Reflections from a Missions Trip
Nakisha Kinlaw RN
Guatemala Reflection 2013
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
Guatemala Reflection 2013
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