From June 15-28, senior PUC student Rut Gonzalez went on a mission trip to Manaus, Brazil, to provide medical care and help host Vacation Bible School. Along with six other PUC students, they joined Loma Linda University’s Students for International Mission Service program and other Adventist universities in the country to serve the communities living along the Amazon River.

“What motivated me to go on this mission trip was to push myself out of my comfort zone to do something different,” said Rut.  “I wanted to learn from different people and do new things. Prior to this trip, I had done a short-term mission trip with the organization Maranatha Volunteers International in Peru. That experience gave me a little bit of a glimpse of the challenges and conditions that missionaries face. It also showed me how mission trips can help us grow closer to God, connect with other students, and serve people in meaningful ways. I wanted to do that again and strengthen my faith while helping people.”

Aside from providing medical care, Rut distributed gifts to the local children and spent time with them by playing games and doing art activities. She also worked as kitchen staff on the boat, which allowed her to make new friends and learn more about teamwork and service. In addition, Rut assisted local women by styling their hair and tending to skin treatments, and worked at the optometry station, which was her favorite part of the trip.

Rut kindly answered questions to share more about her time in Manaus.

Was there a new skill or strength you discovered about yourself during the mission trip?

During this mission trip, I discovered that even when I do not know everything about a certain area, I have a strong desire to learn and help in any way I can. I found a passion for learning new skills and putting them into practice. I also realized that I am more capable of talking with strangers than I thought. A few months ago, I would have been very nervous about meeting new people, but this trip helped me become more confident and open to building connections with others.

How was it bonding with the other PUC students?

Before the trip, I had not interacted much with many of the students from PUC while we were on campus. This mission trip gave me more time to get to know them. It was a great opportunity to hang out with them and learn about them as students and as individuals. Their interactions with the people in their communities and how willing they were to serve made a huge impact on me. By the end of the trip, I was not only saying goodbye to students from my school but also to new friends who share the same passion for serving God and helping others.

What surprised you about the culture or people you were serving? 

When we arrived, we noticed that many people were living in conditions very different from what we are used to. They had limited resources, and things that may be easy for us to obtain can be much harder for them to access. However, what surprised me most was their attitude. Despite many challenges, they were happy, smiling, and grateful for what they had. Their gratitude made me reflect on how often we take our blessings for granted. It reminded me to appreciate the things God has provided and to be thankful for what I have every day.

How has this experience changed your view of the world or your community? 

This experience showed me that even when we feel our actions may not make a difference, God always has a place for us to serve and make an impact. Sometimes something as simple as bringing a smile to a child or an adult can be a way of sharing God’s love. I learned that there are needs in many parts of the world, including in our own communities. This mission trip touched my heart because it reminded me of the place where I grew up and the people who face similar challenges. It made me think about how God may be calling me to serve not only in other countries but also in my own community. No matter where we are, there are always opportunities to help others and show compassion.

What was your favorite part about Brazil? 

One of my favorite moments was during a worship service where our group led the worship songs. There was one special moment when a student from our school, Angela, began singing, and people started coming forward to respond to the pastor’s invitation. It was very emotional to see so many people gathered together. That moment reminded me that even in remote places, people are searching for God and need His love. Seeing their faith and their response made a lasting impact on me and strengthened my own faith.

Was there a specific moment during the mission trip that left an impression on you? 

Many moments will always stay with me, but one stands out the most. In optometry, I assisted older adults in finding reading glasses to help them see better. Most people spoke Portuguese, and although I spoke Spanish, there were language barriers. However, we found ways to communicate. 

One day, an older man came to our station and immediately told us that he could not read because of his poor eyesight. After trying on a few pairs of glasses, we found the best pair for him. His reaction was unforgettable. He looked at the glasses with excitement and said they were wonderful. When we told him the glasses were his to keep, he became very grateful. He first thanked God and then thanked us for coming to his community and providing help that many people needed. He prayed that God would bless us and hoped that one day we would return. He talked about his life and his job as a fisherman for a bit, and even though we spoke different languages, it felt like there was no barrier between us. That conversation filled me with joy because it showed me that kindness, service, and human connection can go beyond language. It reminded me that even a small act of service can have a meaningful impact on someone’s life.

How did attending this mission trip benefit your PUC experience? What did you gain by attending this mission trip? 

This mission trip broadened my perspective and helped me learn how to work with people who have different cultures, languages, and lifestyles. It taught me to be more grateful for the blessings God has given me and to appreciate the opportunities I have. I will remember this trip as one of the most meaningful opportunities that PUC has provided for me. It allowed me to gain experience in different areas of service, develop new skills, and apply what I am learning as a student. It also helped me build friendships and create memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. As a Social Work major, this experience strengthened my desire to serve others, listen to people’s stories, and support communities with compassion and respect.

What do you want to remember about this experience moving forward with your education and career?

I want to remember that every person has a story, and even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. I want to remember the gratitude, resilience, and joy of the people we served and carry those lessons with me throughout my education and future career as a social worker. This experience reminded me that helping others is not always about solving every problem. Sometimes it is about listening, showing compassion, and being present. As I continue my education, I hope to keep a servant’s heart, remain open to learning from others, and use my skills to support individuals, families, and communities in meaningful ways. Most importantly, I want to remember that God can use us wherever we are to make a positive impact in the lives of others.