from them about what is truly important in life: family, faith, love and community. I would strongly recommend this experience to anyone who has a desire to help others while learning about this rich culture.
ruprachl 03/28/2017
ASAP is so blessed to have you on our team. You and your family bring so much joy to the children of Ghana. Hoping you will join us for many more trips!
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ASAP experience- My experience began quite by chance. I had always wanted to be apart of mission work but felt it was not possible as a mother of four and two careers that I had responsibility for.
What I discovered was not only was it possible, but honestly and truly life altering. ASAP provides exceptional care to those most in need in very rural areas of Ghana where healthcare accessibility is almost non-existant.
I was so moved by this experience and those I shared it with that I brought my two oldest daughters with me on my last mission this June. I am forever grateful to be apart of this opportunity to help such grateful people.
This was my third trip with ASAP. I keep going back because working with those in need is so rewarding. It truly makes you look at the world a little differently. The team was great. Everyone worked well together for a common goal. I plan to go again!
Angela Lalla
ruprachl 03/28/2017
We appreciate your continuing support to the organization and the team. Your commitment to helping those in need and doing work wherever needed is most appreciated. You have such a kind heart and we look forward to many more years of working together to "Be the Change"
Although I was unable to participate in the most recent trip; as an educator, I am looking forward to volunteering next year in order to work with the teachers and children served by ASAP. This is not a one and done organization. It's mission is to provide much needed health care and education opportunities to underserved areas in Ghana with the assistance of local providers.
ASAP provided me with my first mission experience as well as my first experience as a provider. The opportunity to offer health and education services was immeasurable. I feel as though I have touched more than the lives of those that I prescribed for...diagnosed or referred for more treatment. I was lead with a group of caring amazing people to offer a venue of hope to those who welcomed us into their homes, hearts and lives with unwavering trust. My life will go on here in the states where I will continue to practice... But I will never forget those I encountered in Ghana. From the bus driver to the cooks and those that worked to keep us safe. Without this chance I have longed for all my life I know I would never feel as full in my heart and true to my passion for helping others as I do now. ASAP has Opened my eyes, my heart, my mind and enriched the lives of more than just the women I shared 2 weeks with. They have given hope, love and spread compassion to countless individuals, families and communities all across Ghana. I will be forever grateful for the memories and hope I can create more in the future.
A coworker was talking about her upcoming mission trip with ASAP and I thought about it and decided to get more information. Little did I know that the discussion would lead to a life changing trip. Going to an unfamiliar place can be a little scary but ASAP does a fantastic job of organizing and preparing you for the trip. Once there I never questioned my safety as the ASAP affiliates in Ghana had our safety as their number one priority. I cannot believe how much that 2 week trip changed my life. I cannot wait for my next trip with ASAP.
One day my patient was telling me that she could see me going on a mission trip and she had a friend who actually organizes these trips to Ghana to provide medical care for the villages because the people there did not have the care available to them. She also told me about the passion and love this woman had for her project and for the people of Ghana. So she had me and I immediately asked her for the contact information. That day I applied for my first mission with ASAP! That day I was slightly nervous because this would be totally out of my comfort zone. But the thought of all the people I might be able to help in anyway was exciting and I couldn't wait to go the closer we got! Well the day came and we left and all those things that had constantly gone through my mind weeks before about helping people and about what a great experience this would be were real and it was Literally the best experience I had ever had in my life. We helped so many people far beyond what I had imagined. This project had both medical and education volunteers, so that allowed us to help even more people-Especially children! So when they weren't getting a wound cared for or a provider visit, the education team was helping to both educate and play with the children while also assisting the teachers with ways to improve the education in the future. Laurie (ASAP leader) also put together events to raise money throughout the year in order to get tablets and supplies for this trip! Which she does every year☺️‼️ I could sit here and write all day, but the mission that I went on was not at all what I expected. I expected a one time experience with great benefits to others for my two weeks out there. As I write this part I begin to cry because what I got myself into was so much more. I not only helped people in ways I could never do on my own but I met some of the most amazing people while doing this, both from Ghana and from here at home. This mission has truly changed me and while I say I have helped so many while I was there the one person I never expected to gain from this was myself! It's hard to explain but I will never be the same and it's an amazing feeling. I will also be going back! I would literally leave tomorrow if I could. Everyday I wake up I think about how I'm gonna swing my next mission. This project with Lauri and the other amazing volunteers guided me through my first mission and provided me with the knowledge and love I needed to be successful while doing it. I would say if you adversity searching for a particular mission with the intent to give yourself for a few weeks in order to help others then this is the way to go! I will definitely be going back as much as they let me lol!!
My "story": "In a gentle way you can shake the world" Ghandi once said. I believe this statement to be true. My passion for mission trips began when I first went to Haiti in 2014. My sister was in her junior year of nursing and she was selected by her professor to go on this trip. Through school she was not able to go because of her chronic illness but outside of school she was able to attend. When she told me about this opportunity I asked if I could also join her because I am interested in doing traveling nursing especially internationally. So my sister and I went along with her professor who was leading it as well as other volunteers. We ran a medical clinic for a week right where we were staying at the Apparent Project Guest house. Some people were medical volunteers and others were non medical. I guess I started falling in love with Haiti as well as its people. I also fell in love with their culture and couldn't believe how much hope the people seemed to have yet they are living in bad conditions. I couldn't believe every morning I would wake up and hear people singing. I was speechless yet intrigued how little they have but yet seem to be a lot happier than most people I know. They have nothing, they work so hard for everything and their government doesn't help them. Ever since then I have had a passion for mission trips. Haiti and even now Africa will have a piece of my heart.
My journey towards mission trips: "What has been seen cannot be unseen" this quote by C.A. Woolf is basically my drive for wanting to continue to do mission trips. Yes I love helping people but I don't think I will ever be the same after I had done my first mission trip. This is not a bad thing however I feel that if I am able to help others who are less fortunate and do not have basic necessities such as healthcare than I want to serve. I think as humans we are entitled to basic rights especially healthcare at least the most basic kind. I think as human beings we have a duty to help others especially those who do not have the most basic necessities of life. I don't mean to keep using quotes but they help me project what I want to say. Mother Theresa once said that "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty". I would like to make a humanistic difference in the world and hope that places in poverty could receive basic accessibility to healthcare.
My journey in Africa: I participated mainly in the community/educational portion of the mission trip. For two weeks Lauri 2 and I went to four different villages twice to help spread the word about scrabble. In the first village for the first day it was ran differently as opposed to the other days. Danielle and I taught around the world and Scrabble in 2 classes. In the other 2 classrooms Lauri 2 was discussing the book "The Agony of an African Woman". I think the around the world was a good concept but it took up time needed for teaching the students and teachers how to play Scrabble. For the other villages we taught the students Scrabble and then started only teaching the teachers Scrabble so then the teachers can teach the students how to play. I think it was genius whoever came up with the idea of incorporating Scrabble into teaching English to 7th-8th graders for this trip yet fun. I know the students enjoyed playing Scrabble as well as the teachers. Both the teachers and students even became competitive. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching as well as watching the students think of English words. I think because both the teachers and students were interested in the game it became successful. Everyday after the schools Lauri 2 and I would meet up with the medical clinic to help the rest of the group. I would help whereas needed ranging from doing vital signs, registration for a little bit, running water to the medical team or doing wound care. I enjoyed helping the medical team. I thought it was impressive how the medical team was ran especially being that a lot of the volunteers have had no experience doing a medical mission trip before but everybody did so well. I enjoyed watching each person on the medical team working. Even though it was so hot and humid out everybody gave it there all and that was admirable. I wish though maybe after the clinic when everyone unwound a little after dinner we could have talked about each of our days. I think being on the education aspect of it and not really having patient contact I would have liked to have known if anything stood out to anyone and just their overall experience each day. I enjoyed both the safari/pool day as well as seeing the slave castle and having dinner with everyone and going to the market. I think it's nice to do mission trips for 2 weeks. Especially I would think for the medical team if people are coming back and you want to see if anything changed with them. I also liked going back to each of the schools and seeing the progress the teachers made in teaching Scrabble. I really liked going to village 4 I just thought it was very beautiful and the fact that the teachers found us to play Scrabble was really moving. I really enjoyed this trip and thought Gyamfi did a good job with coordinating everything. His passion for both the education and medical aspect of the mission trip is infectious. I think the world needs more people such as Gyamfi who are willing to do things most people wouldn't do. I think it is very important that we teach English especially to people at a younger age so that one day they could have a career and better themselves. I think Lauri 1 did a wonderful running the mission trip as well. She is compassionate and inspiring with all the work she had put into this trip. I would definitely recommend anyone to go on this trip. I am glad I joined Facebook after my last mission trip in January otherwise I would have not known about ASAP/Sem Frontieras. Thank you for this opportunity I will always cherish and take away so much from this trip. I want to dedicate a quote to everyone: If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday" (Isa. 58:10).In conclusion I apply this quote to my life as a missionary "A path forward is found, not through providing resources to the poor, but by walking with them in humble relationships" (Corbett, Fikkert).
Going on this adventure I didn't fully understand the whole picture or how much it would change my life. Many people go about their daily lives and don't even think twice about it. After this mission trip with ASAP life is no longer the same. The trip allowed each and everyone of us to change thousands of lives in a matter of two weeks. The most incredible part was how the people changed your life for the better. I will never look at the world the same again nor do I want to. For anyone who wants their life changed on a fulfilling journey and who is willing to share their passion with the people of Ghana this is the place to be!
In 2014 I joined the ASAP team on a fascinating trip to Ghana. I read about ASAP in an Upstate hospital publication, contacted Laurie & told her I'm not an RN, NP, PA or MD but could they use a social worker? She said we could use anyone who is willing to work. My assignment-assisting the fabulous dental hygienist, Donna.
ASAP/Laurie did a great job organizing pre-trip meetings, everyone assisted with getting donations, packing, fundraising. Our Ghanaian leader, Gyamfi had made all the necessary preparations to safely reach the multiple villages we visited. The villagers were also prepared, anticipating our arrival. Considering the remote locations this was an incredible task. We even had an air conditioned bus.
Seeing a part of the world not on the tourist circa and meeting people from a vastly different culture was an experience I will never forget. Nor will I forget the faces of so many beautiful Ghanaian children, the little girl that hoisted her school desk onto her head to take home at the end of the day, the boy that didn't know his name, the girl that couldn't resist & reached out to touch my hair, the endless line of children and more children.
I'm sure with Laurie at the helm ASAP will continue with good will and work.
I'm sure with Laurie at the helm ASAP will continue with good will &
I have participated in two ASAP projects to Ghana, and found them both to be amazing experiences.
My first trip was in Feb/March 2014, and I went on a second trip in Oct 2015. For the first trip, I didn't know what to expect, but felt that ASAP's president, Lauri, prepared us well. Through group meetings and Facebook, she provided a wealth of information, and gave us the opportunity to get to know each other before the trip even began. She took care of all arrangements, making it very easy to enjoy the experience. Both teams came together very quickly with ideas and suggestions to complete the project and improve future projects.
Once arriving in Ghana, our partner organization, Sem Fronteiras took very good care of us. I felt very safe. Accommodations were acceptable, clean and secure. In addition to planning our village mobile health clinics, they also gave us the opportunity to enjoy the culture of Ghana. I was able to attend a wedding, food shop in the community markets, and see how people live their lives day by day.
Days were long, but fulfilling in so many ways. I came back with a love for the country, and a greater appreciation of my many blessings.
We can't change the world... but we CAN change the world for one person.
Angela
I am a Nurse Practitioner. I was a volunteer with ASAP on the October 2015 trip to Ghana. I not only had the opportunity to provide Heath care to those in need, I was able to share in the roll out of an exciting literacy program. A rewarding experience to say the least. I can't say enough about the people of Ghana, who are so gracious, appreciative and welcoming! To be a part of a great organization that is passionate about helping the less fortunate in remote areas of Ghana was an experience of a life time. To be able to experience the culture made the experience even better. The trip was not all work, we did go on a safari and spending the last few days at the Cape Coast, a perfect ending to a great trip! Looking forward to going again!
ruprachl 11/13/2015
Thank you Pam for being such a valuable member of the 2015 ASAP Team!
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ruprachl 11/14/2015 Thank you Kaelyn for all your hard work and contributions you made to the ASAP Team!