Where do I and how should I start? This mission trip was by far one of the most memorable experiences of my undergraduate career. This trip was special, as I was able to spiritually connect and talk with my classmates in a non school- related environment. I applied for this mission trip last year during the end of winter quarter and was delighted when notified of acceptance. Fast forward to the end of Fall 2019: we successfully compiled 60 pairs of newly bought shoes to donate to children in need, an annual, traditional donation that the Pre-Med society makes during the Guatemala trip. Boarding the plane, I remember how excited I was to land. We were informed that the flight included two connections, with the total flight duration of 16 hours. Arriving at our temporary home, in which we were to stay for 10 days, I was humbled to see the hospitality given to us by the mother, the homeowner, and her son. Although there were 22 missionaries living in her home, she never failed to make us feel welcome by checking up on us, seeing if we needed anything and if everyone was safe and healthy.
Throughout the mission trip, we visited many places: nursing homes, Ronald McDonald house, Hospital Roosevelt, San Jose pediatric AIDS hospice, and the Quetzaltenango free medical clinic. In addition, we participated in many activities: building ecological stoves and chicken coops, vaccinating chicks, handing out our shoes to children on the side of road, praying for individuals, and playing with children. Each and every experience was so memorable to me but if I were to choose which one impacted me the most, the memory of praying with individuals would be it. As we were delivering one of our handmade chicken coops to a family in need, a few individuals at a time were told to enter a bedroom where an individual diagnosed with Hepatitis B lay. I was overcome with a sudden wave of emotion and began tearing up right away as we began to pray. Seeing the sadness in the eyes of the individual’s grandmother as I left the bedroom, but seeing her faith in God as she ended the prayer, humbled me. The next morning, we were informed that the individual had passed away. This experience humbled me because I realized how selfish I was in my expectations from God when this family had such powerful faith in God even at their lowest moment.
Another experience that humbled me during this trip was how accepting the kids were of us, strangers who were just there leading out in activities. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about how to interact with the kids at the hospice. However, all doubts faded away as I saw how happy they were to see us as and willingly ran and held us in their arms. I was truly blessed by their kindness, which once again made me reflect. This reflection was geared towards being grateful with what I have in life as of now. The majority of the kids do not know who their parents are nor is it promised that they will in the future. However, seeing them run around with such grateful hearts with just the fact that we were there to play with them truly humbled me as I have a mother and a father who love me unconditionally and I still find things to not be grateful for.
On this trip, there were so many experiences that were dear to me and will continue to contribute to my perspective in life. If you are thinking of joining this trip, I highly recommend it as you may also find or gain new perspectives about life, as I did.
— Kay Kim (Class of 2021, Biomedical Science major)