The fall of 2014 was one of incredible opportunity and honor. Our family spent more time stateside than we have in many years. Not only were we empty nesters after 22 years, but we actually left the nest ourselves for several months. In November, we had the incredible honor of attending the Lee University Homecoming festivities where Martin was awarded Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. We loved seeing old friends and spending time with teachers from our time at Lee. Getting to know new teachers and friends from this generation and enjoying time with our kids, who are both students at Lee, were also highlights of the trip. It was an incredible weekend!
After Receiving the Award
Our next opportunity for blessing was a trip to Jacksonville, Florida. Martin was chosen by Operation Walk USA and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gavin Duffy, for hip replacement surgery. Our friend Chunky Miller, a physician’s assistant who volunteers every February with us and works with Dr. Duffy in Jacksonville, brought our case before the orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Duffy heard many stories about the Jungle Hospital from his wife Orla, and daughter Sarah, who volunteered alongside a medical team in February. After various applications and x-rays, Martin was one of two candidates chosen by Dr. Duffy! Pre-surgery exams were completed in November and the surgery was set for December 1st.
Dr. Martin and Dr. Duffy promoting "Operation Walk USA"
Ready for surgery!
 Chunky and his wife Dawn, were our hosts for the surgery, recovery, and physical therapy for six weeks. They opened their home and hearts to us. We could never thank them enough! They even opened their home to our kids so they could come and spend Christmas with us. We were absolutely overwhelmed by their warm hospitality, and the
love of God shown to us by this beautiful family.
The surgery was a complete success and Martin is pain free for the first time in almost five years! We returned refreshed and blessed to Honduras on January 11th - ready to get back to work!
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Our MVP:
Most Valuable Practitioner
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Taking time off and being away from the hospital in Rio Viejo is never easy. When we have to close our doors it makes it so difficult for our patients, especially those who need ongoing care and treatment. But when we need help to keep the doors open, there is always one name that comes to mind, Dr. Trey Melker of Baton Rouge, LA.
Dr. Trey has come to fill in for Martin on so many occasions, and is a true friend to us and to our ministry. He comes for weeks at a time to see patients and keeps our volunteers thoroughly entertained with his stories of travel and adventure, and is also a fabulous cook! We have lost count of the number of times he has come to Honduras, but he has funny stories from every trip he takes. Adventure just seems to follow him!
We love his heart to serve and his willingness to come and help out whenever needed. Thank you Dr. Trey for the many times you have come to serve at the Jungle Hospital. We love you and appreciate you so very much!
If you are a provider and interested in becoming a Jungle Hospital MVP, please contact us via email at groups@hhglobal.org.
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Teams are Making a Big Impact
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We want to give a special thanks to the missions teams and visitors we have already hosted this season. Check out the Jungle Post, if you would like to read more about all of the things accomplished during their stay!
- Across the Globe, Jacksonville, FL - Medical and Education Team
- Bay Community Church, Daphne, AL - Medical Team
- The Five Guys, Atlanta, GA - Air Conditioning Installation Team
- The Austin Family, St. Amant, LA - Board Members
We are just as excited to host the teams that will fill the remainder of 2015 calendar. God has much more planned for the Jungle Hospital this year!
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We have made our selections for the 2015 J-Team! We are looking forward to their arrival in May, and all of the energy and passion that they bring with them!
It's not too early to start applying for our 2016 internship program! Visit the Internship Page on our website for more details.
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