Aspen Forshee, a nursing major at Walla Walla University, is on a mission in the Philippines since August 30, 2022 until May 7, 2023. She has shared some of her favorite experiences serving so far.
Summer Boulais: Where are you working and what is your daily routine there?
Aspen Forshee: I am volunteering in Pagudpud Adventist Wellness Center, a clinic in Pagudpud, Philippines. My daily routine is working in the clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in x-ray, laboratory, or emergency room. Then I go to an elementary school to tutor 6th graders English. After tutoring, I play volleyball with local kids and fellow clinic workers.
Boulais: What have been your favorite experiences or moments so far?
Forshee: There have been so many great experiences! My favorite clinic related experience is assisting a doctor in a minor surgery where he let me sow a few stitches. My favorite overall memory is when it was a friend's birthday, we all went to this beautiful white sand beach and watched the sunset.
Boulais: What challenges have you overcome during your mission?
Forshee: Although this year has been such an amazing opportunity, it has not been perfect. I have had to overcome huge language barriers that made friendships here hard to make. I have also dealt with challenges of homesickness, self-doubt, and purposelessness.
Boulais: What are you going to miss most when you return to WWU?
Forshee: First and foremost, I will miss the friends that I have made here because there are a lot of people that I love and connected with, so it is sad to think I might never see them again. Secondly, I will miss the beautiful sunsets, mountains, beaches, and all the unforgettable views.
Boulais: How has this experience influenced your relationship with God?
Forshee: It made me realize that there is never a perfect time to connect with God. You always have to put in the effort to choose Him every day. This realization has helped me make deliberate and conscious decisions to better my relationship with Him.
Boulais: What advice do you have for others interested in being student missionaries?
Forshee: Start your mission with a kind heart and a social spirit. If you put in effort to connect with people, then your year will be lots of fun.
Posted on February 7, 2023.
