May 25, 2026
Students and faculty from the East Texas Baptist University Teague School of Nursing recently returned from a medical mission trip to Costa Rica, where they served local communities through healthcare clinics and patient education.
Led by Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Kelly Arraf, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Britney De La Rosa, and Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dayna Davidson, ETBU nursing students partnered with local churches, translators, and healthcare providers to deliver compassionate care in multiple communities. Students assisted with triage, patient education, pharmacy services, and clinical support while gaining firsthand experience in global healthcare missions.
On the first day of ministry, students established a clinic inside a local church and immediately began serving patients with a variety of needs. Among the memorable experiences were witnessing a mother see her baby on an ultrasound for the first time, assisting during a tooth extraction, and teaching patients non-pharmacological methods for pain management and wellness.
“Even with the language barrier, kindness, and compassion spoke louder than words ever could,” junior Brooke Nalley shared. “The Lord equipped us for this moment, and He gave us the confidence and peace knowing that we may not need to use words but a willing heart to serve the Lord and the community. I am so thankful for this experience and all that God is teaching ETBU nursing through it.”
As the week continued, students encountered complex and urgent medical situations that deepened their understanding of the nursing profession and strengthened their reliance on teamwork and faith. Patients arrived with stroke symptoms, severe mental health concerns, and medical complaints that were challenging to address due to limited medications and resources.
“There is a certain beauty in watching what happens when these crises and barriers arise,” senior Autumn Ellis reflected. “Because in those moments, despite time and resource constraints, the focus remains the same: do everything in our power to care for this patient in this moment. Our team exemplified this wonderfully.”
Ellis also emphasized the consistency of nursing’s calling across all settings. “The heart of nursing is about the service of each individual with the full use of the skills, talents, and resources God has given. This calling remains constant from state-of-the-art hospitals to the mission field.”
Midweek, students participated in worship before setting up additional clinic locations where they continued serving patients in collaboration with medical providers. Despite heavy rain later in the week, community members faithfully traveled to the clinics seeking care. The ETBU team also hosted a special ceremony to honor the translators whose service and partnership were essential throughout the trip.
Students reflected that the experience served as a powerful reminder that ministry and medicine go hand in hand and that meaningful relationships often leave the greatest impact on those who come to serve.
The final day of the trip allowed students time to experience the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural environment. The group visited a rainforest preserve and toured Tenorio Volcano National Park, where students viewed waterfalls and lagoons that reminded them of the words, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” Psalm 121:1–2.
ETBU’s Global Study and Serve trips extend the University’s commitment to integrating faith and learning through transformative, Christ-centered experiences. The Teague School of Nursing continues to prepare graduates to be compassionate, competent caregivers around the world.