06/27/2026
Final Reflections from Peru
Yesterday, we all returned safely home to our families and friends, with renewed vision and strength. After a great nightās sleep in my own bed, I woke up feeling rested, grateful, and motivated. While I know from previous trips that the post-mission letdown will probably come, today I find myself wanting to hold onto the perspective these past two weeks have given me for as long as I can.
This was my fourth trip to Peru in the past seven years, and every journey has left a lasting impression on my heart. While the places we visited were beautiful and the experiences unforgettable, it has always been the people who have changed me the most.
Over the past two weeks, I had the privilege of traveling alongside an incredible group of University of Mary occupational therapy students. Every day, I watched them growānot only in their clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills, but also in their compassion, confidence, and willingness to serve. They repaired and modified wheelchairs, evaluated children, created sensory rooms, presented to occupational therapy students at the University of San Marcos, visited families in their homes, and built meaningful relationships with children, parents, teachers, and staff. They demonstrated what occupational therapy looks like when it is rooted in creativity, collaboration, and genuine care for others. I couldnāt be more proud of the professionals they are becoming.
As meaningful as our work was, I donāt want to minimize the reality of what we witnessed. Poverty and the lack of resources are very real. We met children who could benefit from better positioning equipment, safer wheelchairs, adaptive feeding devices, walkers, and simple home modifications that could dramatically improve their quality of life. Those needs are significant, and they deserve our attention.
At the same time, this experience reminded me why I became an occupational therapist. Our profession has never been about focusing on limitationsāit has always been about finding possibilities. While I may not be able to change every circumstance, I can continue looking for solutions. I can work with families to identify simple adaptations they can make in their homes. I can continue searching for donated Hoyer lifts, walkers, positioning equipment, and wheelchairs. I can advocate for children who deserve opportunities many of us take for granted. Small changes often have life-changing results.
One of the greatest blessings of this trip was witnessing the incredible generosity of so many people back home. Through donations from friends, family members, community supporters, and organizations, we were able to bring nearly $40,000 worth of adaptive equipment to Peru, including wheelchairs, positioning equipment, and the Obi feeding device. In addition, so many generous people purchased more than $3,000 worth of therapy supplies and adaptive equipment through our Amazon Wish List. Every item was packed with purpose, carried with care, and ultimately placed into the hands of someone who truly needed it. Nothing sat on a shelf. Every donation made a difference.
To everyone who donated equipment, purchased supplies, offered financial support, prayed for our team, or encouraged us along the way, thank you. You were part of this mission whether you boarded the plane or not. Your generosity restored dignity, increased independence, created opportunities for participation, and reminded families in Peru that they are seen, valued, and loved. We are deeply grateful.
One thing I have become increasingly aware of is how these experiences affect my own mental health. For two weeks, life became remarkably simple. Every morning we woke up asking one question: How can we make today a little better for someone else? That sense of purpose has a way of quieting the noise that so often fills our daily lives. It shifts my attention away from things that donāt really matter and refocuses me on relationships, gratitude, service, and faith. My hope is that I donāt leave that mindset in Peru.
Returning home is always bittersweet. I am thankful to be home with Krystal and Teagan (will be seeing Gentry soon!), my family, and friends. I appreciate the many blessings we enjoy every day. At the same time, I donāt want to lose the perspective Peru has given me. I want to be more patient, more grateful, and more intentional. I want to remember that every person has a story, every family carries burdens we may never fully understand, and every act of kindness has the potential to change someoneās life.
As I reflect on this journey, I realize the mission isnāt over simply because we boarded a plane home. If anything, it has entered a new chapter. Our responsibility now is to take what we have learned and put it into practice here at home. We can continue advocating for those with disabilities. We can continue mentoring future occupational therapists. We can continue looking for creative solutions where others see obstacles. We can continue building partnerships that provide equipment and opportunities for children and families who need them most.
Most importantly, we can choose not to let compassion become something we experience only on mission trips. We can make it part of who we are every single day.
I believe we all have a calling to use the gifts we have been given to improve the lives of others. We donāt all have to travel to Peru to answer that call. Sometimes it begins with offering our time, sharing our talents, donating equipment, supporting a family in need, mentoring a student, or simply choosing to care a little more deeply than we did yesterday.
The mission continues. The question is not whether there is more work to be doneāwe know there is. The question is whether we are willing to answer the call.
Thank you, Peru, for once again reminding me why I love this profession, why I love teaching, and why serving others will always be one of lifeās greatest privileges.
