Medical Mission team members are being interviewed for our parish bulletin and website. This week we feature José Luna for a look at how he is involved in OLMC’s first Medical Mission.
Why did you choose to be part of the Medical Mission team to Peru?
I feel that I am constantly receiving help from God in abundance, and whatever I can do to return God’s kindness will not be enough. I also feel that He knows I am always running with thousands of things going on in my life. This opportunity has a double meaning for me—(1) my gratitude to God and (2) Peru is my native country and I still love it so much. If I can do a little bit for my brothers down there, I think it will be a marvelous thing. 
How are you helping the team prepare?
It happens that I am a friend of the Peruvian Ambassador in New York. I asked her if she could give us a hand coordinating this mission, and she pleasingly accepted. Through the Peruvian consulate we received guidelines about how to proceed with documents and applications, so I am the “guy in between” doing this coordination. In addition, I have been providing my tiny and humble help regarding some points of view about how we should handle the mission in Lima, especially in this little village of JoséGalvez.
What would you say to parishioners who perhaps want to join a ministry but are a little hesitant?
We all have our busy lives, and we can make our lives even busier if we want to, but when we make a move to get into a ministry like this, our life makes room for it naturally. It flows smoothly and we don’t realize how much until we feel that God is behind us. It is an experience that I recommend, but more than that, I can guarantee the personal satisfaction to anyone during and after the mission. If you want to get into this, just leave it up to God and He will make the room for it in your life.
What are some of the challenges of preparing for a trip like this?
Among other issues, a mission like this must be prepared in compliance with all the necessary legal documents required by the foreign country. This means that obtaining these documents is time consuming for everyone, especially for doctors. You just have to get into the field, like in soccer, and do all that you have to do in order to reach your goal.
Is there a specific feeling, memory or story you want to share about the team’s preparation?
I wasn’t sure about my presence with the team until the middle of June. There were different reasons why I couldn’t confirm during the previous months, like my mom’s health, my business, personal plans, etc., so I was like the incognito within the team—but, then, everything lined up naturally and I was able to confirm.
At A Glance…
Medical Mission Team Member, JoséLuna
Hometown:
Tenafly, New Jersey
I like the parish of OLMC because…
Directly, or indirectly, it gets into your life. It becomes an indispensable stopover in your life.
When I’m not in church or at work you’ll find me…
One: Playing music, performing with some of my professional musician friends. Fortunately, for me, I have many of them and I feel blessed for that. Two: Working in my house. And, last but not least: Doing Zumba!
Fun Fact:
My life has a role model, which is Saint Joseph. However, considering that I am way behind him and very far away from his perfection, I still run behind him without losing sight of him. So, where can I find him any day, at any time? At our church.
Ask me about:
Music, arts, fishing, sports, animal world, outer space, planet earth mysteries, and…Architecture.
Personal Motto:
I had a religious French formal education in lower and high school, and a French priest—my mentor—used to remind me, “Never look at a person in trouble, like a problem with legs,” and “Remember at all times to look farther away from the tip of your nose.” I guess I have two mottos.