Connecting Columbia Union Seventh-day Adventists

Kettering College student Tyler Callahan says he met “some of the most beautiful souls I have ever encountered” on the school’s mission trip to Belize.

"Awe-Inspiring" Mission in Belize Broadens Nursing Student’s Perspective

"Awe-inspiring" mission in Belize broadens nursing student’s perspective

Story by Jessica Beans

Students are given many opportunities to join medically-focused, short term mission trips throughout their time at Kettering College in Dayton, Ohio. Chaplain Steve Carlson explains, “This experience is one that will bring to life the world of medicine our students may have only experienced through textbooks. I love when students embrace the opportunity to spend over a week providing for under-privileged populations and can truly experience becoming healing hands of God.”

As a group of 33 students, faculty, and staff gear up for a medical mission trip to the jungles of Peru this March, Tyler Callahan, a Kettering College nursing student, shares his reflections on the last mission trip to Belize:

“I was humbled to be part of a team of 25 students, faculty, and staff from Kettering College that traveled to Belize on a 10-day medical mission trip. We had our work cut out for us, as we organized and ran six health fairs encountering between 600 and 800 people in the western portion of Belize, including Santa Elena, Bullet Tree, Buena Vista, San Antonio, Billy White Village and Caye Caulker. I was assigned to screen blood pressures and educate individuals on hypertension and the effects of diet and exercise on their blood pressure and overall wellness.”

He continues, “Traveling to Belize put the first stamp in my passport, as it was my first international trip. I would not trade this experience for the world, meeting some of the most beautiful souls I have ever encountered; their stories were awe-inspiring. My experience in Belize broadened my views of the world and expanded my perspectives as a more cultured individual spiritually and as a future healthcare provider. Belize left its fingerprint on my heart. I’m hoping that Peru will do the same for the team of Kettering personnel going in March to touch the lives of countless more individuals.”

Feature photo: Kettering College student Tyler Callahan says he met “some of the most beautiful souls I have ever encountered” on the school’s mission trip to Belize.

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