3 Reasons To Go On a Short-Term Mission Trip

No one could have prepared me for the emotional week I faced during my senior year of high school. At Calvary Day School, my senior class and I went on a mission trip to La Carpio in San Jose, Costa Rica. La Carpio was unlike any other place I had been to before. Dilapidated shacks made from mismatched metal scraps and patchworks served as a home for a family. Surrounding me was what seemed like an abyss of landfill - trenches and hills buried junk.

On the first day of the mission trip, I saw children in the street with their siblings. They had all outgrown their raggedy clothes, and their feet blistered from not owning a single pair of shoes. The little girl and her siblings appeared to have what most people would consider a miserable life since they had practically nothing. Yet, they greeted me with the warmest smiles and were joyous that whole week.

My teachers had warned us that this area was dangerous and would be out of our comfort zone, but I was still shocked. I remember thinking, how could a place get like this? How are other people not helping the situation? But this surprise did not stop me from enjoying this trip, and in this blog, I am sharing why you might want to consider going on a mission trip too.

The home is complete! Picture provided by: Rhys Davies

1. You Build A Stronger Community

My high school partners with Joshua Expeditions for a mission trip to build a house for a family in need every year. Joshua Expeditions is a non-profit Christian organization that partners with schools and churches for mission trips. Here is what my class and I did to prepare for the trip:

• Created church campaigns and school events to raise funds

• Raised thousands of dollars

• Purchased materials to fully furnish the home

• Used leftover money as a gift for the family

As a grade, we came together and formed meaningful connections for a cause bigger than ourselves. The preparation and process took an enormous amount of leadership and responsibility, but we did it as a team and grew closer to one another. We also grew incredibly close to the family we built a house for and children in La Carpio.

2. You Grow in Gratitude

Sometimes we are so caught up in our world that we forget that we come from privileged lives. These children and families barely have the bare minimum necessities, and we complain about not getting the latest iPhone. I grew to appreciate the things I take for granted. I understood how fortunate I was, even if, at times, I didn’t feel like it. I have learned how to live selflessly and pursue intentional acts of kindness.

A lesson people might gain from a mission trip is the concepts of empathy and gratitude. When you immerse yourself into someone else’s lifestyle and culture, you adopt a new point of view. The mission trip experience helps you to:

• Live someone else’s lifestyle to a certain extent

• Focus on the positive aspects of life

• Become more appreciative

• Grow in their spiritual faith

• Connect with others

• Find happiness outside of materialistic things

Serving others was the most rewarding part of

this trip!

3. You Can Empower Others

Everyone can empower others through grand or small gestures. My classmates and I empowered a family by building a house for them and giving them financial resources to get back on their feet.

One of the best experiences of my life

Picture provided by: Dana Landrith

If we have the time and means to do so, we should consistently make an effort to help others, even if they are within our local area. Everyone needs support, and it is one of the most rewarding experiences to influence the improvement of someone’s life.

Going on a mission trip is one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had. I grew spiritually, socially, emotionally, and personally. The experience challenged me and made me a better person.

I would encourage everyone to participate in a short mission trip. Joshua Expeditions is an excellent resource for people to explore missionary destinations. You have the power to help others and be part of their journey.