Amy McDaniel travels to Guatemala with Concordia University, Nebraska mission team

2013 Apr 10

Over spring break, Amy McDaniel, a sophomore from Cypress, Calif., traveled along with 11 other Concordia University, Nebraska students to Zacapa, Guatemala, for a week-long medical mission trip in conjunction with the Central American Lutheran Mission Society (CALMS).

Led by Dr. Jennifer Janousek, director of the Master of Public Health program at Concordia, the group of students traveled with a pediatrician, nurse and dentist to provide necessary medical care for the people of Guatemala. The team visited three villages: QueBrada de Aqua, Roblarcito and San Miguel. While on the trip, the team hosted medical and dental clinics, taught children and adults about hygiene and nutrition, and held Bible studies for children. They also built latrines and stoves in some homes.

"In my opinion, there are no words to describe the experience we had in Guatemala. We are so very grateful for the time God blessed us with in this wonderful country," said sophomore Morgan Vitosh in a blog entry.

The team kept a blog over the course of the trip to update friends and family on their progress and activities. The full blog as well as photos and a video can be found at http://cunetoguatemala.blogspot.com/.

Now back in Seward, the team members are readjusting to life in the United States and say they are happy to know they were able to make a difference in the lives of the Guatemalan people.

"We can only pray that the relationships made with the Guatemalans and the assistance we offered has made an impact in their lives," said sophomore Anna McDaniel. "We are Christ's hands in this world."

Student participants' academic majors include pre-medicine, community health, exercise science, education and behavioral science. The Master of Public Health program at Concordia focuses on the fundamentals of public health, placing emphasis on practical experience through practicum work and mission trips. Based on Christian faith and values, the program prepares graduates to use their knowledge and experience to improve the state of public health around the world.

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Neb. that currently serves over 2,200 students. Concordia offers more than 50 professional and liberal arts programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.