The University recently went on a two-week break between trimesters. I was lucky enough to be one of 13 Cleveland students to go on a mission trip to Guatemala led by three doctors. The trip entailed lots of travel, five days of adjusting, and a day or two of leisure. It was an amazing experience and I would encourage other students to jump at the opportunity if they get it. Why was it such a cool experience? Here are the highlights:
1. I got to connect with a community of people different from me. We connected through greetings, gestures and my treatment of them on the table.
2. I got great hands-on experience adjusting many different demographics. This greatly improved my skills.
3. I got to explore parts of a country including Mayan ruins, a lake inside a volcano, navigating chicken buses, a UNESCO world heritage city and beautiful countryside.
4. I got to build relationships with others on the trip. I will always have a special bond with those who experienced San Mateo Ixtitán with me.
5. I got to play basketball with Guatemalan children.
It was a privilege to serve people in Guatemala. I love helping others, and if I can travel and explore other cultures while doing that, then it’s all the better. The more we can learn about others, the better off we are as practitioners, individuals and people as a whole.
