Although at one time she didn't blink an eye at paying $250 for a pair of sunglasses, she now thinks about how that amount could buy schooling for five Ethiopian children.

Jittery but resolved, Nielsen joined a Village of Hope expedition in 2005 to Ethiopia that was led by Lon and DeAnna Kennard of Heber City.

A farming village 155 miles southeast of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, Kersa Illala has been plagued by famine and disease.

"Even though I wasn't a doctor or nurse, I knew I could be of help in some way," Nielsen says about her trip.

She was right.

Nielsen dove right in to help children suffering from scabies (skin infection caused by mites) by bathing them, applying ointment on them and dressing them in fresh clothes.

As many as 400 others suffering from everything from pneumonia to polio would wait outside for hours in hopes of being treated in the cramped health clinic. But only half or less would be treated by one of the two volunteer doctors or the assistants on a typical day.

"The doctors often came back into the health clinic sobbing because they couldn't select the patients they knew they couldn't help," recounts Lon Kennard, who with his wife has adopted six Ethiopian children.

Many of the villagers' health problems originated from the polluted river water that they shared with cows. It wasn't until 2005 that a 600-foot-deep well was drilled so they could access clean water.

For some children, sanctuary was as critical as clean water. For that reason, a center for high-risk children who are victims of abuse, abandonment or abduction was recently opened.

Sponsored by individuals paying $50 a month, the clinic ensures children's basic necessities and schooling are provided - and gratefully received.

"They really value education. They understand it will take them places," says Springville resident Steffanie Reeder, director of the center.

Once back in Utah, Nielson wrote a check to sponsor a little girl named Dinkitu. She also did a reality check.

"It hit me how much we have and how spoiled we are, and that I have no reason to complain about anything," she recalls.

Nielsen has since become an "accidental ambassador" for the Village of Hope, and was searching for businesses to match funds raised through a recent Kids-to-Kids fundraiser in Utah schools.

She plans to sponsor one more child, and will join another expedition this summer.

Seeing beyond the financial needs, Nielsen believes "the giving of your time and teaching [the Ethopian villagers] how to be self-sufficient is the best gift we can give them."

Lon Kennard agrees.

"We're always looking for physicians and dentists," he says. "In fact, [we are looking for] any medical professionals to come along with us."

Medical supplies also are in demand.

"If we don't have adequate medicine, it's [like having] the bow without the quiver," Kennard adds.

* For further information about Village of Hope, log on to Villageofhope-ethiopia.org, or call Lon Kennard at 435-654-3548 or Steffanie Reeder at 801-228-7580.