This week I gained the pleasure of sitting down with a young lady named Madison Cantin to discuss her missionary trip to Africa and all the adventures that came from such.. this is what was found!

Me: What gave you the desire to go down to Africa?

Mad: Umm that’s tricky. It really was just placed in my heart to go. A good friend of mine named Katie Wagner was in the process of building a school down in the region of Liberia and I thought that was so cool. The passion in her heart for the people down there brought the nation to mind and then a few months later an opportunity came up to go. I couldn’t pass it up so I applied and now, yeah, I have officially been twice.

Me: Girl that is awesome. When you were down there what was your best memory?

Mad: There were several but one that always makes me smile is when I got to meet Michelle. While I was serving at the school they talked about the chance to sponsor a child and it seemed like something I needed to do. I signed up and they placed me with her. She was a little shy at first and I was slightly panicked she wasn’t going to like me but each day we got to hang out and grow closer. When I left we were able to send letters and little presents back and forth which was a lot of fun and gave me the chance to continue that relationship with her. Going back the second time it was like family. She was very outgoing and we had several opportunities to connect and play even more. I miss her being back here and eventually hope to return and see her on more of a long-term basis.

Me: The power in a relationship like that is amazing and it sounds like the rewards of this trip were outstanding. I’m sure there are some a little reluctant to go on a mission trip, what would you say to someone on the fence about it?

Mad: I feel like you just need to go for it! Life is short and that opportunity only comes around a few times. If you don’t you never know what you might miss. Had I not gone my mindset would be different on the world and how people act around me. Down here there is a mindset of getting more and more at the expense of people. In Africa it is completely different! People genuinely care for each other by helping others any way they can. They are happy, they are selfless, it’s nice to be around.

Me: I can definitely see where you’re coming from with that. How do you hope to change this culture after seeing the one in Africa?

Mad: I hope to tell my experiences to those around and for that to inspire people to be more open. Whether that be to new people, new experiences, anything really just be more open and caring. That love can make a really big difference.

Me: I’m so proud of you girl, keep up the great work! You are making a difference.

Mad: Thanks, dude! My hope is people are able to follow in these footsteps and make the impact with me, do big things ladies and gents!