Simon Graves, servant-leader in training from one end of Texas to the other
Training ethical servant leaders is at the heart of the mission of CDA. Simon Graves, a third grade, Tuesday/Thursday student, lived this out as he traveled across the plains of West Texas to help provide medical care to the people of El Paso.
Recently, Simon had the opportunity to accompany his father Reese Graves, MD, on a medical mission trip to El Paso. Working in close partnership with Congregacion Bautista Hispana de Ysleta, the Graves served alongside the Southwestern Christian Fellowship from UT Southwestern Medical Center. Together, the physicians, medical students and church volunteers offered a free medical clinic to El Paso residents.
This mission trip provided an excellent opportunity for first- and second-year medical students to receive training not only in meeting their patients’ medical needs but also in learning their patients’ spiritual needs.
This mission trip provided an excellent opportunity for first- and second-year medical students to receive training not only in meeting their patients’ medical needs but also in learning their patients’ spiritual needs.
Simon had the opportunity to get lots of hands-on medical experience assisting the medical team in a variety of ways. “On my trip I learned how to take a general checkup which included: temperature, blood pressure, and blood glucose,” Simon said. He also got to serve alongside the vision team which used a machine to help diagnose a patient's prescription.
In addition to gaining valuable medical experience, Simon and Reese took advantage of the 8-hour drive to El Paso to listen to the book of Genesis together. “I was busy listening to Genesis and napping so the ride to El Paso wasn’t difficult,” Simon said. “My favorite part of the trip was talking and playing rock paper scissors with one of the medical students. I also enjoyed helping with the checkups.”
Coram Deo’s partnership with families, and time outside of the classroom is invaluable. CDA’s Christian, Classical, and Collaborative education seeks to do more than educate students academically. We are thankful for the servant leadership learned inside and outside of the classroom.
Thank you for sharing your story, Simon!
