Unfortunately, this year I am unable to attend my church's annual trip to Big Heart Orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico due to other commitments. As much as it pains me, I hope my kiddos down there know how much I love them and how I'm already counting down the days till Summer 2017 when I can see them again. Going on that mission trip for the past six summers has been life-changing for me and many of my fellow church goers. I've seen some amazing things and have built close bonds with the people at the orphanage and the people in my own mission group. If you have never had the experience of going on a mission trip, here's five reasons that I think you should give it a try this summer.

1. You get to experience different cultures.

Before I started going to Reynosa every summer, never in my life had I experienced mango and chili. Or even lime and chili. And let me tell you, there is definitelya reason they love it so much. I'm not a huge mango person to begin with (which is a strange thing to the people of Reynosa), but after working for hours every day in the hot Mexico heat, some mango ice cream with chili sauce hit the spot every time. Learning about the cultures of different places is one thing, but to me, actually being there to witness all of it was incredible.

2. Knowing how to communicate through language barriers is a great skill.

For every mission trip I've ever been on, my favorite part has been hanging out with the kids of the orphanage. Even though they speak Spanish and I speak English. It's definitely a challenge I don't think I was ready for my first year, but every year since, I've learned to look out for hand signals and body language instead of trying to understand the language, and ultimately failing. I've been able to talk and get simple points across just with hand gestures and such, but a part of me is desperate to communicate with them in their own language. So, this past school year, I took two elementary Spanish classes in preparation for this year's trip. Even though I don't get to go this year, I look forward to spending the time honing my Spanish skills so I can communicate much more easily next time I go.

3. The work is difficult, but it's greatly appreciated.

For the past six summers, I've done everything from laying concrete to painting two-story buildings to putting up rock walls. I've seen the entire orphanage transform over the years and every time I go back, something new has been done to improve the complex. Working for about six to eight hours out in the hot sun every day is exhausting. And I usually come back covered in a thin layer of some sort of dust or paint. But every single hour I have ever spent working there has been so worth it. And the work we complete opens the door to other tasks to be started as well. To know that the projects we complete benefits not just the orphanage, but the whole town sometimes is so encouraging to everyone, I think.

4. You get to know some of the most amazing people.

Like I've said before, I've made so many bonds over the years. I've heard amazing testimonies and have met people who are just too great to be true. You come across people that you would have never met if not for the trip and make friendships that span across countries. Sometimes, I can be shy and socially awkward around new people, but every single time I go to Big Heart, they make me feel like family.

5. Spreading the love of Christ is something you can do despite language and culture differences.

When we go down to Reynosa, my pastor preaches at their local church. And every year, lives are changed. Ours and theirs. There isn't any awkwardness that none of us speak Spanish and that we need translators to get messages across. The people come, and they come hungry to hear the word of God, no matter what language it's in. I remember one year, when my youth pastor was preaching to a young girl. I can't remember what was troubling her heart and I can't remember what my youth pastor told her specifically, but I do remember hugging that girl and crying with her as we shared the love of God with her. I remember hugging her as tight as I could and then smiling as we parted ways, both with changed hearts.

Transforming lives and helping people doesn't require any language, just the heart of someone who is willing to make a difference. This year, my heart and mind will be in Reynosa even though my body is in Oklahoma. To my Reynosa family, I love you all so much and can't wait to see you in summer 2017.