Guatemala Med - Summer 2025
July 29, 2025
By Jordyn Munch
Serving the people of Guatemala this week was an incredible blessing for everyone involved. While we had the opportunity to make a tangible impact on those in need of medical care, our team agreed that the experience of spending a week with these people was just as transformative. Nurses were present in the clinic 24 hours a day, and it was truly beautiful to witness the collaboration between Guatemalan nurses and American volunteers, building friendships as they worked side by side. Lives were forever changed, as two operating rooms were constantly filled with patients, receiving everything from tumor removals to thyroidectomies—many of whom had been waiting months for the surgeries they were finally able to have.
The night before the surgeries began, we took a walk to the clinic, and already there were patients lying in beds, waiting eagerly for their turn. Some had traveled for hours or even days to get to Clinica Ezell, and despite the anxiety of impending surgery, their hearts were filled with joy and anticipation. This spirit of patience, humility, and encouragement perfectly embodied the people of Guatemala. They befriended the strangers beside them in their hospital beds, persevered through pain and long waits, and remained unfailingly kind. It wasn’t just the patients who were inspiring; the clinic staff, who worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk preparing meals for hundreds, also exhibited a joyful servant’s heart that was evident to everyone who ate in that cafeteria.
As student nurses, our role was to take vitals, assist with medication, and offer any support needed. Before each patient entered the operating room they were prayed over, and we witnessed countless answers to those prayers in the form of successful surgeries. Even during moments when patients seemed content and didn’t require our assistance, our team was determined to find ways to connect with them. One such moment was when we turned the hospital into a makeshift salon, asking the women if they wanted their hair braided or nails painted. Their faces lit up, and some even asked if they could paint our nails in return. In no time, every woman and girl had beautifully braided hair and freshly painted nails, and these sweet moments brought a palpable sense of joy to the entire clinic.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident in the way relationships were built, even when there was a language barrier. God revealed His power and grace in some of the most difficult situations. On two separate occasions, we cared for patients in excruciating pain that not even strong medication seemed to alleviate. Doctors were called in, one of whom had to be woken from his bed. As the team worked to provide comfort and relief, we surrounded each patient, laid hands on them, and prayed for healing. The harmony of prayers in different languages created an undeniable sense of God’s presence. The next morning, we were blessed to see both patients up, walking, and feeling much better—a true testimony to the power of prayer and faith in that room.
These are just a few of the ways we were blessed to witness God at work and to be a part of His healing hands. It is incredibly rewarding to use the knowledge and opportunities He has given us to serve others whom He loves. The people of Guatemala were genuine, and they left us encouraged and inspired by the joy they carry with them. One particularly sweet patient’s father brought us sandwiches and drinks, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for how we had made his daughter feel special in her time of need. This act of love on behalf of his daughter reminded me of how deeply loved we are by our Heavenly Father, and how He cares for those who labor and are heavy-laden. It is through His grace that we are given the privilege of serving others in His name. I am so thankful for Clinica Ezell and the Lipscomb team who made this trip possible. All glory to God!
Not a Trip
Category: Student Life