Matthew Holsbeke, RN.

Dear Drs. Larry Dorr and Gerry Engh, Jeri and MaryEllen,

In life, there is no greater reward than to share your wisdom, experience and knowledge unconditionally with your fellows. I have only been on two trips with Operation Walk, however this last group of people I traveled with to Nicaragua in April was incredible. The knowledge base was diverse, but everyone treated each other as equals and I can honestly say that we worked as a team to focus on an incredible job. We worked hard, we laughed a lot, and hearing the many thanks in the end, many of us cried, not for sorrow but for joy. I cannot imagine living in Managua. The stress of daily life, of caring for your family in such conditions must be overwhelming. Each Operation Walk trip is a reality check for me, making me thankful to be born in America and to have freedom of choice, an education, my family and my friends.

Operation Walk is an opportunity to give of my skills to others in need. It is an opportunity to join other teams to perform work that is desperately needed. It is an opportunity to reflect on grace and realize how blessed I am. I have learned from these trips that the bond of family is strong, despite the day-to-day hardships; that life is not about who you are, what you are, how much money you make or what possessions you have acquired. Life is defined by what you give back. I would like to add to the old saying, "it is better to give than to receive." For when I give, I, in turn, receive—not money or prestige—but a wondrous inner peace and self worth. I am honored and personally want to thank you for allowing me to join your team on these incredible trips. I hope to join you again in the future. I commend all of you on your efforts during the 12 years that Operation Walk has been in service.

Matthew Holsbeke, RN
Gainesville, Florida