Pacesetter - Spring/Summer 2010 - Belize Trip

Honors Program’s annual mission trip to Belize humbles and inspires

Eighteen representatives, including faculty, staff and students, from Kettering College traveled to Belize May 2-11 for the Vaughan-Beaven Service Learning Honors Program’s annual mission trip to the South American country.

The trip was led by nursing faculty members Laura Willis and Paula Reams. While there, the group conducted four health fairs and paid visits to one orphanage and three schools. At the health fairs, 218 ultrasound scans were performed, 402 blood glucose and blood pressures were taken, and 415 eye exams were given. Also at the fairs, countless presentations were given to adults and children on dental hygiene, hand washing, coughing etiquette, first aid, nutrition, stress management and men's and women's health, said Willis, coordinator of the Service Learning Honors Program. Reams, chair of the Bachelor of Science in Health Professions, taught two sessions of CPR to hospital employees.

“The 14 students representing several kc departments gave outstanding and tireless service to the people of Belize,” said Victor Brown, Dean for Enrollment Management and part of the travel contingent. “Enduring oppressive heat and humidity and all-day crowds, the students pressed on in an effort to serve everyone who showed up. I came back from Belize with a new pride in Kettering College and am thankful I had the opportunity to be part of this great service experience.”

“Going to Belize was a life-changing event for me. I was amazed each day at the capacity of the human spirit to hope, to love, to be generous — even in the face of adversity. As an educator, it was thrilling to watch the students teach about health and wellness and to see them serve so freely and generously. The greatest satisfaction that can be gained from doing work of this nature is realizing that when you are helping someone in need, you are there doing God’s work and not your own. It is humbling and awe-inspiring. I am forever changed.” — Laura Willis, assistant professor of nursing and coordinator of the Service Learning Honors Program

“It was both an honor and a privilege to visit Belize with the faculty, staff and students this year. I’ve always felt that our students are the best, but this trip allowed me to see them in action and confirm my belief. Their boundless positive energy, compassion for the people and professional demeanor demonstrated a maturity beyond their years. The warm reception we got from the people of Belize made us all feel welcome and appreciated. I went to serve but was the one who received the greatest blessing. The hugs, kisses and babies I got to hold were all unexpected bonuses. I was proud to be part of this group and would jump at the chance to serve again.” — Amy Moretta, director of the residence hall and student life and recipient of the 2010 kc staff mission scholarship.

“While the work we did on this mission trip was important, what we received in return was far greater. I can't express the love I feel for both my teammates and the beautiful people of Belize. Much thanks to Laura Willis, Paula Reams and kc for giving us the opportunity to grow and develop as missionaries so that one day our contributions will outweigh our gains.” — Andy Steiner, human biology

“Belize is a beautiful country rich with incredibly special people. I enjoyed being able to educate people about our health topics, especially when we went to the schools. One highlight of the trip was when I was able to sing praise and worship songs with the children at the orphanage we visited. I was so blessed and overflowing with joy to hear them share the faith they have in the face of adversity. This mission trip was an experience of a lifetime. I can't wait until the next one.” — Elizabeth Race, human biology

“I had a great experience in Belize. The people, the country itself and the Kettering College group made the mission trip a great success. We were given the opportunity to help hundreds of people, and all of them were so thankful for what we were doing. My particular job was to determine the eyeglass prescriptions that were needed, and I had a great time doing it because the results happened right in front of my own eyes. I look forward to future trips and to helping many more people in my lifetime.” — Rudy Der ’10, human biology