Mission Trips Should Be On Your Bucket List!

Mission trips are a good way to help those in need and give back to the community. At Carolina Forest High School, many faculty members have participated in mission trips, creating memorable experiences that will stick with them forever.

One of the best things about mission trips is that it’s a learning experience for everyone involved. JJ Iagulli and his wife, Jennie, served as missionaries to Zambia from 2002-2003. Iagulli taught at an all-girls boarding school from grades 7-12, teaching under the British model rather than our American educational system.

“It was great to experience a different culture other than American, specifically a third-world culture,” shared Iagulli.

Brittany Tilberry has also shared her compassion by helping out in Cape Town, South Africa. Tilberry volunteered at low income daycare/primary school by transport kids to the school when they lived in dangerous neighborhoods and could not find a way to attend.

“Getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing the way others live in different countries is a truly humbling and eye-opening experience,” contributed Tilberry. “Basic needs are not guaranteed in so many other countries, which is something many of us take for granted.”

Culture is something that many people cherish and that includes speaking their own language: a sign of identification with their people. Barbara Teets has traveled to four different places: Haiti, South Dakota, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Many would consider the linguistic differences to be an obstacle, but Teets is quick to clarify.

“I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter that you can’t speak the native language,” expressed Teets. “People understand that you care about them and are trying to help them, and they respond to that love.”

Mission trips don’t always involve leaving the country. Jenna Miller participated in a mission trip with her church to Millvale, PA. They helped locals clean and build up their stores after major flooding destroyed them. They worked closely with Habitat for Humanity and built a house for a family in need during the trip. Miller has stated that one of the best parts about mission trips was the joy on the people’s faces after all their hard work.

However, one thing that’s important to remember is that these people don’t need pity, just a helping hand. Diana Forrer went to Tijuana, Mexico, where she found that the people there were exactly like the people back home.

“These are people just like those I interact with everyday; they just happen to not have a house or running water,” stated Forrer. “But they are not sitting around feeling sorry for themselves half as much as we do.”

Bonding with people during mission trips is inevitable, creating new opportunities and friendships. The relationships formed between the many people William Brunson helped are amazing. Brunson went to a mission trip to Rivne, Ukraine, not just once, but four times in three years!

“The genuine love, trust, and respect was life changing!” disclosed Brunson.

Mission trips have many advantages for all of the people involved. The memories, relationships and life lessons are definitely worth the hard work! Mission trips should always have a spot on everyone’s bucket list.