IEP Countdown to Vietnam: Jenni Lehnert

Cousins! Madison and Jenni at MedShare.

IEP is Family. I am Jenni Lehnert, Nursing Director for International Extremity Project (IEP). I'm embarking on my 11th medical mission in the 20 years we have been performing medical missions to Vietnam and Namibia.

I missed two missions along the way because I was pregnant and had a small baby in arms that needed me. Now, these babies are young men and also taking part in IEP medical missions. Lexington and Logan have shown me the lens of what it is like to be abroad volunteering as a young child to teenager. Navigating a different culture with strength and understanding. Upfront and personal they have witnessed disabled children begin to walk through the IEP team's measures. They have a wide view of the world and all its challenges.

My husband, Dr. Bruce Lehnert, is one of the lead surgeons and a co-founder of IEP. Working with him on the medical mission organization and in the operating room has made us a stronger marriage team.

We have had many other extended family members come over the years on the medical mission to help: grandmas, uncles, brothers, and cousins.

My cousin Madison started with our medical mission a few years back and it has been a wonderful experience watching her take on the work with drive and compassion. She is now an integral part of the nursing team and plans to become a lead organizing team member in the future.

Madison and I recently went to MedShare for medical supplies for the upcoming trip. MedShare is a non-profit company that collects medical supplies from hospitals, companies, and clinics. They redistribute these supplies to clinics in need, disasters, and medical missions like ours. We have been working with them for years and their support is critical to our missions. Madison took on the job of transporting the IEP medical supplies to our packing day. We had fun with the serious work as you can see in our pictures. 

All the IEP team members are like family. Traveling and working together with a common purpose ties your connection forever. Whether it is your first trip or your 14th working with IEP, the bond is forever ingrained. Everyone is so giving of themselves during these medical missions. Once you go and see how you can help to change a life, you get hooked.

I'm looking forward to the next trip in a few weeks and the new IEP family team this year brings.