I have just recently returned from a 17-day medical/dental mission to Guyana, South America. A Canadian team of three medical doctors, one dentist and support staff was fortunate enough to travel to villages throughout Guyana. The goal of this mission was to provide free medical and dental services to the people of Guyana.
Coming from Canada, I really didn’t know what to expect as far as living and working conditions. We were faced with a variety of situations, ranging from heat, mosquitoes, cockroaches, dirty water, no electricity, and long lines of people waiting for treatment. To have met the wonderful people of these villages and to see what they endure on a daily basis, has certainly opened my eyes as to how fortunate we as Canadians really are.
What I also didn’t expect was the generous support given to me by numerous friends and organizations here in Whistler, to realize this opportunity. On behalf of Friends Committed to Caring, I would like to thank the Lions’ Club of Whistler, Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, Dr. James McKenzie (special thanks to my co-workers who picked up the slack during my travels), and to all my friends and family for such a wonderful show of support. You were all part of this adventure.
Karen Barnes
Whistler
