I’m traveling to Guatemala because I want to be present in communities where healthcare isn’t just about treatment—it’s about education, trust, and long-term impact. Working alongside God’s Helping Hands Ministries and local volunteers, I’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on promoting health and wholeness at the community level.

Throughout the trip, we’ll be engaging directly with families and individuals through health education workshops, community health fairs coordinated with local healthcare providers, family seminars, medical clinics, and hands-on community service. These activities are designed not only to address immediate health needs, but to empower people with knowledge and resources they can carry forward long after we leave.

What draws me to this experience is the opportunity to learn how healthcare functions in real-world settings outside of the systems I’m used to. As a pharmacy student, I spend much of my time learning in structured environments. Guatemala offers something different—the chance to understand health through a global lens, to listen first, and to adapt my skills to meet people where they are.

I’m also intentionally stepping into this trip with humility and openness. I know I still have a lot to learn, and I see that as a strength. I’m going ready to contribute what I can, learn from local partners who know their communities best, and grow through experiences that challenge my assumptions and expand my perspective.

This trip is part of a bigger picture for me. I want a career in healthcare that is grounded in service, empathy, and a commitment to underserved communities. Experiences like this help shape that foundation. I don’t see this as a single mission trip—I see it as another step in a longer journey of purpose-driven work.

If you choose to support me, you’re helping make it possible for me to learn through service, contribute to meaningful community-based healthcare efforts, and continue building the perspective I hope to carry with me throughout my career. I’m incredibly grateful for any support, encouragement, or belief you’re willing to share as I take part in this work.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

— Andrew