Charles Darwin was an English scientist from the mid-late 1800s who demonstrated that as time passes, life evolves. As species evolve we are left with the diversity of animals and plants that exist as we know it today and we can see this when we go to the zoo or walk through the woods. Life is no different, and with each passing day our lives and who we are evolve; and the Journey2Solidarity is no different. So I wanted to just take the time to write about how this project came to be. If you have been following along since the start it may be a bit rehashed for you.
Palmer College runs Clinic abroad trips three times a year to locations around the world. Places like, Fiji, India, Brazil, Bolivia, Vietnam, Morocco, and of course Madagascar. I had the privledge to travel on a Clinic Abroad trip to Bahia, Brazil in Feb of 2008 along with fellow board member John Cherry.
Evolution (purchased from stockxpert.com)
While we were there we both had the times of our lives and really came to love and appreciate service, culture and of course the miracles of Chiropractic. I recall one night in particular after an incredible day adjusting after which a huge party was thrown on our behalf. Not planned, not asked for, but as a gesture of appreciation the whole community came out dancing and laughing, mixing cultures and loving life. I vowed that night to always strive to find this level of service and fulfillment.
Dr. Breitlow in Brazil - Feb 2008 (photo courtesy of author)
Then I started thinking and talking to people about creating opportunities. It was brought to my attention that in Madagascar where Palmer goes and serves on clinic abroad, that there are no long term DCs there. Most places Palmer goes after you are done seeing a patient, you can refer them to the local Doctor. In one case in particular I adjusted a woman who had not slept in over two weeks. She comes back the next day to see me in the clinic singing praises and wanting continued care. So I referred her to Dr Ian (the local Brazilian doc) where she could continue her care. What if she had no opportunity for continued care and her life continued to spiral out of control? What if the woman I saw with autism starts to make amazing changes in her life as a result of the care? Who and how could that be documented and written up for publishing? As far as we know there are several groups that provided short term Chiro Care, however who has tackled long term care? Would you ever just see a patient for one or two times and send them on their way with no way to follow up? Enter J2S.
We can identify the need for long term care and bringing wellness to the region. That’s a part of the plan. Plant a Chiropractic seed if you will, water it and watch it grow. However why stop there? There are needs for education, sanitation, clean water, vocational training, and on and one. If we ignore this as a team as we really bringing wellness to the world? No. This is kinda where we are at; tackling global issues, but starting within small communities and breaking the poverty cycle one adjustment, and one project at a time. This is the plan right now, and as I write this I realize that (for me) there is a god up there who has more control over this than I, as the Director/CEO, can ever hope for. So watch us evolve as projects come up, people offer their services, and God puts and takes away obstacles at will.
Please continue to follow along know that the next post will be a big one with BIG news!!! : ) Thank you all for your unwavering support.
Tags: Chiropractic, Madagascar, Service, Solidarity
