Now that I’ve been back from my trip for almost a week, I've finally had the time to truly reflect and begin to put into words just how deeply this experience impacted me and my fellow volunteers.

I had the honor of working with an incredible non-profit organization called Extra Mile Pediatrics (EMP), for the third time now. EMP began its mission seven years ago with one powerful goal: to provide consistent, compassionate care to pediatric populations in communities that face immense challenges in accessing healthcare. Their story is one of compassion and dedication. They started with a commitment to multiple communities in El Salvador, and after seeing the profound difference they were making, they quickly realized the power of their work. With every life touched and every child’s smile that grew brighter, their determination grew stronger. This passion led them to expand their reach to Guatemala, where their mission continues to grow.

What truly makes these trips stand out for me is the steadfast commitment that EMP has to the communities they serve. Every six months, they return to the same communities, following up with familiar families and welcoming new ones who have heard about the care they provide. This consistency builds trust, nurtures relationships, and ensures that the impact they make is both meaningful and lasting. As a nurse, being one of the first people families meet on clinic day, I’ve come to realize just how vital that trust is. Without it, they may only share part of their story, limiting how much we can help. But when trust is present and they feel our genuine care, it opens the door to deeper conversations, a stronger understanding, and, in the end, more effective care.

Although this was my third trip with EMP overall, it was my first time serving the communities in Guatemala—and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Our team was able to split our time and resources between two cities: El Gariton, a coastal town, and Antigua, a town nestled just west of Guatemala City. By doing this, we were able to reach two new communities and care for a total of 335 patients—more children on one trip than ever before. This was a monumental achievement for EMP and a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and love.

Each day at the clinic, every child is offered comprehensive medical care, basic preventative dental care, and vision screenings. It’s not just about providing these services—it’s about giving them the chance for a healthier, brighter future. This past week, in the communities we've built relationships with, we had the privilege of seeing that more than 89% of the children we treated had returned to our clinic from previous visits. Being able to sit down with their parents as a healthcare team, reflecting on their growth and development, and celebrating the strides they've made—or identifying ways we can help them continue to thrive—is a moment that fills my heart with gratitude. These beautiful exchanges of care and trust are the very reason why this work is so profoundly meaningful to me. Every time, without fail, they remind me of the deep impact we can have on each other’s lives.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." This scripture beautifully captures what happens on every trip with every volunteer. Each of us brings our unique gifts to serve those in need, and through this service, God's grace is shared in countless ways.

I truly believe that God places people and experiences in our lives with purpose—guiding us to grow, learn, and embrace love in its fullest form. This past week was a powerful reminder of that truth. It was filled with moments that moved me deeply, leaving a lasting imprint on my heart and reminding me of the incredible beauty in serving others.