As one of the newest Board members, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Janet Bernhard from New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I’m a Florida “native,” having been born in Miami and living there until moving to Orlando in l982. When my husband, Bob, and I retired, we moved to New Smyrna Beach in 2007 and we absolutely love living here.

I first became acquainted with Salud y Paz when Phil Plunk came to speak at Coronado Community United Methodist Church at the invitation of Dr. Arlen Stauffer. Our congregation was very impressed with the mission work being done by Salud y Paz for the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the highland community. When Dr. Stauffer organized a medical mission to Camanchaj in June, 2006, I was willing and eager to go and I really gained a much better understanding of mission….what it can do for those served as well as those serving. This is a feeling and an understanding that I wish to share and it has been a joy to travel with others who are experiencing mission for the first time and to see how it changes lives. I am very fortunate, at this point in time, to have a position on the Traveling Missions Committee of CCUMC where I can encourage and promote this experience. Diversity, flexibility and a willingness to work very hard are key elements.

In a larger context, we are all children of a loving God and our purpose is to serve in ways big and small. God is for all people, all nations, all of life. When we serve, we serve God. Small acts done with great love are important as are large, magnanimous acts. Mother Theresa is a wonderful example in her work with the poorest of the poor. I don’t believe in being isolationist or having excessive national pride when the need for understanding, respect and compassion is so great.

I graduated from the University of Florida in 1971 and worked for a travel company which gave me an opportunity to travel to Guatemala for the first time. Since then, I have always had an interest in returning to Guatemala.

After my daughter (now 29 years old) was born, I decided to go to nursing school since health care has always been an interest. Upon completion, I worked for 20 years doing night shift, first at Miami Children’s Hospital, then in Orlando at Florida Hospital. Volunteering has always been important to me so I was very glad to have the opportunity to retire in 2000. I have become involved with mentoring local youth and with the Guardian ad Litem program which advocates for children in the court system. I keep my nursing license current with the intention of participating in at least one medical mission per year.

I am very excited to be included on the Board of Salud y Paz and to serve on the Preschool Committee, beginning in January, 2008. I believe we can help make this preschool a reality for the children in the Camanchaj area. Since the inspiration for the Guatemala preschool arose from a visit by Phil Plunk in 2006 to the preschool at CCUMC, we hope to be supportive and instrumental in developing curriculum that will be embraced by the local predominantly Mayan culture and provide readiness to enter the public school system.

Thanks to all who have supported me in this opportunity to serve.

Janet Bernhard

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