BIZFLOW Blog A Mission For Good

Occasionally we will share a more personal side of BizFlow with our audiences. Here is one story of a young employee's personal commitment to helping others on her vacation time.A Mission For GoodBy Sue Jean Koh, Technical Writer, BizFlow CorpAs evidenced by BizFlow passion and interest in helping Veterans in this country, simply put - BizFlow cares.In line with the goals of this company, as a BizFlow employee, serving others has been always something I enjoy. Through my church, Christ Central Presbyterian Church (CCPC) located in Centreville, Virginia, I have been privileged enough to serve the communities and people of Peru through the missions program at our church. Peru is a country located in South America bordering countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Boasting a population of 30 million people, Peru's population is composed of people from a variety of different cultures such as Amerindians, Spaniards, Europeans, and Asian. The nation's landscape includes dry coastal regions, the rugged mountain range of the Andes, and the abundant forest of the Amazon. Peru's economy heavily relies on its metal and mineral exports. It is the world's second largest producer of silver and the third largest in copper. The country's coastal waters also make great fishing grounds.This year was my third time going to Peru for missions. CCPC has been sending mission teams to Peru for the last seven years. We have around 20-25 team members who commit to weekly training starting four months before the trip. All individual and team related costs have to be fundraised in the months leading up to the trip.Every year, we visit three cities: Puente Piedra, Ate Vitarte, and Roncadora. These cities are located roughly an hour outside of Lima. We have three areas of focus when going on these trips: medical, construction, and VBS (vacation bible school).Every year, we strive to bring a doctor and a dentist or ophthalmologist who accept patients through our free medical clinic. A third of our team assists the doctors and also run a pharmacy where we hand out medication for common health problems such as infections and hypertension.Another third of our team helps with the construction of homes. While these buildings may not seem much to us - they are made up of four wooden panels and a metal roof - these shelters are often a first real home to many. They are a huge relief to Peruvians living in these remote cities that cannot even afford the most basic housing.Lastly, the remaining third of our team run the children's program in the afternoon, which includes praise songs, dance, crafts, and story time. The engagement with the children and the local culture is enriching and joyful.Every time I come back from these missions, my colleagues always ask what was the best part of the trip. Of course, the travel and being able to use my Spanish while I'm there are highlights. However, the best part of the trip is seeing kids I helped the year before.Living in a city where there is no running water and no easy access to medical care, I am moved when I see these kids growing happy and healthy. You see it in their faces when we are welcomed back as friends.Many volunteers focus on the work they get to do when going on missions. However, every year, our team truly benefits from the hearts and souls of the Peruvians we meet and serve. I may work at a busy technology company in Washington, D.C., but I always keep with me the humility and lessons learned from my experience in Peru.