My name is Pat Farley, age 70, a recently retired nurse from NC. My adventurous experience as a nurse on the Honduras AHMEM Medical Team ,was truly amazing .I have been very fortunate to be chosen to serve on a lot of International Mission Teams, to list a few that were rewarding and adventurous- Russia, India, Cuba ,Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Costa Rico ,a lot of Caribbean area country’s and even Africa/Kenya but I will have to admit my AHMEN (Honduras) was the best feeling of” true serving the need of the needy”, the adventurous travel from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba and then continue traveling, to reach our destination village of Las Marias, located in the heart of the magnificent biosphere reserve ,on the river ,was reached after long days of eventful travels by driving the sandy coastline of the ocean in 4x4 trucks, as there are no roads. Then up the Rio Platano, traveling by canoe in shallow water, due to the dry season, even walking the canoe up the river against the current was a true feeling of participating in a special way. The piece of mind knowing we could serve the people who maybe have never had the privilege of FREE MEDICAL CARE FROM AN AMERICAN DOCTOR and receiving FREE MEDICATIONS. Even with our very primitive style quarters on the river in the village of Las Marias which consisted of no electricity, no indoor toilets, and bathing in a bucket or in the river made me feel just how fortunate I was just to be able to serve such needy people.
As an American in the medical profession for over fifty years as well as serving on dozens of MISSION TEAMS, it is easy for people close to me to observe my passion and gratitude I have for the opportunities to make a difference. I desire to help those who cannot help themselves in such a way that I relish every opportunity I have.
