By David Fleet
dfleet@mihomepaper.com
Goodrich — A former Martian and current nursing student is seeking a mission half a world away.
Sydney Stonerock, 19, a 2023 Goodrich graduate and Madonna University junior is stepping away from her medical studies for a few weeks and applying those skills obtained as a nursing student on a trip to Uganda Africa from May 12-May 26, 2025. Uganda is located in East Africa.
“In my studies I’ve realized how big of a role nurses play, in not only physical care, but mental, emotional and spiritual care as well,” said Stonerock. “Engaging with a different culture will broaden my perspective and foster my empathy, helping me to better understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints. The exposure will help facilitate my sparked interest in being a future missionary nurse and/or travel nurse.”
Stonerock will join the Living Waters Ministry which aims to reach the younger generation and create future leaders. She will apply the skills obtained as a nursing student, towards medical care.
“I’ve been presented with the possibility of serving a few days in a local hospital in Uganda which would incredibly enhance my nursing skills and allow me to really get a feel for what it’s like working in different communities and parts of the world,” she said.
In addition to attending college, Stonerock is also currently employed as a caregiver with Anchored Heart Assisted Living in Goodrich.
To make the journey possible Stonerock is seeking donations from the community to help with travel expenses. Contact sstonerock9@yahoo.com to help.
“I know the work that they are doing in Uganda is incredibly important and I firmly believe in their mission to minister to the next generation,” she said. “I felt a calling in my heart a few months ago, to serve their community, so I made the decision that this summer I would carry out what God has set on my heart.”