Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Rachel Ring, a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s nursing program, is set to embark on a 27-month mission to Honduras. She will serve as a clinic nurse for Finca del Niño (Farm of the Child) in Trujillo, starting August 17.

Finca del Niño provides a home for 22 children who have been orphaned or abandoned and also operates a medical clinic that serves both its students and the local community. Ring will work alongside another nurse and two doctors at the clinic, which is open to the public. "People will walk up to eight hours to be seen there," she said.

In addition to her clinical duties, Ring plans to assist with various tasks around the Finca, including helping with classes and playing soccer with students. Originally from Savage, Minnesota, Ring considers Nebraska her second home due to frequent visits during her childhood.

Ring initially aimed to become a doctor but found her passion in nursing. “It’s such an honor to be in such a vulnerable place with people,” she stated. During her time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), she was active at the UNL Newman Center, where she deepened her faith through Masses and Bible studies organized by FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students).

Her calling became clearer during a mission trip organized by FOCUS in May 2021. While praying in Comayagua's basilica, she felt strongly drawn back to Honduras. This calling was reaffirmed when she encountered an employee of Finca del Niño at the SEEK conference in January 2023.

After being accepted into Finca’s 27-month program, Ring will first attend an immersive language school in Antigua, Guatemala for six weeks before heading to Trujillo. As her departure approaches, she expressed both impatience and some apprehension about the unknown: “I know the Lord is going to ask me to rely on him a lot.”

To fund her mission, Ring aims to raise $16,000 for expenses including language school and travel costs. She plans to document her journey on her blog at farmofthechild.org/rachel.

Ring emphasized her dedication: “I try to see Christ in every patient I encounter.” Her commitment reflects broader efforts within Nebraska's Catholic nursing community.

The Nebraska Catholic Nurses organization was founded by Dotti Easter along with Sister Joan Kolbe and Sister Faustina after their own mission trip experience in Mexico City inspired them. The group focuses on Eucharistic spirituality, missionary spirit, and education through retreats and service missions.

Easter highlighted ongoing educational efforts like collaborating with local Catholic Medical Association guilds and promoting events such as Omaha’s Converging Roads Conference focused on healthcare ethics.

Reflecting on healthcare challenges today, Easter noted: “There are always moral and ethical situations that arise... we want to stay true to our Catholic teaching.”

Ring has participated actively in this community through retreats and service missions hosted by Nebraska Catholic Nurses. The organization aims to provide support without imposing costs or obligations on its members.

Anyone interested can learn more via the Nebraska Catholic Nurses Facebook page or contact them directly through their provided email address.