Led by professor Cindy Tanis, PhD, ATC, four students went on a medical Global Engagement trip to Uganda this summer where they were able to put what they’ve learned in their classes into practice. Kinesiology major Julissa Sanchez ’26 had not signed up for the Uganda trip initially because she didn’t feel ready to practice her skills on such an independent level, but once she began connecting with her patients, Sanchez realized that kinesiology is more than just exercises and movement—it’s about spreading love and joy to others.
The team worked with patients who required Palliative Hospice care. They used their physical therapy and occupational therapy knowledge and skills to lead patients in simple exercises. The task seemed daunting at first, but Sanchez realized that she was well prepared not only in her skills, but emotionally and spiritually as well. “Dr. Tanis was there to support us if needed, but she really trusted us and that gave me such a big confidence boost,” she said. “Once I started working with my first patient, I got excited to do exercises with her because she enjoyed it so much.”
While the main ministry of the trip was medical service, the team also found ways to integrate their faith into their work by connecting with community members. They prayed for each patient, attended service with the locals, joined a Bible study group, and sang worship songs in the local language of Ruchega when conducting a home visit for a patient. The team also participated in youth ministry, working with kids at church on Sundays. Together, they read Bible stories and sang worship songs. “I saw God move in every area of that trip from the conversations I had with people to hearing the children laugh,” Sanchez said. “There were so many moments full of love and joy.”
For part of the trip, the team was divided into two groups, so Sanchez and another
student spent a week at Grace Villa, a sanctuary home for girls up to 19-years-old.
One of Sanchez’s favorite part of being at Grace Villa was learning cultural dances
that the girls perform around the area. She also loved sharing her culture with them.
The two APU students had the chance to teach the girls lessons, and Sanchez chose
to teach them a Spanish Christian dance from her church. The girls loved it so much
that they added it to their performance routine. Sanchez remains in contact with one
of the adults at Grace Villa, Sister Dorine, who keeps her updated on how the girls
are doing. Although the girls at Grace Villa have lived challenging lives, their joy
was infectious. Sanchez felt that pouring into these girls spiritually and emotionally
was important because it inspires hope within them to pursue their dreams and passions.
“They were so curious to see what our day-to-day lives were like, and it made me realize
that these girls have big dreams just like us, which is why it was so important to
implement the idea that anything is possible with God by your side,” she said.
When the team had time to relax, they went on a tour of the lakes and islands, visited a waterfall close to the hospital, and went on a safari. Throughout it all, Sanchez said that she could clearly see God in all of His creations and in the people she interacted with. “Everyone we met was so welcoming, and I made many friendships and connections that I continue to carry in my heart,” she said. “We all got really close to the employees at the clinic and are still in contact with them. It's a strong brother and sister bond because that’s how God works. We are united because of His love, and that makes it easy to love each other.”
Sanchez is currently interning for a small workforce physical therapy clinic at Stanford, but her time in Uganda has motivated her to continue practicing kinesiology and has excited her about working with patients. “So many good moments on the trip made me feel better about my future career,” she said. “It felt like getting confirmation from God that I’m on the right path because I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life and laughing with my patients despite the challenging situations they’re facing.” Being open to connecting with others is something Sanchez learned the importance of in Uganda, but realized is applicable everywhere. “Dr. Tanis said that your mission doesn’t have to start outside of the country,” she said. “It starts in your own home. To share God’s love with others or to help people and spread joy the way I did in Uganda, I don’t have to wait for a specific place or time. God can use me wherever I am. APU’s Global Engagement trips feel like His invitation to take a leap of faith and experience what He wants to show you.”