As a first-time mission tripper, I couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling experience. God worked in me and spoke through me. One of my struggles, like many others, is patience, and that was definitely exercised!

One of my favorite parts of this trip was the Wednesday night community dinner at First Christian Church. It reminded me so much of our weekly Wednesday night community dinners at the Vineyard Community Center. Getting to talk with the locals and hear their stories was incredibly moving.

It was amazing to be part of helping a community devastated by Hurricane Helene while also building lasting friendships within our team. I truly believe God moved in each of us in different ways—ways none of us may have expected.

As the trip comes to an end and we return to our daily lives, I pray we all remember what God has done in us and how He has personally moved in each of us. May we carry those experiences home and use them to bring Him all the glory and honor.

Going into this trip, I honestly was not in a good place. I almost decided not to show up at all. Isolation is my first response when I’m going through personal struggles, and I thought, there is no way I can be around 11 other people, 24/7, for six days when all I want to do is be alone. But boy, am I glad I went through with it! If you’re thinking about going on your first mission trip, I highly recommend it. You won’t come home the same after.

Don’t allow the enemy to take a life-changing opportunity away from you because of fear and doubt. Do it afraid! Even in your fear, God is near, and His strength is all you need to persevere through anything.