Working in a foreign land can be quite overwhelming for someone that has never been.
However leaving my comfort zone and being blessed to impact the lives of over 1300 people, was one of the best decisions I have ever made next to giving my life to Jesus Christ my Lord and savior. When Dr. Goodman presented this opportunity in class last fall I knew right away that I was going. I decided to venture out and use my skills to serve others.The NGO’s that we collaborated with during this trip did a phenomenal job with having everything organized, planned, and staffed accordingly to ensure that my colleagues and I had what we needed to compassionately give fully of our selves and skill sets. My colleagues and I all came from different backgrounds in nursing but the core attribute that linked us all together was CARING.
Caring enough about someone or something else enough to be an agent of change. Caring enough about the cause and vision of other NGO’s that we made our time their time.Caring enough about making a difference that the possibility of being under-qualified to meet the needs of the Guatemalan people was no longer a factor. My confidence as a nurse practitioner student increased 100 fold, as I applied the knowledge and skills I have attained thus far, as I provided medical care. Additionally, I have been blessed with outstanding professors who truly possess a heart of caring and compassion, not to mention they are also “WICKED SMART”.
I am so honored to be under the tutelage of Dr. Goodman as well as Dr. Palma.Bearing witness to their patience, meticulous attention to detail, skills, poise, professionalism, natural gift of servant-hood, and genuine concern for the well being of others gave me so much to aspire to as a future nursing leader. To our host NGO’s,“WINGS (Jesse & Sue Patterson)”, “COMMON HOPE (Lauren & staff)”, “PEOPLE FOR GUETEMALA (Ken & Lois)”, “RON ESPARANZA” and “FAITH IN PRACTICE (Dr. Patty)”, thank you for your gracious hospitality and professionalism.
Thank you for having a heart to serve those in need and sharing this opportunity with us, you are blessed and will never be in lack.I honestly feel as though I received more from this trip; there is something special about interacting with those that are truly appreciative for you being there to help. Seeing lives transitioned from despair is impossible to put into words. Upon my return to the states, I was a different person. I was able to see first hand why those that go and serve in these places do what they do.
I feel as though I am now a new voice in the wilderness that can speak to issues that others are facing and its up to us to share the story. If we don't, who will?Those of us that live in the Western World are blessed beyond belief. The issues that the poorest among us face are miniscule compared to the issues faced in the poorest areas of the world i. e. Guatemala.
Think about this, If you skin your knee in North America, you can get help on the corner, regardless of whether or not you can pay. If this happens in the areas we served…you can die. Doesn't get more basic than that. Guatemala and countries of the like need people like us, and others to join together and help change and in many cases, save lives!
