When I went on my first mission trip, I was eleven years old. I remember being full of nervous energy as I stepped onto the airplane that would take me to a land that seemed so foreign to me. I sat there with my dad and was so overwhelmed by the reality of everything. I was on my way to help people who had nothing. Little did I know what I was truly getting myself into. I was about to enter into an environment which would show me that I had nothing.

On my first trip, I was so focused on looking at the lack of material possessions the people in this community had. I so badly wanted to give away items that I thought would "better" those who had so little. Halfway through this trip, I started to realize though that these people possessed something that was lacking in the United States. This something that was lacking was pure joy and true Godly love. The people in this tiny community had no sense of judgement or hatred in their hearts. They were so happy and genuinely thankful to God every single day. The amount of generosity they possess was outstanding. Even though the homes are sometimes no more than a dirt floor and a bed under a tarp, nine out of ten times they welcome everyone in with open arms. Over my course of six mission trips (to the same community), this is one of the things I have grown to love most.

When I talk about going on mission trips, people are often confused by the language barrier. They often ask, "how do you communicate?" It is really quite simple; communication is done through love. Some of my dearest friends I have do not speak the same language as me. I have grown such deep and personal relationships with the folks in the community where I travel to. We laugh together, cry together, and play the funniest games. I have grown such a love for people who live such an eternity away.

While mission trips are based around getting a project or ministry accomplished, I also believe that they are about cultivating new relationships and delving into relationships with other Christ followers. By traveling to the same community year after year, I have been able to grow my "second family," and have been able to leave a piece of my heart over a thousand miles away. I love my family so much and my heart aches to not be able to see them whenever and wherever I want. If you are someone who is reading this and you have been apprehensive to take the step toward taking a trip... I highly encourage you to do so. The experiences are so eye opening and will surprise you with the amount of love you will both give and receive.