before takeoff

I can not believe this week is THE week! It feels surreal to think that months of planning, preparing and waiting are coming to an end. These past two months have been a whirlwind of emotions with graduating, moving out of Nashville, my older sister’s wedding, and lots of bittersweet goodbyes. Before I dive into all the nervous excitement feelings first I’ll share how I even got to this moment- the why behind my project.

March 2023– As a shy freshman with a love for volunteer work and interest in meeting new friends I said yes to a spring break mission to Guatemala with Belmont PT/OT students and faculty. Looking back I truly had no idea what I had said yes to. This week opened my eyes to the immense poverty and hardships faced by the Guatemalan people. Despite being the only undergraduate, I felt incredibly loved by the Belmont team and the Guatemalan people on that trip. I learned that more than anything people desire to be seen, understood, and truly cared for. I learned that a hug, simple smile, and prayer matter most.

March 2024 – Though I loved my time in Guatemala the year before, I believed I would not get the opportunity to go on the trip again. I felt so undeserving as an undergraduate student. I applied for an undergraduate focused medical mission trip, but I was waitlisted for the trip. In a last minute attempt I reached out to the leader of the Guatemala trip. He said there was one spot left to fill and welcomed me with open arms. On this trip I fell in love with the vibrancy of Guatemalan culture! The colorful tapestries and art, stunning volcanoes, and delicious foods. This trip also opened my heart to be curious about physical therapy. It was the first time I witnessed how physical therapy is truly a life changing profession.

March 2025 – There was no question in my mind this year, I would be applying for the mission trip again. I had made lifelong friends in Antigua and with the Belmont team. For the first time, I was returning on this trip as an official pre-PT exercise science major. This trip taught me the Lord truly can and will perform miracles. The Lord also placed desire in my heart to return to Guatemala for long-term mission work.

Today 2026- So, now you know this project, this passion of mine, is not just a few months in the making it truly is years of falling in love with mission, Guatemala, physical therapy, and God. A slow gentle calling from the Lord. Year after year somehow I ended back on that trip. If I had never switched my major to pre-PT I would have never graduated early with a semester between grad school to pursue Lumos. I could go on and on about all the ways God helped make my Lumos project possible. So here’s to being brave and trusting the Lord on this crazy exciting adventure! I can not wait to share all the highs and lows of my project! Thank you for being here!