Thanks to One Nurse At a Time and their scholarship program I was able to fulfill my dream of international volunteering.
In February of 2014 I was given the gift and opportunity to travel to Esmeraldes, Ecuador with the Ecuadent Foundation. The team of surgeons, anesthesiologist, operating room nurses, PACU nurses, equipment technicians and Spanish interpreters performed and provided care for approximately seventy patients. My most memorable moment would be witnessing the joy of the parents face when they saw their child after their cleft lip repair. Due to limited time, we were not able to provide services for all that came seeking, so it was difficult to see the faces of families that had to be turned away. Esmeraldes is a poor city of Ecuador. The people have very little money and possessions, but they have something money can not buy. They have a strong spirit, love for their family, country and culture. 
The people of Esmeraldes gave me more than I could ever give them. I provide pre and post anesthesia care for newborn to18 years of age in the United States. I have seen an increase in Spanish families that speak very little to no English. Being in Ecuador and not having the ability to fully communicate due to my limited Spanish, at times I felt alone and isolated. I now have the experience of understanding how my Spanish families may surely feel here in the United States. I love the country and people of Ecuador. They will always have a special place in my heart. It is my plan and dream to continue volunteering my nursing skills to those in need. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE GIFT OF GIVING!!
Anita Sawczenko
