From VGH to El Salvador: Tracey Herink’s Journey to Serve Others
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At Virginia Gay Hospital, our team members often extend their compassion far beyond the walls of our hospital. Recently, that spirit of service took Tracey Herink to El Salvador as part of a medical mission team through her church, Celebration Church, Waterloo
The team partnered with King’s Castle Ministries, a nearly 30-year-old training center along Lake Coatepeque near Santa Ana Volcano. The ministry supports communities through outreach, medical care, and continuous prayer. Tracey joined the mission’s medical team, providing care to individuals and families who often have limited access to healthcare.
Serving Communities in Need
“I took the opportunity to join others from my church for a mission trip to El Salvador.
Castillo del Rey (King’s Castle) facilitates teams ministering to people in disadvantaged areas, with service areas including construction, evangelism, medical care, and even sewing. I chose the medical team. Our first day was spent preparing supplies, hundreds of medication packets, counting thousands of pills, and labeling them for use,” Tracey said.
Each day, the team traveled to different communities where clinics were held in local churches. Patients had their vitals taken, shared concerns, met with Dr. Boris for treatment, and received prescriptions along with vitamins. “During clinic days, we served more than seventy patients.”
A Simple Choice That Meant So Much
Tracey also spent two days at the eyeglass station.
“Dr. Boris provided reading glasses to those in need. I worked with a local interpreter to determine the correct magnification strength. Once we found the right glasses, patients could select the pair they liked and check themselves in the mirror.”
“Many people expressed thanks simply because they were given a choice. I felt very humbled in those moments.”
A Moment That Left a Lasting Impact
Each clinic included a prayer area. On the second day, a discouraged man came after his unsuccessful attempt at the eyeglass station. “While he was in the prayer area, his eyesight was completely healed. He left with vision restored.”
Experiencing the Culture
The team explored the region, visiting Santa Ana Volcano and climbing the ancient Mayan ruins at Tazumal.
“The work is satisfying, the opportunity is thrilling, the sightseeing is fascinating, the food is phenomenal, and the spiritual aspects of the trip are truly life-changing.”
Why This Matters at VGH
Tracey’s experience reminds us that the heart of healthcare is people. The same compassion and dedication she brings to her leadership role at VGH guided her as she served communities thousands of miles away.
“Tracey’s care for others goes far beyond her role at VGH. Whether here or halfway across the world, her kindness, dedication, and commitment to serving others inspire all of us.”
– Katie Cox, BSN, RN, Director of Ancillary Services & Community Health
Tracey’s story reflects 
the mission of Virginia Gay Hospital: using our skills, knowledge, and compassion to make a difference wherever the need exists.
