Volunteer Spotlight – Brindy Nichols
We have so many dedicated volunteers here at Medical Missions Foundation, their commitment to the people we serve is overwhelming.
Each month, we want to focus on a volunteer that has continued to make an impact in bringing “Health for the World.”
This month’s Volunteer Spotlight is well-known in the Medical Missions Foundation community and has been with us for many years… Brindy Nichols
How did you first learn about Medical Missions?
I first heard about Medical Missions from a friend that I had been on a previous mission with. I had missioned a couple of times with the hospital that I work with and was looking to try some other places to go and help out with. She, Kate Weber, had told me about Medical Missions and I started emailing, Pepper Card to inquire about the programs and trips.
What got you involved for the first time?
I really wanted to expand on my own personal knowledge as well as share the knowledge I had with others. I thought of it as a “circle.” I have a lot of knowledge and education that I can share and I knew they would provide knowledge and their education for me to understand and grow with. I truly believe and live under the motto that “The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away.” I believe I have a lot to share with this world, my mind and heart included. So when given the opportunity I will share it every chance I get.
What missions have you been involved with?
With Medical Missions I have been on 3 missions, 2 to Uganda and 1 to Philippines. Other missions include one to Kenya & several to Peru.
I hope to be able to be included in more missions, and to explore more areas of the world doing so. Immersing myself in different cultures, learning their practices and beliefs really does
What is a most memorable experience during one of the missions?
The most memorable moment for me was during one of the missions we were doing an operation on a 10 month old. His mother was so sad, but so optimistic and ready for her son to have this operation. I really wasn’t able to speak to her, without the aide of a translator. She was crying when she handed me her baby, saying please take care of him, please fix him.
It broke me, a mother was handing me her baby, a stranger that couldn’t even speak to her. I told her I would take great care of him and I would be with him the whole time and that I would see her soon. The trust that mother had in me, and in our team was amazing. I have two sons of my own, and I couldn’t imagine handing them to a stranger like that.
Someone that I have never met, with a team that just showed up days ago, and praying they can heal their loved one. They have that trust in me, and in us and I never have been able to be used to that feeling. It’s love and I continue doing these missions because of it.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer for a multitude of reasons, but mainly it because every human should receive the best care they can get. I volunteer globally so that I can share my love for nursing, and the knowledge that I received and gained with others so that their care for their patients will be strengthened and supported. I volunteer locally for the homeless and underserved communities that cannot get quality, standard healthcare without groups like the ones I volunteer for. Giving what I have learned and trained for, as well as sharing my heart while doing it is truly my reason for volunteering.
What advice would you give someone considering joining a mission?
Do it! It has been the most fulfilling thing I have ever done! I wish I had started doing it earlier!!
Any last thoughts or comments you want to add?
Your heart will be broken and will be fulfilled in the very same trip! You will be able to help so many but not enough. You will leave with a new outlook on yourself, your job, your life and your heart. All that happens, but you will want to do it all over again.