The Land of Opportunity...

Leg 3.

Training in Texas (with Mercy Ships)

So I had a lot of preconceived ideas about Texas and Texans and they were all pretty much confirmed.

Here is the Texas update – the final pit stop before Africa (make sure you check out the videos).

So I spent 5 wks in Texas (the home of Mercy Ships) and completed an on boarding program for long term crew. It was jam packed with all sorts of goodness. Every spare moment they had us doing one thing or another which kept us busy.

 

The first 4 wks were based in the classroom which was a bit of a challenge because it has been a while since I’ve had to be in a classroom from 8am until 4.30pm.

Anyways it was great because it’s not everyday you have a block of time dedicated towards growing closer to God.

I learned so much and we covered the following topics:

Week 1 – Foundations of Mercy Ships

Week 2 – Faith Foundations

Week 3 – Personal and Interpersonal development

Week 4 – Principles for working with those we serve

In the 5^th and final week we covered Basic Safety Training for the ship and it was awesome.

We learned how to fight fires…

 

And manage a lot of emergency situations…

 

Survival tip - always be on the look out for potential dangers

Here are two videos that a group of us put together that show some of the things we learned.

To watch this rap video click on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5vAv5edzus&feature=youtu.be 



Now I didn’t spend my whole time in the classroom. I did manage to get out and see the wonderful state of Texas a little bit.

And here are some of the things I learned:

It isn’t cooked unless it is deep fried.

Dance and rap battles exist.

10 dances and and only one winner

Wally ball is perhaps the greatest game ever to be invented (think rebound volleyball).

The 4^th of July is an awesome time to be in Texas.

Texas is really really hot in July.

Having fun with the Cash kids

The Texas Rangers are an awesome baseball team.

Rodeos are awesome, and Models are more than happy to model with you.

Ok so what’s next?

As part of the on boarding Mercy Ships program we are being sent to a small village in Ghana called Pi Katonga where we will be helping to build and teach in a school.

I tell you what, this is one exciting journey.

God truly is good :)

 Nick :)

The doors continue to open...

Hey team,

Just wanted to give you the next update of my journey of getting to Africa...

Leg 2. Clubfoot training in Iowa City

The clubfoot training in Iowa City was awesome… It was jam packed with goodness…

I spent close to a month training at the Ponseti International Association (PIA).

Iowa City Highlights

 

Highlight 1. Having the great privilege of training with Dr Jose Morcuende (one of the world leaders in clubfoot management). 

Highlight 2. Working with Dr Olayinka, the PIA West African representative. He is a great man of God and has a vision to eradicate neglected Clubfoot.

I took an immediate liking to him.

Highlight 3. Meeting John Mitchell, who is a great man of God (by chance). He and his company are responsible for making the Ponseti clubfoot braces. He is an amazing man because he donates a massive 50% of his profit each year back to the Kingdom of God. His life's example definitely reminded me that when you give your life to God, He can do amazing things.

John asked me if I would share a little about what I am doing in Africa. Anyways I said a long time ago that if I ever have the chance to share what God is doing in my life I would jump at the chance.

Next thing you know I am in front of a video camera getting interviewed for their company and ministry, funny funny.

What's more the next night he invited me to speak at group he goes to.... Definitely a highlight…

Highlight 4. Being invited out to dinner every other night was definitely a highlight. It was such a blessing feeling so welcomed. One of the warmest welcoming dinners came from Rick Fulton who I met at the group I spoke at. Rick and his family were so hospitable and they definitely encouraged me to continue walking on this journey God has me on.

They are now great friends.

Highlight 5. Iowa is now one of my favorite places in the states and this is largely because of the people I met.

Seth and Karissa Pinkerman are two such people. They opened their home to me as a stranger and made me feel so welcome.

Seth and Karissa love God and each other so much. From an outsider looking in it was just great to see.

Highlight 6. I learnt a lot from them.
Seth taught me how to skateboard and how to not fall over when you are racing down a steep hill.

Highlight 7. Karissa gave me some singing tips (I am not sure how well they are working though). She also taught me that you can add lots of different things to popcorn, like cereal and M&M’s.

Highlight 8. It took both of them to teach me how to throw an American football.

The main thing they showed me was how God can bring two people together so perfectly matched.

Highlight 9. Justin and Kayla Risma are another amazing couple who are a shining example of how when you put God first in your life; He can do great things through you as a team.

Highlight 10. Justin and Kayla also taught me how to ski and wakeboard and have a lot of fun.

If I could give one piece of advice it would be to hold on with all your might and don’t let go. Profound I know.

Iowa City Low lights

Low light 1. The one and only low light was having to say goodbye to a home away from home…

What now?

Well I am just trying to keep up with God… life is awesome…

Stay in tune for the next update…

Leg 3.

More Training (in Texas with Mercy Ships)

God is Good.

Nick :)

and so the journey begins...

Hello everyone, or as they say in China “Da Jia Hao!”

I want to say a big thank you for everyone's encouragement and support. It's very humbling to have so many people who believe in what you are doing…

and as for what exactly it is I am doing... As God would have it I have three awesome pit stops before I get to Guinea…

Leg 1: Training in China...

Leg 2: Training in Iowa City…

Leg 3: Training in Texas…

(Lots and lots of training)

Leg 1: Training in China...

One of the things I’ll be doing on the ship is treating kids with clubfeet. Click on the promo video below that I put together for more info...

Anyways God gave me an awesome opportunity to spend some time in Guangzhou (southeast China) with Doctor Liu who treats clubfeet, so I jumped at the opportunity…

And it was aaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome… I wasn’t sure what to expect but my time in China was so sweet...

Ok so God often has amazing and also funny ways of reminding me of who He is and this was no exception…

Jehovah-Shammah "The One Who is with us everywhere”

Now I know my Chinese is really bad, actually non-existent would be more accurate. And this proved it; the first night I was told that I would be assisting in surgery first thing in the morning. Now something obviously got lost in translation and so I had to clarify that as Physiotherapists we don’t do surgery.

 

Anyways it was great to know that God was with me (even in China) because everything worked out and I learned heaps assisting in their clinics... 

Jehovah-Jireh “The Lord our provider”

The doctors from China were sooooo hospitable and pretty much wouldn’t let me pay for anything.... they fed me, gave me a place to stay and made me feel like family…  God truly is good…

Jehovah-Sabaoth “The Lord of Hosts, our Protector”

I even had a chauffeur driver who definitely kept me safe…

 Traffic in China is chaotic

Jehovah-Shalom "Our perfect peace"

Working in China is chaotic… people everywhere…

Guangzhou has about half the population of Australia in its city…

Yet amongst the chaos, God gave me His peace…

Jehovah-Raah "Our Shepherd Who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe"

Boy did I need guidance… China is a complex and big place and so are the hospitals…

I had such a great time in Guangzhou and for all those travelers out there I want to share a few things that I learned…

China Traveling Tip 1…

When eating or drinking, trust me do, not ask what it is…

 You may find yourself eating a chicken neck

or drinking something that tastes like poison…

Tip 2…

When in a China the best way to make friends is karaoke…

Tip 3…

In preparation for using their subway, take up Rugby…

Tip 4…

To fit in and look fashionable, get some 3D glasses and poke out the lenses…

Tip 5…

When you are a guest in China, expect strangers to come to your door, say something in Chinese and prompt you to go with them…

Just go with them and before you know it you will be on some kind of adventure…

River Cruise...

 I got to see a Great wall in China, however I am not sure if it was the GREAT WALL OF CHINA...

Tip 6…

When working in China, get ready for an endless line of people…

Tip 7…

If you get the chance, go riding on an electric bicycle

and yes I am in a lift...

Tip 8…

Pay attention to all the signs…

 

So that was pretty much the first leg of my trip…

In summary, God is good; He provided an awesome learning opportunity in China…

Stay in tune for the next update:

Leg 2: Training in Iowa City…

Which will involve spending a month in Iowa with one of the world leading doctors in Clubfoot management…

Nick Veltjens reporting on China….

God is good

Off to West Africa.... Again :)

Hello to everyone,

I am writing because I am off again... Yes I know Deja vu...
Well this time I have bought a one way ticket and my plan is to call West Africa home for up to three years.... aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :)

For those who may not know, I volunteer with an awesome Christian organisation called “Mercy Ships”, which is a hospital located within the walls of a massive ship. 

In 2010 and 2011 I had the privilege of serving in Togo and Sierra Leone and was part of a team that transformed literally thousands of lives. 

This year I will be volunteering in Guinea from July onwards and I am excited to be taking on the Rehab Coordinator position. During this time I’ll be working mainly with orthopaedic and burn patients. 

My heart really does break for those who have been born into poverty and this is why I am so excited that God has called me into this kind of ministry. Everyday I see lives transformed through volunteers who donate their time and money.

The reason I am writing is because I really can’t do this alone. I need your support. The best way you can honestly help is through your prayers, emails and encouragement. Believe it or not West African be a tough place to live in at times, so a simple email or prayer really does make the world of difference to me.

I am also looking to raise $10700 which will cover my expenses (flights, food and board). I know this is a lot of money but every little bit really does help and the good thing is that all donations are tax deductible.

 

If you, or anyone you can think of is interested in supporting please let me know.

And to support financially please go to www.nickveltjens.blogspot.com

or https://connect.mercyships.org/page/outreach/view/crewmates/veltjenn

and for Australian residents who want their donation tax deductible please email me and I will send you the appropriate form.

I am very excited to be heading back to West Africa and want to thank everyone for all their support in helping me return.

Thank you kindly and God bless,

Nick Veltjens

nickveltjens@gmail.com

Sometimes a look back helps you move forward...

A look back...

Hey everyone, so I've been back home in Aus for a while now and I’ve had some time to think about this roller coaster ride that I call my life. Sometimes I need to pinch myself when I think about where I have been and what I've been up to. God really is good and He reminds me every day. So this was the second time I’ve volunteered with Mercy ships and I kind of thought I knew what to expect… well this year God definitely proved me wrong (as He quite often has a way of doing) J Time after time God really did break my heart with those he put in my path….

I don’t think I’ll ever get use to seeing the kinds of patients I treat when in West Africa… My heart goes out to all of my patients but here are a special few that stand out in my mind…

The baby that paints the West African picture…

One of the tragic things about a lot of the countries we go to in West Africa is that a lot of the physical deformities are seen as curses. As a result a lot of these people are treated as outcasts, rejects and are forced to beg for a living. This being said one of the greatest things I love about my job is that I get to break a lot of these misconceptions and show that a lot of these deformities are very correctable.

So one of the programs I help run is the Ponseti program which treats kids with club feet. Now I don’t know why this little baby stands out but she does… She would have been no more than two weeks old and was abandoned by her mother. Anyways an orphanage took her in and brought her to us to see if we could help, and fortunately we were. So a couple of weeks pass by and before you know it her feet have completely turned around and now she is well on the road to recovery.

I guess when I think about this little baby it really illustrates what we are able to achieve. It brings me so much joy to know that this little girl now has a chance of a brighter future, that is not going to be affected in any way by the way she looks or her ability to walk….

Wow… It’s remembering things like this that make me miss that big white ship I’ve called home for the last couple of years….

Fannie – the boy that broke my heart…

So Fannie is one of those kids who instantly wins you over with his warm personality and infectious smile… When he smiles it’s impossible to not smile back at him… He is so kind and so gentle. Anyways along with many of my patients, Fannie had quite a significant orthopaedic deformity and has never been able to walk more than a couple of metres by himself and has always needed his trusty walking stick.

So this is what broke my heart and made me tear up a little (and yes manly men do tear up every once and a while)… Ok so a few months after his surgery he came in for a rehab session and as always he had the biggest smile on his face and so did his mum… you could see the joy in her eyes… She came up and thanked us for everything and then began to say… all of Fannie’s life someone has had to help take him to the toilet and now for the first time he's able to do it by himself.

Sometimes I get caught up with things like measuring how straight someone’s legs are or the fact that they’re now able to walk without crutches…. this for me was a great reminder of what we really are achieving… it’s really special to be part of a team that not only mends patients physically but also helps restore their dignity, independence and sense of self worth.

Nfalie – the adult that took his first steps…

Nfalie is a miracle. The fact that he is defying all the odds is a miracle. The fact that he is even alive today is a miracle.  Now to give you a bit of background Nfalie grew up in the middle of Sierra Leone’s darkest days. He was caught in the middle of a war that wasn’t his own. He told me that when the war was at its worst, his days would consist of hiding from all the gun fire and the sounds of people getting killed…

As a little boy who couldn’t walk due to his deformity, when he needed to run from the dangers of war, his family would have to literally carry him while they fled. This is why I think it’s a miracle that he’s still alive. It must have been so hard, wanting to run but not being able to and even tougher to have your life in someone else’s hands.

So the other amazing thing about Nfalie is the fact that he’s never been able to walk by himself without holding onto someone or a walking aid, until now... Just the other day he came into the physio tent with an excited look on his face and wanted to tell me something… He said “Nick I can walk” he then proceeded to put his crutches to one side and walk across the room… Now its times like these that give me a little glimpse of what a proud parent feels like when their little kid takes their first steps. I tell you what I felt so proud of Nfalie when he strutted across the room and took his first unaided steps as an adult.

You know, God’s Word says that we need to count the cost when we lay down our life for Him… What I’ve found by way of experience is that when you do such a thing, God makes it worth it…

Thank you to everyone who has kept me in their prayers and encouraged me along the way... It really does make the world of difference.

And as for what’s next, I’m not really sure….

But the one thing I am sure of
is that I really don’t want to waste this life God has given me…

God is good, all the time,

and all the time, God is good