In the spring of 2016 I went on a missions trip to La Campa, Honduras with my church. At the time, I was 22 years old, fresh out of college, and living with my parents. I was reapplying to medical school and this medical missions trip seemed like it would be something I could enjoy and learn from. The week I spent there changed my life. That week, God revealed to me a higher calling on my life; that I would one day use medicine to reach the people of Honduras with the purpose of winning hearts for the Kingdom of God. I was accepted into medical school at the University of Louisville and started classes in the fall of 2016.
I returned to Honduras the next spring. I felt the Lord calling me to return that summer with the purpose of determining if long-term medical missions was for me, and to learn more about the healthcare system of the country. So, during my summer break I went and lived with Greg & Jean Hines in La Campa. They got me into the clinic in La Campa to work with the doctor there and I very quickly realized how incredibly blessed we are in the U.S. I knew going into the trip that what I would see and experience would be vastly different than what I was used to. However, knowing something is still very different than actually seeing it and experiencing it first hand. The doctor had to ration all medicines, supplies, and even general sanitary items. Many times, the doctor's hands were tied because she simply didn't have the resources to do what her patients needed. I learned a lot about the healthcare system on that trip and came back to the states with more confidence that this was where God wanted me to use my talents.
I am now in my third year of medical school and am starting to see patients, develop diagnoses, and determine treatment plans (with the help of residing and attending physicians, of course). I am blessed enough to be returning to work with Greg and Jean on a medical trip for a 4th time this coming spring. I am not fluent in Spanish, but I can be a tool for local pastors to come and talk to people who need the healing hand of the Lord more than they need any drug I could give. My trips to Honduras have taught me so much and helped me grow in many ways. I look forward to seeing how God uses medicine to spread His name across the western mountains of Honduras. Heidi, KY-August 2018