This spring, four Big Stone Therapies (BST) team members took a leap of faith and headed to San Lucas, Guatemala. Their goal? To offer care, connect with the community, and maybe learn a few life lessons along the way. Spoiler alert: mission accomplished.
Meet the Team
Our 2025 Spring Guatemala Mission Team included:
- Paul Treinen (PT), Co-Founder of BST
- Nate Treinen (PT), Sisseton
- Tegan Marty (Therapy Aide), Fargo
- Bri Muench (Clinic Admin Assistant), Olivia
They came from different roles within BST but shared one common mission: to serve others and grow personally and professionally.
Why Go on a Mission Trip?
When you think of a mission trip, it’s easy to assume it’s all about helping others. But as Paul put it,
“The biggest purpose was to learn from the people of Guatemala and bring those lessons back to our communities and families.”
This trip wasn’t just about physical therapy. It was about showing up, being present, and sharing human connections. Yes, they provided therapy—helping with mobility issues, offering relief for chronic pain, and fitting prosthetics. But just as importantly, they listened, laughed, and sometimes just sat quietly with people who needed it.
One of the most beautiful things about the people of San Lucas is their perspective on life. Even when living with so little, they hold on to faith, family, and gratitude. Tegan shared how they visited a home where several families lived together in a space the size of two average bedrooms. One mom, surrounded by her kids, said, “You might not think it is much, but it is ours.” That sense of pride and gratitude? It hit everyone hard.
Stepping Up When It’s Tough
It wasn’t always easy. There were tough moments, like when Paul and Nate treated Miguelito, a 14-year-old boy with severe mobility issues. Despite being incredibly gentle, Miguelito’s weak bones fractured during treatment. It was heartbreaking. But the team did what they do best—they rallied around Miguelito and his family, provided first aid, and accompanied them to the hospital.
There was also the moment when Paul and Nate found themselves first responders to a motorcycle accident. Without hesitation, they stepped up, provided care, and stayed with the injured woman until help arrived. As Paul put it, “Doing the easy things in life are rarely, if ever, meaningful. Going to San Lucas is meaningful.”
“Doing the easy things in life are rarely, if ever, meaningful. Going to San Lucas is meaningful.”
Learning and Growing Together
One of the best parts of the trip? The team dynamic. Whether it was brainstorming how to use makeshift therapy tools or just decompressing after a long day, everyone brought something unique to the group. Working with the Concordia St. Paul PT students added another layer of creativity and teamwork. Nate appreciated seeing the students step up, figure out solutions, and embrace the unpredictable environment.
For Nate, the trip was extra special because he got to work alongside his dad, Paul. Treating patients as a father-son duo wasn’t just professionally rewarding—it was deeply personal. The last time they went on a mission trip together, Nate was 12. Now, as two physical therapists, seeing each other in action was an unforgettable experience.
Perspective Is Everything
Mission trips have a way of making you look at life differently. Bri shared how something as simple as a washing machine became a luxury after seeing how women in San Lucas hand-wash clothes in nearby water sources. “It really put things into perspective,” she said. “We don’t realize how good we have things.” One particularly powerful moment came when Bri and Tegan visited a young boy with severe mobility issues. His mother was hesitant to try new techniques, but when the boy, positioned on his stomach for the first time, managed a small movement and a smile, the room filled with hope. Mom’s tears of relief were a reminder that sometimes even tiny victories mean the world.
Why You Should Go Next Time
If you’ve ever considered joining a BST mission trip but hesitated, take it from the team: it’s worth it. Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, it’s uncomfortable at times. But that’s exactly why it matters. Stepping out of your routine and into a completely different environment forces you to think creatively, adapt, and see the world through new eyes.
Tegan summed it up perfectly: “Take the leap of faith. It’s only a week in the grand scheme of things, but the memories, connections, and knowledge will last a lifetime.”
Paul added,
“We may pretend that doing the easy things in life is enough, but deep down, we know it’s the meaningful challenges that shape us. Going to San Lucas is one of those challenges.”
Join the Next Adventure
The 2025 Spring Guatemala Mission Trip was more than just a week of service. It was about learning from the Guatemalan community, pushing personal limits, and embracing moments that will stick with you forever.
If you’re thinking about joining a future trip, go for it. You’ll come back changed—more grateful, more compassionate, and more aware of just how much good you can do with a little effort and a lot of heart.
We couldn’t be prouder of Paul, Nate, Tegan, and Bri for their dedication and willingness to make a difference. Thank you for showing us what it means to serve with purpose and passion.
Ready to step outside your comfort zone? Join the next mission trip and see how it changes your perspective—because sometimes the biggest difference you can make is in yourself.
