One of the most meaningful parts of my time in Athens has been getting to serve through clinical outreach and missionary work. Our group had the opportunity to visit refugee camps and work alongside local healthcare teams to care for people in need, many of whom have gone through incredibly difficult circumstances.
Many of the people we encountered were from all over the world such as displaced families and individuals fleeing war, poverty, or persecution. In the camps, I met people who spoke Greek, Arabic, Farsi, and other languages I had never heard before. Communication was a challenge, but the beauty of human connection and compassion often overcame those language barriers. We used translators, hand gestures, and most importantly, a willingness to listen with empathy.
In the clinical setting, we offered health screenings, basic wound care, and patient education. It was humbling to see how something as simple as taking a blood pressure reading or handing out hygiene supplies could make someone feel seen and cared for. The clinical experience ended up being my favorite part of the entire trip. Getting to care for people in such a direct and meaningful way, especially in places where resources are limited, reminded me why I’m passionate about nursing and why I chose this path in the first place.
We also had opportunities to share the Gospel, which brought a deeper purpose to everything we did. Whether it was through quiet moments of prayer, one-on-one conversations, or simply showing Christ’s love through our actions, it was powerful to see hearts open up. Being able to care for both physical and spiritual needs made this experience incredibly impactful and showed me that true healing goes beyond medicine.
