You'll often hear the phrase "I left my heart in [insertplacehere]," based on the 1953 ode to San Francisco written by Cory and Cross. Based on my recent experiences in Nicaragua, you might even expect me to say I left mine in Estelí. Part of me even wants to say that I did. But I really didn't leave any part of me there at all. In fact, the opposite happened. I found my heart in Nicaragua. All thanks to all of the people, events, and interactions that I experienced in those several days in Nicaragua... I found myself.

In the short span of six days (plus a day of medicine sorting and two days of travel), Chapman's Global Medical Brigadiers eagerly provided necessary medications to over 1,000 people in need, taught each of them the importance of oral hygiene and preventative measures against disease, built sanitation stations (shower, toilet, septic tank, filters) and floors for several families, and inspired hope throughout entire communities. We brought tears of joy to as many people as brought tears of joy to us. I personally shook hands with, hugged, danced with, conversed with, laughed with, and shared raw emotion and love with a handful of the most wholesome, heartbreaking, vivacious, and grateful individuals that I've ever met - including those we helped, and those who helped. This experience put into perspective for me the meaning of true compassion, selflessness, health and sanitation, what it truly means to share and give back, and the value of a dollar - no, better yet, the value of a penny.

There are people in this world...billions of them...that need our help. And almost as many who turn a blind eye to the needs of others. Well, I refuse to let them all go unacknowledged. Right now I'm being given another chance to lend a helping hand, this time in Ghana. I hope that you will help me fundraise the required $2700 for me to attend this trip - if not for the thousands of people who could use our help, then for me to experience another eye-opening brigade.

On behalf of myself, my fellow brigadiers, and the many who will receive needed medical attention, thank you in advance for your generous help.