Journey to Bolivia: MTW

In the beginning of August, I went to Denver, Colorado to take part of Operation Smile's Summer Mission Training Workshop (MTW) with about 60 other students ages 16-18. We were selected as ambassadors and student educators for Operation Smile and were given the amazing opportunity to come together and train to go on an International Medical Mission. It was so awesome to stay in Colorado with my new Operation Smile family and to grow stronger as leaders and friends. We were inspired and had a million laughs and memories to last a lifetime.

For three days we learned all about Dental Hygiene, Oral Rehydration Therapy, Burn Care, and nutrition. Great presentations by the Elected Leadership Council (ELC) and speakers filled us with great excitement and anticipation. The last night we all gathered in the lobby of the University of Colorado and prepared to walk to a park for the final party. We were so excited that when it started pouring rain no one seemed to mind. We all took pictures, ate huge burritos, and had a great time. At the end of the party, and the moment we all were waiting for finally arrived. Everyone who attended MTW, students, sponsors, and student programs, all gathered for a group picture and then we sat together waiting to find out where we would be going for our mission.

Giving mock presentations during MTW

I sat with my roommate from the previous year’s International Student Leadership Conference and we both were almost shaking in anticipation. This year, an ELC would call up the students and their sponsor and then hand each a scroll. I remember everyone’s faces just grow with joy at seeing the location and dates of their mission. When my name was called I was so excited and filled with joy.

Two of my roomates from the International Student Leadership Conference the year before

I walked to the front of the group and stood next to my partner Lindsey and our sponsor Ramona. I remember trying to cut the tape on the scroll and failing, then Lindsey tried again no luck, and then Ramona finally cut the tape and we saw that we would be going to BOLIVIA!

Some of my firends showing off their mission assignments

The expressions on people's faces as they opened the scrolls better describes
the emotion in the room then words ever could

After seeing that my mission would be in two months I knew I had a ton of preparation to do but was so thrilled for the task. The next day we went into Denver to shop at an outdoor mall. I walked into the Borders and bought a travel guide about Bolivia and read the whole introduction and section on Santa Cruz in one night. The joy and passion I have felt for Operation Smile has continued to grow. When I received the email that I had been selected to go to the MTW I ran out of my bedroom and through the house telling my whole family that I had gotten in. I again felt like running through the halls of the university and doing the same, I am sure everyone did.

Pictures from the first day

All I can say is wow. Operation Smile provides me with immense happiness and purpose. I have become so passionate about the organization and love everything about it. This next step of going on a mission is so exciting and I am thrilled to be able to share it with you. Tomorrow I will post about ISLC.

We really did become like a family during MTW and I made great friends

Rachael