I had the privilege of participating on a medical mission to the town of Tocoa, Colon Honduras sponsored by Sustainable Outreach Solutions, a non-profit based in Scottsdale AZ. The main purpose of the mission was to teach laparoscopic surgical techniques to the doctors in this region of the country. These procedures greatly reduce the patient recovery time as incisions in major muscles are eliminated. The surgeries performed greatly improved the lives of the patients, many of whom couldn't afford the procedures.

In addition to performing surgeries, SOS donated materials for a classroom expansion at a country school two years ago. One of the classrooms has been completed using parents' labor and the remaining one is under construction. We took time to visit the school one morning where we celebrated the project with the children, school staff and parents.

One cannot describe the effect a mission (and this is my eighth) such as this has on your outlook on life. The team of 15 individuals gelled quickly, worked together well throughout the week and even found some time to socialize with each other and their Honduran counterparts.

I hope you enjoy these galleries. They cover a life altering experience for me.