I had the good fortune of participating in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Chris Menke and the Surgeons of Service group during September of 2014. As this was my first mission trip, I was not sure what to expect during the experience. All of our activities and accommodations were well organized and our safety was never an issue. Our time in the clinic and the operating room was efficient, enjoyable, and best of all very gratifying for myself and the many patients that we were able to serve. The experience was rewarding in many ways, and I am very thankful for the perspective that it provided me including my own good fortune that can be easily taken for granted. I would recommend a mission trip with Surgeons of Service to anyone interested in a very fulfilling service experience.