My Nonprofit Reviews

Maria told us that she had tripped and fallen a few weeks ago. As she held her stomach and looked down, she confided that she hadn't felt the baby move ever since. She hadn't been to see an OBGYN. She lied down on our make-shift exam table, and with some gel and a hand-held Doppler, the Shared Beat physician easily located a rapid little heartbeat. As she realized what she was hearing, happy tears started streaming steadily from the corners of her eyes. As she sat up, she didn't even say anything for me to interpret; she just jumped down and gave us both a big hug. This is just one of my favorite clinic moments that i've recapped with the group over tortillas and guacamole one night; there are many more...and many more to come!

I really don't like giving money to charities. I feel that sometimes the money just doesn't get to where it really needs to go fast enough. I am skeptical. I don't like taking people's word; I prefer to see things with my own eyes before i can recommend it to anyone, and so that is what i have done.

I had heard of this non-profit, Shared Beat, through a friend that had spent some time in Guatemala. I didn't know anyone on the trip and really didn't know what i was getting myself into at the time. Volunteering in Central America was something that I had always wanted to do to improve my Spanish. One of those ideas that floats around in the back of your mind since college... i just never before made the effort or time to make it a reality. I'm so glad that i finally made the time.

The one-week medical mission trips with Shared Beat are convenient for volunteers that work full-time. Although we have a busy week of clinic, it somehow still feels like a vacation. The trips are always well organized starting Sunday-Sunday in February or July. The weather is always a lot warmer than New England weather. The volunteers are a mix of old and new volunteers, and always so friendly, helpful, and eager to step in where needed. It is one mission trip where knowing Spanish is not mandatory (although it surely is helpful.) The patients couldn't be more appreciative that we come to them. Each mission trip the children appear to be more healthy physically-- and as plotted in their growth chart. It's a great feeling to play a small part in such progress.

A week with Shared Beat will change you. From then on you will take that experience with you wherever your travels may take you. You will apply that experience to new situations, see things from a different perspective, and understand people better. But don't just take my word for it, you'll have to see it for yourself.

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