Mission trips are a great way to give back to those in need, while at the same time accomplishing something of importance. For the past two summers I have gone on mission trips with my church to Juárez, Mexico. I plan to go again this summer and can’t wait to get there. Whenever we arrive the thought that we are going to make a difference in someone’s life is a great feeling. By going on these mission trips you realize what we take for granted on a daily basis, and how good our life is in America.
Going to work that first day is a great feeling. You wake up and know that you can make a difference today. Usually we paint, lay roofing or tile, basic plumbing/electrical work, and some landscaping. We give ourselves and gain in the process. It is an amazing feeling at the end of the week when you have to walk away from a project, usually uncompleted, but knowing that someone else will come along and finish the work.
The mission trips I have been apart of have been through my church. Through this I feel that my relationship with God is strengthened as it grows. It is not my place to tell you what to believe, so I wont. What I do want to tell you is that mission trips are a great way to volunteer you time and see the results. You don’t have to go on a faith based mission trip, just go and work for others, you will get more out of it than you expect.
That sounds awesome! I haven't gone on any mission trips, although I would really like to; however, I have done a lot of volunteer work and community service projects and I know that feeling that you are talking about. It is the best thing in the world to know that you have actually done some PROGRESSIVE and made an impact on the world.
I've done about a dozen "mission trips" with my church, and the most recent one was to Juarez.
It was strange only being there for a week (usually we're gone for two or more) but in that week, it was amazing all the things that were accomplished.
It's funny... we did two "projects:" the manual labor, like you described, and we ran a kids day-camp for the kids in the neighborhood. The manual labor was hard work, and I know it really helped the families we worked for, but I feel like the day-camp was more rewarding for us and for the kids. It was a safe place to hang out with friends and let go of the burdens of every day life. If nothing else, it gave the kids time to be kids (not that they can't be kids otherwise, but you know what I mean :-) )
It's a good experience, and very humbling.
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You are the Voice of the Childwen of the Revowution! [Toulouse, Moulin Rouge]
something always came up. The closest I've been to a "missions trip" was a Christian Camp I helped clean in another state.
"when you hold a pen, you are at war" Attributed to Voltaire