Students at Elizabethtown College were given the opportunity last summer to go to Honduras for a Medical Missions trip with Lancaster-based Central American Relief Efforts (CARE) and live out the college’s motto of “Educate for Service.” The trip was not endorsed by the Study Abroad Office or the College and was not associated with any academic department. When junior biology/pre-med major Nate Williams came back from the trip, he decided to organize the trip again for the winter break of 2015.
“This will be the second time we go to Honduras with CARE,” Williams said. “We plan on making this trip happen every year, or possibly every 18 months.” At the informational meeting last Wednesday, Jan. 18, over 50 people signed up who were seriously interested in the trip. Although CARE can only take a maximum of 25 people per week, “It is my goal to not turn away anyone who wants to go, so we are looking at the possibility of going two separate weeks if need be,” Williams said.
Last year the trip was not heavily advertised, so this year information was distributed to the biology, chemistry and occupational therapy departments. Several education majors were also interested. “With the trip being medically based, it appeals largely to those entering the medical field,” Williams said. “The trip also appeals to many because of its relatively low cost of $1,000 plus airfare. Many students can’t afford to study abroad or pay for the much more expensive trips that the school offers, so this trip gives you incredible value for your dollar.”
In Honduras, students will visit the largest hospital in the district of Choluteca, which Williams describes as “incomparable to any American hospital.” Students will visit an orphanage and spend an afternoon playing with the children. They will also spend three days assisting with medical clinics helping Honduran doctors to provide healthcare to the most remote and poverty-stricken parts of the country, taking blood pressure, pulling teeth and working in the pharmacy.
Sophomore occupational therapy major Shelby Brown wanted to go on the Honduras Medical Missions trip to gain exposure to medical aid by participating in purposeful life work and highly recommends the trip to anyone who wants to gain a new outlook on life. “It will change how you look at your own life — you will appreciate everything you have so much more,” Brown said. “I want to go back to Honduras one day as an occupational therapist so I can do more.”
Sophomore occupational therapy major Brianna Vesuvio agreed. “We are so fortunate to have hospitals and medicine that are readily available in the U.S. This is drastically different in Honduras and other Central American countries,” she said.
Although CARE helped bring supplies to Honduras from donors, students had to take the initiative to contact local stores, companies and doctors for help buying and getting donations of supplies.
“In the medical field, you must have a passion for helping others, and many people find their calling during this trip,” Williams said. “We are not here to be educated for our own benefit; we are here to be educated for a greater purpose than just ourselves. We are here to serve our community, our country and our world and to never be complacent with our level of service. This trip isn’t a one-time event. Instead, it is a kick start to a life of service both at home and abroad.”
This trip is primarily open to those interested in the field of healthcare, but the opportunity is extended to anyone interested. For more information, contact Nate Williams at WILLIAMSN@ETOWN.EDU.
