Karli Jacobson, Kalibo Volunteer:

Medical missions sound enticing to many of us in healthcare. Travel somewhere cool, and do some good while you’re there - feel good stuff.

The reality is far more profound. Going into this mission, I thought of cleft lip and cleft palate as medical diagnoses, with the associated physical difficulties of nourishment, hydration, and speech. I was unaware of the extent of social and psychological ostracism. Not allowed to attend school, because your face is distracting to other children. Being isolated from society and given menial tasks at home. That is the hard realization. Once their faces are mended, school becomes a possibility…IF their families have the means to pay for school. Each heartbreaking reality has a follow up challenge.

As I return to the routine of my daily life, I will hold on to many beautiful memories of this experience.

When we take off our mask, and come out of operating room to get the next patient, there are these moments of impact you feel deeply in your soul. There is an understanding and appreciation passed through a moment of eye contact with a fearful yet grateful parent; the snuggles and giggles you share with the kiddos; cradling a frightened toddler in a room full of masks and the smiling eyes of strangers; and there are the tears that are shed for joy and pain…it changes you. It clarifies your priorities.

I leave Kalibo determined to return, for the sake of providing these beautiful children with dignity, hope, a potential for education…and a big smile!!