The beginning

This marks the beginning! I can't believe this is all actually coming together and will become a reality in 3 short months.

To catch you all up to speed, I have been given the opportunity to work for a year in Tena, Ecuador at a clinic called Pedi Habilidad as an Occupational Therapist.  I am definitely excited since it seems like something I've only dreamed of doing.  It will give me the chance to live in South America, gain some pediatric experience, and, hopefully, travel and explore as much as possible.  Getting me there, and supporting me throughout, will be an organization called the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB).  Although I do not practice any religion, this organization felt like a good fit because I believe I can stand by their values and mission statement of "providing quality healthcare programs and services, without discrimination, to people in need around the world".

By committing to a year, CMMB will support me by providing airfare to and from Ecuador, a monthly stipend for living expenses, housing (likely with a family), and emergency medical and overseas evacuation insurance. Check out my page on their website for more info (and if you want to donate!).  http://support.cmmb.org/goto/emily.finn

Of course, I am not looking forward to being far from my family and friends, to miss milestones of my little nephew's life, and leave San Francisco- but I figure that's what Skype and the internet are for, right? :) Please feel free to follow along on my blog and send messages.  And I welcome anyone who wants to come visit!!