International Medical Aid (IMA)

Our team joined with IMA for our repeat trip to Haiti this past May. Working with IMA is a really wonderful experience. They listen to suggestions and always balances out these when making plans. They are always willing to listen and consider, and talk to the team members on a 1-1 basis, discussing plans. They also listen when the discussion revolves around the translators, and work hard to have the translators that we work with best. They make you feel very valuable in the entire process, and they make you feel that you are truly a part of the team. This year, because of the tensions in Haiti, the decision was made to house in a different location. I will admit, sleeping in a bed each night, having breakfast and supper cooked and waiting for us was really nice. I do feel bad regarding the cost of this, as I know we could have found a different way to spend this money. But I also know that safety is a prime concern with IMA, and never during the time did I feel like I was not in a safe environment. Purchasing tickets and making arrangements to join the rest of the team was very easily accomplished. Transportation while on the ground this year was different, as the team was split into 2 different vehicles. I much preferred being all together when we travel instead of apart. But know that this isn't always possible. Haiti has, once again, touched my heart in ways that I never thought possible. I feel that, while we did impact the community, that there is much more that can be done in this area where many live on less than most of us spend on soda for the month. I hope that we can continue to serve this area, and can expand what can be offered in the future.

I was introduced to IMA and Homayon through his father, who worked at the same facility that I did. Upon returning from a mission trip to Haiti, I had the feeling that there was so much more that could be done. Upon "meeting" Homayon, he worked hard to try to make this first trip happen. He followed through on contacts that I had made, and our first trip with IMA was born. I was impressed with the way that Homayon interacted with other members of the team. Being on my first medical mission trip, I was really outside my comfort zone. But Homayon reassured, watched for problems, discussed the events of the day, and made us feel like we were an important part of the team. Being all together in the same house location was very nice, but the person we were staying with did not follow through with some of the things which were discussed before arriving. We were made to feel like an outsider there, even though she had invited the team to stay with her while we were in Haiti. Booking the flights were handled by IMA, after discussing with us our ability to get to and from the airport. The time frame for the trip was worked out well in advance, so time off work could be arranged. Again, we were made to feel as if we were an important part of this team, and that helped make this initial trip a very good one. Because of the attentions that were shown by IMA, we were able to see the need in Haiti, and left knowing that we needed to return. And knowing that this return trip would be with IMA made it all the better.

I was introduced to IMA through a coworker who had gone on previous trips to Haiti with them. My family had many questions and concerns about safety which I was able to get answered for them prior to me departing. My first was very eye opening as to how people live in a third world country. We were well prepared for little food being available and no electricity most of the time. This is from the planning done by IMA. I felt the entire time that I was safe and well taken care of. I we were getting low on water Homayon made sure we received more. We have worked with great translators and been made to feel very welcome. This trip was hard for me at times as I had a mother bring me a deceased child looking for help. Homayon saw the emotional impact this took on me even though I didn't want to admit it. He stepped in and took my place so I could step back and gather myself. I didn't have to even say anything and he was able to see this. After my first trip I felt we had changed the lives of many. We saved so many that year just by being able to educate, give medications, and IV fluids. I knew I would go back the following year after the impact this year had made on me. After the trip Homayon encouraged us to give positive as well as negative feedback as to how to make the trip better. I felt like the organization did listen as I prepared for my second mission trip to Haiti.