"We received more than we gave in Guatemala,” said Rosana Ayoub, senior biology/pre-med major and president of the pre-med club. “I gained insight and a different perspective. Little things mean so much, and as I reflect back I see that I received great satisfaction from giving hope and comfort to others.”

Eleven La Sierra students, along with John Perumal, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and sponsor of the pre-med club, traveled to Guatemala City and the surrounding villages Dec. 9-17, 2004, visiting orphanages, hospitals and medical clinics, spreading cheer and goodwill. The students also brought with them medicines, a large donation of toys by a campus staff member, and quilts for infants from the La Sierra University Stahl Center for World Service.

“Each student paid their own way,” says Perumal. “One parent donated a van for us to use for transportation while we were in Guatemala and another parent gave us medicine for the people. We also had some money to purchase medicine and help others.”

One day the group visited an orphanage with children ages two months to six years. There were about 40 children and they coordinated a Christmas party giving away toys, quilts and pictures with Santa. Another day the group went to a small village with a medical team, where they helped with blood pressures and a type of Vacation Bible School. Another day they visited a hospital. “We dressed up like clowns, gave the children gifts and even had a piñata with candy,” said Anna Ursales, senior biology/pre-med major and member of the pre-med club.

While at the hospital the administrator approached the pre-med group with a special need. One baby girl in the hospital could not breath on her own and needed a respirator so she could go home. She would not live without it. The girl’s parents could not afford the $400 to pay for the respirator. But the LSU students felt blessed because they could help. “We purchased the respirator for the family the day that we left,” said Perumal.

“As a pre-med major, I am not yet in a place where I can provide people medical care and medicine,” says Ayoub. “But I can provide comfort and care. It really did help a lot. It showed people that we cared, and I was grateful for such an opportunity.”

“Growing up in the Philippines, I knew that I wanted to go into medicine,” says Ursales. “When I give, I feel blessed. Even though we are not doctors, we can interact with the kids and are able to offer something to help them forget the pain.”

“A bunch of the participants were ready to go again during spring break,” says Ayoub. “I am pretty sure we will do this again.”