Guest Post by Dr. Reed McKinney
When Dr. Latham had brought this trip up to me about a year ago, I was hesitant to say yes – but of course agreed to help in the best way that I could. Show up with a positive attitude, contribute to the team dynamic, and bring my expertise with forensic dental examinations to the table. I’m not sure what I expected from the trip. I knew that we would be busy, and I was excited to work with Krista and the team, network and get to know everyone, but what I left with was more than I could ever have planned for.
We, as people, are trained (I think that’s the word for it?) to be “good” all the time. Show up, do good work, go home, repeat. One of the things I struggled with was allowing myself to take the mask off, of being expected to be “good” every day, when really the work we are doing is truly heavy. Yes, we were walking most days searching for remains and signs of migrant activity, but the reality of it is that we are looking for fellow humans who are looking to better themselves, their families, and their lives by coming to America – and unfortunately, not everyone makes it. I had kept a journal for each day and shared with my parents, family, and friends so they knew what I was up to, which helped me to “dump” some emotions down, but the weight of the week we had in Brooks County still is with me even a few days upon returning safely home to San Antonio.
One of the most “humanizing” moments I had was one of the very first days we were in the field. In a motte, some personal items were found in a backpack as a sign of migrant activity. Some pain medicine, some food, and some toothpaste. I know, classic dentist, focusing on the toothpaste we found. But – what a reminder of the safety, the personal hygiene, the normalcy we have that we take for granted. I had a moment of humility here. If I was packing a bag, of course I’d bring my toothpaste along. And that’s just it – I was able to put myself in this person’s shoes for a moment and really try to see the world from their eyes. I said a quick little prayer for whoever this was, hoping they are better off now than from where they set off, and asked God to guide me through this experience to do my part, and to remind myself I am a human, these people are humans, and we are all experiencing this world together.
As I reflect on the week, certain memories come to mind. Shared laughter with the team over dinner every night. Vulnerability with one another sharing about our personal lives and experiences. Fellowship with one another, sharing this amazing humanitarian experience together. Extra breadsticks at Pizza Hut. The burning sun, only reminding us how austere this environment can be. Constant reminders to have a “water break!!” to hydrate in the field. Lessons learned from experts in their fields. All pieces of our human experience.
I’ve argued with myself regarding returning to Brooks County to help with human search and recovery efforts. I know I can bring a level of experience to the table now, having worked for five days with such an amazing team. I’ve spent this weekend after the trip truly reflecting and digesting the experience I’ve had, the lessons I’ve learned, and the reminder that everyone deserves anything if not kindness. I know I’ll be back; I just have to remind myself of the gravity of the mission and be willing to cope with that again. It may seem trivial to anyone on the outside looking in, but there is nothing to prepare you for this type of work. Yes, the forensic side of the mission exists – and always will – but. The human piece of the whole trip, the quiet parts about what’s actually happening – migration, human trafficking, escape from home to something unknown on the horizon – are the heaviest, but are the best lessons to keep in mind when contextualizing how much strife people must endure to try to better themselves, their lives, and forging an easier path for their families.
I set a goal for myself this year to be more intentional. In my time, in my relationships, and in my work. I’ve made a point to focus on personal, professional, and spiritual growth; challenging myself to feel things completely as opposed to subdue them. I also made a goal to branch out more and strengthen my personal and professional relationships. How crazy that all of these goals were achieved within the first week of 2026. I’m using this experience to truly kick off my year, and I can’t wait to see how I can use this experience with the UIndy Beyond Borders team, the Brooks County Sheriff Department, and the amazing team that I had the honor and privilege to be a part of during this mission to grow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has prayed for us, donated to the cause, or just have thought of us over the last week.
Two quotes stick with me that I have found and included in my own personal log of the events from this trip.
“The greatness of humanity is not being human, but being humane.” – Ghandi
“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you’d ever believe at a first glance” – Jodi Picoult, My Siter’s Keeper
Both of these quotes serve as a reminder that we – as humans – are resilient, we are strong, but most importantly, we are in this together. Ecclesiastes 4:12 states that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. This highlights the strength found in unity and partnership, two themes which were highlighted this last week. I challenge us all to be better humans, which is easier said than done, but the yoke is lighter when carried together.
-Reed
