CompassionLink – watercress words by Dr Aletha

updated June 12, 2026

One of the privileges of being a healthcare professional is traveling to other countries to provide care to local people. I have volunteered on several teams with CompassionLink, an organization whose goal is

equip communities to create healthy families and individuals–spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Our team provided medical consultations, medicines, dental care, and vision exams for eyeglasses.

two health care professionals, one in a native costume — Dr. Aletha with a local healthcare worker

a makeshift pharmacy at a rural clinic — our team pharmacy

a man making faces at a little girl — Jacob, a nurse, is entertaining children (he is now a physician)

Visiting the Panama Canal

One of the pleasures of traveling is when our hosts express their appreciation by showing us the local sites and culture. In Panama, of course, that meant a visit to the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel.

The people and landscape of Panama are also captivating. Add to that a warm and usually sunny climate, made for an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Panama Canal ship — The Panama Canal is an amazing feat of human ingenuity.

dancing ladies in native dresses of Panama

enjoying a dance performance at our last group dinner before heading home

How you can share the HEART of health with Compassion

CompassionLink welcomes volunteers for their projects on either short or long-term assignments.

Make a purchase that will support their projects financially or make a donation. (This is not an affiliate link, no commission is paid to this blog.)

Maybe you would like to go on a volunteer trip to another country. While there are ample opportunities to do so, there are likely just as many needs in your own community where your time, talent, and willingness could be used.

Try an internet search for local opportunities. This is one place AI could be helpful. Check for places like food banks, animal shelters, hospitals, parks, nursing homes, churches, and schools.

Get creative. Consider what you are good at, interested in, or have skills in. But don’t be afraid to try something new or unfamiliar.

What’s holding you back from making a difference in someone else’s life today?

Exploring the HEART of health

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