"We have worked in Honduras for six years, in which time we have learned that it is not what we bring to Honduras that is so important, but rather what we share with Hondurans. READI teams has that perspective. Giving support in knowledge and equipment, encouraging local people to take on projects for water wells and latrines and toilets, visiting the ill in their villages and homes, allows the Hondurans to have pride in themselves and to be in charge of their future. Though visiting volunteers may only be in the aldeas for weeks or a month, the READI teams staff provide a continuity in a respectful and professional way. They know their mission well."          David Hall, MD - Maine


"I spent 2 weeks with READI teams in Honduras in 2000.  After 23 years of practicing in the USA, I thought I had dealt with hardship, but I was unprepared for the degree of poverty I experienced.  I was also unprepared for the serenity and acceptance of their position in life that the Hondurans displayed.  I didn't have to ask about their faith in God; they lived it every day.  As difficult as the work was physically, the emotional lift I received doing God's work among the Hondurans and with the other members of my team made the trip worthwhile."          William Elberson, MD - Michigan


"When I told my family and friends I was going on a medical-dental mission to Honduras, several people told me it would change my life. I thought, 'Yeah, right. everyone says that.' But it did. The people impacted me in ways I still carry with me. For example, they are so happy and kind, and grateful even though they are poor. In Las Brisas and Betulia, the sense of community and family is so strong. I really enjoyed teaching and meeting the families. Although at times I was very upset emotionally because I wanted to do more, I truly feel blessed for having had the experience. My experience with Carlos in Betulia made me realize that even if I helped one child, I helped a family and community also. The gratitude expressed to me by Carlos's father was worth more than any paycheck in the States. It is a feeling I will have always. Meeting READI teams staff and seeing their commitment to their work was very inspiring. I think that every American child should be required to participate in some type of volunteer work either in a Third World country or in the poorest parts of the U.S. as a requirement for graduation from high school. Maybe then we would be raising young adults with a social and moral consciousness to help the world get back on track. I know this experience has humbled me and I am very grateful."          Pam Whitman, RN - Ohio


"If 10 people spent 2 weeks and saved one little boy's life....It was worth it. They said this trip would change my life. In 8 days, I saw 157 patients and removed 357 teeth. There had to be something better. I started to think about the portable equipment I used in Vietnam. I had to go back... I ordered the equipment. A month ago my wife and I and our 28 year old son got back from spending 18 days in the little village by the ocean. The 3 of us went alone on this trip and worked with READI teams again. It was the first time that anyone had ever filled teeth in this area. I left all of the equipment there in hopes that someone else will come and use it. I plan to go back soon. My wife is afraid I will move there. I have always been fairly quiet about religion, my faith, about our God.  Since my trip, that has changed."
Ed Libbey, DDS - Ohio