Mission Experiences

Loma Linda Occupational Therapy students are serving not only their community, but the world as well. Below are a few reflections of Loma Linda OT students serving through LLU Mission Trips.

I went on a mission trip in December 2014 to Belize through SIMS (Student International Mission Services). God is so good and showed up in massive ways on the trip. He knit together a group of 20 women from several different programs (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, nursing, child life, physician assistant, ministry, and public health) at LLU and He equipped us with tools, gifts and talents to serve the community in Belize and do His work there. We led 6 days of a health fair in rural villages. The health fair booths included heart health, nutrition, exercise, massage, respiratory health, women’s health, and general health. It was amazing to get to know these kind and loving communities. In a country where OT is not a present health service provided, I was blessed to have OT moments, including helping people with body mechanics while gardening, cooking and doing laundry. I also had the privilege of teaching infant massage to one of the fathers. Each night, we led Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the children and nearly 50-60 kids would somehow hear about VBS and show up to sing about Jesus, listen to a Bible story and do a craft. The joy in their eyes from is something I will never forget. The people I met on my trip will forever have a place in my heart and I am so grateful for this experience!
Megan Meyer
LLU MOT class of 2016

Pictures from Belize:

As cliché as it might sound, my Honduras mission trip experience was simply amazing. This was the first time Loma Linda University had visited the nutritional rehabilitation center called Pan American Health Services in Pena Blanca, Honduras. Through meetings and planning before we left, the occupational therapy and speech therapy volunteers met together to discuss potential needs of the children. Being able to practice my newly acquired occupational therapy skills on a mission trip was a great way to enhance my clinical knowledge and experience. Because we had not been to Pan American before, we did not exactly know what to expect, making much of this mission trip a needs assessment for the future. We spent much of our day spending time with the infants and toddlers, educating caregivers on postural positioning for control and strength, oral motor development and stimulation, feeding techniques for decreasing chances of aspiration, etc. We were even able to discuss the mental health of the caregivers, and educate them on ways to increase their quality of life while doing their difficult daily job of caring for the young, malnourished children. We spent our afternoons socializing and building relationships with the older children by playing soccer and baseball games, jump rope, art activities, cards, Jenga, and we even got to help them with their homework! The joy and love we all felt spending time together was mutual, and they showed great appreciation all the games and activities we had to offer. Another great aspect of the trip was forming new friendships with my fellow student volunteers. It was great working with like-minded individuals with a desire to help others. I loved exploring the town of Pena Blanca, meeting the locals, and spending time in the rainforest. Lastly, being able to have this trip to be renewal for myself was vital. The country was beautiful, the people I met were amazing, and the work I was able to do was inspiring. Through this trip, I was able to take time to see the beauty in the world and enhance my spirituality, making my relationship with God even stronger. I had a wonderful time, and I cannot wait to go back and offer more of myself to Pan American Health Services.
Katie Puccio
LLU MOT class of 2016

Pictures from Honduras:

Compiled by:
Megan Meyer
LLU MOT class of 2016