Amid the bustling of dentists, hygienists, medical personnel, optometrists, chiropractors, massage therapists and lifestyle coordinators, our group of Gem State Adventist Academy students and staff stood ready to help in neon yellow T-shirts. The AMEN (Adventist Medical Evangelism Network) clinic had come to Boise, Idaho, and we were willing to come volunteer to give back to the community.
For three days the clinic offered free dental, medical and vision care to anyone in the area who was in need. Each day we checked in and went to various sections of the clinic to help with registration, organization, security, and even handing out snacks and water to the patients.
The first day is best described as hectic, as none of us were used to the hustle and bustle of the clinic. Supplies were a little rudimentary for some dentists, as all the supplies had been either donated or purchased by the clinic. Volunteers with no dental training had a humorous time trying to learn all the names of each instrument.
Whether we were talking one-on-one with patients, guarding exits as security or helping organize food for other volunteers, we were all rewarded in a way we may not have realized all at once. Before we knew it, on the afternoon of the third day, the whole clinic was packed up and on the move again.
Later, recollecting our experiences, we each had a story to take away from the clinic that made us feel special and like we made a difference in our community. Whether it was through a conversation with a grateful patient, getting to know other volunteers or simply observing as more than 1,300 patients got free care, each volunteer got the opportunity to watch the love of God move in our very own community.
The GSAA crew volunteered Monday through Thursday at the AMEN Boise Clinic.
Aurora Gault, junior, works with medical supplies for the clinic.
Jacob Healy, sophomore, and Vadeem Wahlman, junior, loads boxes of food for the food banks.
Sandy Jensen, senior, brings dental utensils for cleaning and sterilization.
Alexis Smith, sophomore, and Elena Martinez, junior, serves food for the volunteers.
Ben Johnson, freshman, makes boxes for the food bank to give.
Karalee Sutton, freshman, waits to assist in the dental department.
Seth Thomsen, senior, brings utensils for cleaning and sterilization.
