As we wait for our flight to Quito to begin boarding, it is difficult to contain the excitement that we have for our medical service trip. We have been planning for this experience for over a year and feel so fortunate to have the chance to work in Guangaje. After winning the trip we have been busy coordinating with Timmy Global Health on the logistics, things we need to bring, and how to prepare for this unbelievable experience. Pulling our luggage full of medical supplies, we began talking about how excited we are that the day is finally here. We are looking forward to working with the faculty, meeting the other students, and most importantly getting to help first-hand with the difficulties that the Guangaje community faces daily. We have much to learn from the medically underserved population in Guangaje and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to help out in any way possible. Naturally we are also nervous. We don’t know how much we will be able to help, how we will end up helping out the most, and how we will be able to effectively communicate with the community. But, we find comfort in knowing that we will be led by the Timmy team and have each other to go through this experience with. Although we might not know exactly how we will help in the most effective manner, we are all willing to be flexible and attempt to help meet the needs of the community. Amongst the many emotions we have, the one that is strongest is excitement. We are reminded at this time of one of our favorite quotes from the late Anthony Bourdain: “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. An in the return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you.”