Reflections on Guatemala and MWU's Medical Mission

After a week back in Phoenix, I have had time to reflect upon my four day trip to Guatemala as part of MWU's DOCARE medical mission team. The experience remains very powerful and one that I recommend to any MWU alumni or students or volunteers.

One of the things about this trip that people enjoy is the true bonding that you experience while traveling abroad and sharing very unique moments. While I was only on the mission itself for one day, I was able to capture a glimpse of the lifetime friendships that can be formed in this kind of setting. I had a wonderful conversation with some parents of an AZCOM student who came on the mission for the second year, even though their son was back in the States studying for his board exams. While they aren't health care providers, they enjoyed being "runners" and helping the people of Guatemala. I was so impressed watched the team from the Lion's Club and the Glendale Rotary hand out eyeglasses to people standing in long lines. I had a great time with my friends the Coles, who have been on this mission year after year. One prevailing benefit to the participants of this mission is the people you meet and the friendships that result.

Photo: Beth and Jim Cole

Probably the most important thing I will take with me from this experience is the knowledge that I helped people who were in great need. My actual role was very minor. I escorted patients from room to room and passed out some stickers to a few kids. But I was part of a larger team that did positively impact the health of this village. People were able to see better, walk better, breathe easier, and become healthier because we were there. That is a powerful feeling, and the true reason that most people in health care choose their careers.

Photo: Me handing out stickers to kids as they wait in line to triage

Finally, I was so impressed with the MWU alumni, faculty, and students who participate on this mission, as well as the affiliated health professionals and volunteers who were part of the team. No one complained. No one stressed out about the language barriers or poor facilities or long hours. The students did everything from translate to haul giant suitcases full of pharmaceutical supplies to set up chairs for patients to wait. The physicians treated everything from stress to open sores to high blood pressure to general poor health. Everyone was so upbeat and positive, and that energy was infectious. The reward was very simple: a smile on a patient's face, a hug, and the appreciation that we did something good on this day.

Photo: A child enjoys a cookie, a sticker, and the care of her new MWU friends

I feel so grateful to have been part of the MWU DOCARE mission team for a day. It was an experience that brought joy to many lives, including my own.