Love in Action

 There is something incredibly special about being part of a group of people from different backgrounds and different corners of the world who come together to create something rooted in love—love for one another, love for humanity, love for equality, and love for the world.

As I sit here reflecting on my time in Cobán, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

When Dr. Lauri called to ask if I would like to be part of this year's alumni team, I was overjoyed. My first experience in Guatemala four years ago changed who I was—not only as a nurse, but as a person. Returning this time as an ICU nurse with years of additional experience felt different, yet in many ways remarkably familiar. The people of Cobán—both those I met for the first time and those I had the privilege of caring for years ago—once again shook me to my core. They reminded me why we do what we do and how essential it is to protect the passion that first called us into healthcare.

One of the greatest gifts of this trip was witnessing the progress this community has made over the past four years. I was able to reconnect with patients I had cared for previously and see them healthier, stronger, and filled with hope.

One moment, in particular, will stay with me forever. The elderly man who had adopted the two orphaned boys I met in 2022 returned to the clinic this year. The boys had grown so much. They were smiling, healthy, attending school, eating regular meals, and receiving healthcare through the clinic. Seeing them thriving was a reminder that meaningful change often happens quietly, one family and one life at a time.

Another moment that I know I will carry with me forever was meeting a little girl named Sofia, who was born with amniotic band syndrome. Her family traveled six hours to reach us, accompanied by a family friend who volunteered to make the journey with them. That alone spoke volumes about the kind of community that exists in Guatemala—one where people willingly carry one another's burdens simply because they can.

Our team had the privilege of fitting Sofia with 3D-printed prosthetics, and for the first time in her life, she stood and walked.

There are moments in healthcare that remind you exactly why you chose this profession, and this was one of them. The joy on Sofia's face was unforgettable, but what moved me even more was watching her family. Her parents, brother, and family friend watched with tears, smiles, and overwhelming pride as she took those first steps. It was impossible not to share in their joy.

Watching an entire room celebrate something many of us take for granted was a powerful reminder that hope often begins with people choosing to care. It wasn't just Sofia who took her first steps that day—everyone in that room walked away believing a little more in what is possible when compassion, innovation, and community come together.

Every person I encountered—whether in triage, with Dr. Lauri, Dr. Richard, or during physical therapy—showed us extraordinary kindness. They wanted us to succeed, even though we were there believing we were the ones helping them.

Although my Spanish is still embarrassingly limited, every conversation became a lesson in how much can be communicated without perfect words. Every patient met my mistakes with patience, encouragement, and grace. The people of Cobán embody resilience, kindness, and strength in ways that continue to inspire me.

This year we were also asked to share the knowledge we have gained in our respective fields with the community. It was an honor to prepare educational presentations for the people of La Ciudad de la Esperanza. Watching my colleagues teach was just as meaningful as teaching myself. Our audiences were engaged, curious, and eager to learn, and our team responded with remarkable adaptability, creativity, flexibility, and compassion. I left with peace knowing that when we all return home, each of us will continue spreading that knowledge, compassion, and hope wherever life takes us.

Dr. Richard reminded me of the profound impact that simply slowing down and truly listening can have on someone's life. Patients return to him year after year because, in one way or another, they believe he saved them. His compassion, love of teaching, gift for storytelling, and ability to make every person feel heard are qualities I deeply admire. I hope to carry even a small piece of what he demonstrates every day into my own practice.

Dr. Lauri has shown me what is possible when someone transforms passion into purpose and inspires others to do the same. She has instilled in me a love for teaching and for sharing knowledge with those around me. Thank you, Lauri, for helping shape not only the nurse I have become, but the person I continue to strive to be.

Stephanie amazed me with her ability to connect with every single person she met. She is not only an exceptional nurse but an incredibly strong and compassionate human being. I hope that one day I can make people feel as seen and cared for as she does.

I learned something from every member of our team. Whether it was Eric's empathy and unwavering dedication or Alysa's remarkable ability to fully engage every person she worked with while making even the hardest work joyful, each person left an impression on me that I will carry forward. Thank you to everyone I had the privilege of serving alongside. I am deeply grateful and endlessly inspired by each of you.

As Juan Pablo reminded us, I will carry with me the small part of heaven we found in Cobán and do my best to spread that love everywhere I go.

We travel to Cobán believing we are bringing our knowledge, our skills, and our expertise. Yet year after year, we are the ones who leave having received far more than we could ever give.

Kara Rodeheaver, BSN, RN, CCRN